Episode 4 of the Hulu series "Good American Family" was released on April 2, 2025, continuing the dramatic retelling of the controversial story surrounding Ukrainian orphan Natalia Grace Barnett. The eight-episode series, inspired by real events, stars Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett and Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett, the adoptive parents who faced allegations of abandoning Natalia after claiming she was an adult posing as a child.
The saga began in 2010 when Michael and Kristine Barnett adopted Natalia, who they believed was 6 years old at the time. However, Natalia was later diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder that affects the spine and results in short stature. The Barnetts claimed that this condition made her appear much younger than her actual age, which they later suspected to be much older than they initially thought.
In June 2012, the Barnetts petitioned a Marion County court to change Natalia's birth records, which indicated she was born in 2003, to reflect a birth year of 1989. This drastic change led to significant controversy, culminating in accusations that the Barnetts had abandoned Natalia in a Lafayette apartment while they moved to Canada in 2013.
As the series unfolds, it dramatizes the conflicting narratives surrounding the Barnetts' actions. A disclaimer at the start of each episode notes that it portrays certain allegations made by the individuals involved, emphasizing that it does not claim any single perspective is the definitive truth. The show aims to capture the complexity of the story, which has captivated audiences and sparked debates about parental responsibility and the treatment of adopted children.
Following the release of the series, viewers have been eager to know more about the real-life Barnetts. Kristine and Michael are no longer together; Michael filed for divorce in 2014, alleging emotional abuse by Kristine. In a 2023 documentary titled "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks," Michael described his experience living with Kristine, stating, "I had the same monster you did. I was exceptionally controlled and put down and threatened." Kristine, however, did not participate in the documentary but addressed some of Michael's claims in a since-deleted Facebook post, asserting that the monster they faced was not her.
As the narrative continues to unfold, viewers are left questioning the truth behind the Barnetts' claims and the real experiences of Natalia Grace. In 2022, a DNA test conducted by TruDiagnostic confirmed that Natalia was in her early 20s, leading to the restoration of her legal birth date to 2003. Despite the legal battles, Michael was found not guilty of neglect charges in 2022, and the charges against Kristine were dismissed in 2023.
Kristine has since taken to writing, announcing in March 2024 that she penned a new book titled "Witch Hunt: The Kristine Barnett Story," aiming to share her side of the story. She previously authored a book about her biological son Jacob's autism diagnosis, titled "The Spark: A Mother’s Story of Nurturing Genius." Meanwhile, Michael has been candid about his struggles and experiences, engaging in interviews and discussions about the case.
The series has also sparked interest in the broader implications of the Barnetts' story. The portrayal of Kristine and Michael Barnett raises questions about the complexities of adoption, the responsibilities of parents, and the rights of children, especially those with disabilities. Viewers are reminded that the series is a dramatization and should not be taken as a factual recounting of events.
As the remaining episodes of "Good American Family" continue to air weekly until April 30, 2025, audiences are drawn into the emotional and legal turmoil surrounding the Barnetts and Natalia Grace. The show’s release coincides with the third season of "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace," a documentary series that further explores the real-life implications of this harrowing story.
With the ongoing discussions about the ethical considerations of adoption and the treatment of children with disabilities, the Barnetts' story remains a poignant reminder of the complexities involved. The Hulu series, alongside the investigative documentary, ensures that the narrative of Natalia Grace Barnett stays in the public eye, prompting viewers to reflect on the broader societal issues at play.
For those interested in watching, "Good American Family" is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+. The series premiered on March 19, 2025, with two episodes, and continues to release new episodes every Wednesday.
