User reviews

I will say, I started off agreeing with all of the other comments and reviews, however my perspective is starting to change following episode 5. I am not sure what they are doing and how they will continue to present this storyline, but I am VERY intrigued.

Initially it starts off following Ellen Pompeo's perspective as the mom, but now I think it's turning and starting to following Natalia Grace's perspective. It's an interesting state of production though because you really can't tell what's perspective and what's real life- I guess that's true for everything and this story is doing an excellent job of creating that!

"Good American Family" is a gripping American drama-thriller series, inspired by the true story of Natalia Grace and her adoption by Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass).

Natalia, a child with dwarfism, is abandoned by the Barnetts after displaying strange behavior. Sound familiar?

It echoes a plot twist from the 2009 horror film "Orphan," which was based on the real-life case of Estonian imposter Barbora Skrlová. The unsettling premise taps into our darkest fears, but this series dives deeper into a much more twisted narrative.

While the story begins in 2010, the truth unfolds in a shocking series of revelations.

What initially seems like a straightforward tale quickly morphs into something more complex, shedding light on a deeper, far darker reality. After the success of a popular docuseries, the inevitable narrative adaptation has arrived.

If you're unfamiliar with the details of the Grace case, it's best to dive in blind-this show is a masterclass in twisting allegiances and testing your judgment.

The first episodes might make you cringe, but as Natalia's character shifts from antagonist to protagonist, the story evolves into something much more than just a rehash of Orphan.

It's a mix of crime drama-thriller, and satire, with a he-said-she-said dynamic that keeps you hooked, episode after episode.

If you're ready for a binge-worthy, mind-bending rollercoaster, "Good American Family" is not to be missed.

Wanted to like this. For the most part, I'm unconvinced by the characterizations, which are in need of nuance. I was hoping to see a fresh role for Pompeo, but her delivery is similar to her longtime performance in "Grey's Anatomy". Same voice, similar expressions, and convenient charms. Some of the emotional transitions for Duplass feel rushed and formulaic. Considering that I'm having challenges early on, I'm reminded that this series will endure for 8 episodes. The script feels flimsy, and it's disappointing because the real life story is intriguing. It's hard to know what really happened behind closed doors in the Barnett household after they adopted Natalia Grace. As a result, we're presented with some scenarios which don't ring true. Finally, a quick tech note: the score for this series is heavy handed. When the production wants the viewer to feel threatened or sentimental, the music works overtime to make sure we get the gist.

The situation that show describes is just plain awful. The show itself... Let's just say I understand why the show got quite a few bad reviews. And it's not the actors' play which did not feel natural at times, but was ok overall, and not the cinematography of it all, which was fine, I did not notice anything damning.

The problem is the approach to the story. Or rather the way it was split. The show tries to be unbiased (with more leaning towards the Natalia, which should be the case), but its first half (that is 4 episodes) will make you think that the showrunners side with Kristine. If I did not see a comment from someone who had a chance to see the whole series before it was fully released, I would have dropped it around episode 2, maybe 3, because it felt ridiculous and illogical.

I get why they did this. This was just easier to dramatize, especially since the "family" is together for the first half and then splits while shifting perspective towards Natalia. I get it, but I think it was a bad choice. It would have been better if the split was done each episode: first half showing Kristine's perspective, and second half - Natalia's.

This approach would have been much more difficult, of course. It would have required a way to visually separate the 2 parts, and also tell the same events in a way that would not repeat too much, so that it would not be boring to essentially rewatch the first half of the episode twice.

As is, though, each half of the show feels one-sided, and the 2nd half feels... Too "light"? Which is not necessarily a bad thing, and I am honestly happy for the real Natalia, that this stuff now seems behind her (as far as I know), and I hope she will find true happiness after years of sometimes literal torture. It's just that if I am to judge the show itself - it loses its grip on the audience by the end of it all.

So if you simply want to learn about this horrendous story - it's probably fine, but beware, that you need to sit through the first half no matter how uncomfortable it is.

I'm on episode 5. When they dropped the adopted off at her own place and to see her struggle was unsettling. Total transparency. I have abandonment issues from childhood. To see her in that element was cringing to me. So far the series is intense. I couldn't finish the episode as of yet. To get that type of reaction from the audience is amazing. Unfortunately there isn't anything warm hearted about the show. I think the acting is convincing. The actor playing the "dwarf", is convincing. I never watched Grey's Anatomy, but the lead actress has this gravitational pull. She draws you in and very unpredictable.

I can't get past the acting (or lack of) I really wanted to like this, but it has a 'TV movie' feel to it. Very cringe and cheesy.

It just comes across so fake and surface level.

The perception of the mom, is like she's holier than thou..... Absolute perfection when it comes to parenting and never puts a foot wrong. Eugh!!!

The dad just seems like a big girls blouse, and a bit pathetic!

If I'm honest, I think if it had been different actors, it might have been easier to watch. These just don't fit the role! Complete mismatch.

The kids aren't too bad. I'd say their acting is better than the adults. It's definitely a no from me though.

Save your time and give it a miss.

I almost didn't watch this because of all the bad reviews, but I'm glad I gave it a chance because it's a great show. The thought the acting was good, with all the characters cast really well. Ellen Pompeo in particular plays the mom role perfectly. I think it's the best she's been. It's a creepy drama that's even creepier because it really happened. I wasn't familiar with the story previously so I'm glad I have an entertaining way to learn about it.

I'm genuinely puzzled by the bad reviews. I honestly don't know why people don't like it. Maybe this kind of show isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm really enjoying it.

This miniseries was good for entertainment purposes. I feel you get more complete Information and more into the individuals character. I think a lot of reviewers missed the point. It was intended to show Kristine Barnett, as this woman who thinks she's the child whisperer, who thinks highly of herself. In the documentary, each person involve seems questionable including NATALIA. I wish they would've shown her relationship with the other families as reported in the documentary where they were all interviewed and contribute to the three season docuseries the Curious Case of Natalie Grace. When watching the docuseries at first, I felt sorry for Natalia, but then as I continued to watch it, I didn't know how to feel about any of those people. I think they were all abusive to one another, especially Kristine. The father is a lap dog. The docuseries ended with the Mans having problems with Natalia. The fake evangelist couple has issues as well. I'm hoping that the series come back with a fourth season.

Good American Family is a gripping but uneven docudrama that ultimately lands on the right side of the truth-but takes too long to get there. The early episodes frame the infamous Natalia Grace case entirely through the sensationalized lens of the Barnetts, echoing the horror-movie narrative of Orphan and portraying Natalia as a manipulative adult posing as a child. Crucially, these episodes omit her perspective, which causes serious tonal whiplash once the series pivots halfway through to reveal the disturbing abuse she endured and the overwhelming evidence that she was a child all along.

This delayed shift undercuts the series' credibility early on and might mislead casual viewers who don't stick around for the full arc. Dropping the episodes all at once would have made the subversion of expectations feel intentional rather than manipulative. While the series does redeem itself by ending with a clear, fact-based stance in Natalia's favor, the decision to cast an adult actress to play young Natalia feels irresponsible-it unintentionally reinforces the false narrative that the show is trying to dismantle.

Flawed in execution but important in its revelations, Good American Family is worth watching-just be prepared for a frustrating first half.

I was hesitant to check this show out because of the reviews, but I'm so glad I did. It is suspenseful, heartfelt at times, and you can't help but feel for all parties involved.

Ellen Pompeo is great in her role and so is Mike Duplass.

Imogen Faith Reid is fantastic - she is convincing in her role. At first you want to feel bad for her, then you are afraid of what she is going to do next.

I have read that this is loosely based off of a true story. I think a lot of people are trying to focus on the inconsistencies between the series and reality. Since I don't know much about the real story, my advice is to watch this show without comparing it against what it is loosely based off.

Years ago I watched Kendall Rae cover this case on her YouTube channel and was blown away by the entire story. The first two episodes of GAF have hooked my interest in much the same way.

Ellen Pompeo never disappoints and is playing her part meticulously well, but I'm also impressed with Imogen Reid's depiction of Natalia Grace. The fluctuations between vulnerable, innocent child, seeking love, and unhinged (potentially older) woman seeking to cause relational rifts in the family, are enough to give the viewer whiplash.

I also want to give kudos on the casting of Jacob (Aias Dalman), an actually autistic actor, who is playing his role superbly too. As an autistic person myself, I love to see autistic actors getting these opportunities.

At two episodes in, I am most certainly committed to the rest of the series. Knowing the case, I have some idea of how things will go, but I'm sure there will still be surprises. I'm looking forward to seeing this unfold.

This show is so hard to watch. The writing is terrible and clearly influenced by the mom. Her character is written to be the kindest woman that's ever existed. I think there is always two sides to each story but this is ridiculous. The actress for Natalia Grace is clearly an adult doing a baby voice. I know she has the same condition but she looks exactly like an adult with dwarfism. I feel like they took way too many liberties with the writing on this. The documentary on HBO was more direct with the facts and was more entertaining. Not impressed and will probably not continue to watch the series.

I started watching this without knowing anything about Natalia Grace. I didn't know any of the details regarding this case. I am really enjoying it so far. I've already watched three episodes and I think the acting is really great.. I have no idea what the outcome is and will probably watch the Hulu "Natalia speaks " series. It's a very strange story the way she was adopted, etc. I'm looking forward to the fourth episode next week.

My review is too short and I don't know what else to say, but give it a try with an open mind. Ignore the negative reviews if you're looking for something to watch because I've seen everything, i'm enjoying this.

At first blush, the story of Natalia Grace was interesting, after the 50th show/documentary/news report, it really just started to become more of the same... I gave this series about 15 min until it was just so awful, I had to turn it Off and immediately come here to warn others!!

Duplass is known for making "interesting" choices and continues to fancy himself a leading man despite his moon-face and psychotic joker-like smile but this series just goes to reaffirm that is NOT his wheelhouse. To say the acting in this show was sub par would be insulting to sub par actors, it was just straight up bad!

Hulus attempt at this lame Johnny-come-lately dramatization of the story feels so disingenuous that it cause physical pain to my eyes and ears, if you're on the fence about watching this, allow me to save you the trouble, DONT!!!

I am not understanding the negative reviews. Clearly people did not watch the entire series. The episodes are from varying perspectives. Some claim it seems fake...well it is a show and is focused on entertainment. I has no idea that this was based on a true story. Tragic is the best way to describe this. This child has hone through a lot as well as the family. It was great to see Ellen Pompeo and a bright young actress you plays Natalie. She did an incredible job! This series is also insightful in how disabled children may be put through the system harming them and the families. I do not want to state or analyze much to avoid spoilers.

I started thinking that I could predict where this was going based on the blurb and a couple of episodes I'd watched...and I was SO wrong.

If you really pay attention (put the phone down!) and give this the time to play out through the episodes, the story unfolds and personally I loved the way it was filmed as it truly got such an emotional response out of me. I was surprised at the story and my whole opinion of characters changed as the episodes played out. The way in which it's filmed is a credit to helping tailor your connection with each character.

I don't want to give spoilers so you can enjoy it too!

I'm completely captivated by Christina Hendricks' acting in this! The unexpected twist left me speechless - such a brilliant plot device. This story is far superior to "Esther," offering a much more nuanced and compelling narrative. What I particularly loved was the way they presented Natalia Grace; it wasn't just a rehashing of the parents' story, but a well-rounded exploration of all sides of the situation. The filmmakers managed to create a truly sympathetic portrayal of a complex character, which is a testament to their skill. The whole thing was incredibly well-done, and I'm already eager to watch it again. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates strong female leads and a genuinely surprising storyline.