Ellen Pompeo, renowned for her long-standing role as Meredith Grey in the iconic series Grey's Anatomy, is stepping into new territory with her upcoming project, Good American Family. This mini-series, inspired by real events, explores the complexities of adoption through the lens of a shocking true story.
As 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Grey's Anatomy, Pompeo is temporarily leaving the familiar halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle to embrace a new character in this highly anticipated series on Disney+. In Good American Family, she portrays Kristine Barnett, a mother who, along with her husband Michael, adopts a young girl named Natalia Grace, who has a rare form of dwarfism. However, their joy quickly turns to suspicion as they begin to doubt the girl's true age, suspecting she may be an adult posing as a child.
Pompeo expressed her excitement about this new role, stating, "I received so much love" during her promotional tour in Paris. The series, which consists of eight episodes, delves into the harrowing tale of Natalia Grace, an orphan from Ukraine, and the Barnetts' tumultuous experience as adoptive parents. The couple's initial happiness is overshadowed by their growing belief that Natalia is not the child they thought they had adopted.
The first six episodes of Good American Family premiered on Disney+ on April 16, 2025, with the remaining episodes set to be released on subsequent Wednesdays. Each episode begins with a warning message, emphasizing the perspective from which the story is told, highlighting the subjective nature of the events.
Pompeo, who is also a producer on the series, described the role as a significant challenge. "I had to set my ego aside and tell the story that was given to me," she said. This character, Kristine, is portrayed as deeply flawed, making decisions that raise questions about morality and the nature of family. Pompeo acknowledged the intensity of the role, admitting, "I first wondered if it was a good idea" to take on such a polarizing character.
The series cleverly intertwines the perspectives of the Barnetts and their adoptive daughter, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between victim and perpetrator. This storytelling technique aims to engage viewers in a thought-provoking discussion about family dynamics and the complexities of trust.
In an interview, Pompeo reflected on her two-decade-long journey as Meredith Grey, a role that has defined her career and made her a household name. Despite the success of Grey's Anatomy, which has been renewed for a 22nd season, she felt it was time to explore new avenues. After negotiating a historic salary increase, Pompeo has secured less time at the hospital to focus on other projects, including Good American Family.
While promoting the series, she touched on broader industry issues, particularly the decline of film and television production in Los Angeles, which she noted has decreased by 70%. Pompeo expressed her desire for production to return to the city, highlighting the impact this decline has on countless industry professionals, from decorators to makeup artists.
Reflecting on her early career, Pompeo recalled her first significant role in Moonlight Mile and how her journey has unfolded differently than she anticipated. "I thought there would be more film offers after that," she said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the industry. Despite the challenges, she remains proud of her career path, stating, "I wouldn't change a thing."
As she steps away from Meredith Grey, Pompeo is aware that her new character may alter public perception of her work. "I have to put my ego aside," she reiterated, emphasizing the importance of storytelling over personal image. This willingness to take risks is a testament to her growth as an actress and producer.
The themes explored in Good American Family resonate with Pompeo's experiences on Grey's Anatomy, which has tackled significant social issues over the years. She expressed interest in addressing the complexities of the healthcare industry in future storylines, particularly the disparities in access to care and the influence of pharmaceutical companies.
In a candid moment, Pompeo shared her thoughts on the portrayal of women's health issues, particularly Alzheimer's disease, which disproportionately affects women. She noted the lack of research funding for diseases that primarily impact women, advocating for greater awareness and representation in media.
As Good American Family makes its debut, fans of Ellen Pompeo will witness her transformation from the beloved Dr. Grey to a character that challenges their perceptions. This role not only marks a significant shift in her career but also invites viewers to engage with a narrative that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
With the series now available on Disney+, audiences can dive into the intricate web of family dynamics and moral dilemmas that Good American Family presents. As Pompeo takes on this new challenge, she continues to prove that she is more than just a television star; she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of storytelling.
