For two decades, Ellen Pompeo was synonymous with Dr. Meredith Grey, donning her white coat and saving lives at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Now, after years of embodying the beloved character, Pompeo is stepping into a strikingly different role—her first since joining Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. This time, she stars in 'A Good American Family,' a gripping series based on real-life events, set to premiere on Hulu on March 19, 2025.
© ABC via Getty ImagesA Departure from the Familiar
© John NacionPompeo has long been candid about her deep commitment to Grey’s Anatomy, admitting that her passion for exploring other roles waned as she settled into her iconic character. However, in 2022, she announced a new project that temporarily took her away from the medical drama, though she later returned in a limited capacity. Now, the mystery surrounding her next endeavor is solved.
A Chilling True Story
© DisneyIn this six-episode psychological drama, Pompeo portrays Kristine Barnett, who, along with her husband Michael (Mark Duplass), adopts Natalia (Imogen Faith Reid), a Ukrainian girl with a rare form of dwarfism. As they welcome her into their family alongside their three biological children, unsettling doubts arise—Natalia may not be a child at all, but an adult with sinister intentions.
The Barnetts ultimately succeed in changing Natalia’s birth certificate to list her as 22 instead of 8, allowing her to live independently while they relocate to Canada with their children. The real-life case made headlines in 2019 when the Barnetts were accused of neglect; Michael was later acquitted, and charges against Kristine were dropped.
The Challenge of Transformation
© Ser Baffo/DisneyAs both lead actress and producer, Pompeo has described the complexity of portraying Kristine Barnett. Despite her long-running role on Grey’s Anatomy, stepping into this character proved to be both an emotional and professional challenge. “There’s a tremendous pressure on me,” she admitted in an interview with Vanity Fair. “Why would anyone believe I could do something beyond Meredith Grey—myself included?”
Rather than studying the Prime Video documentary The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, which covers the same story, Pompeo focused on Kristine’s maternal instincts. "I started with the version of Kristine who was a determined mother, fighting tirelessly for her autistic son before adopting Natalia," she explained. "She ignored the experts and took charge, believing she was doing what was best for her child."
The show’s creators provided Pompeo with extensive research, allowing her to understand Kristine’s mindset—a woman willing to go to great lengths for her children, a sentiment Pompeo, a mother of three, deeply relates to.
© DisneyEmbracing the Darkness
Portraying Kristine meant exploring morally complex and unsettling territory. “I needed to take on something that scared me,” Pompeo shared. "Playing a character who isn’t entirely sympathetic was a challenge." After two decades in familiar territory, she felt the need to push herself: “I had to give it my all—I couldn’t hold back.”
The intensity of the role was made easier by a strong ensemble cast, including Dulé Hill, Sarayu Blue, and Christina Hendricks, as well as showrunner Katie Robbins. Pompeo emphasized the importance of collaboration in making the story feel authentic.
A Psychological Thriller with LayersA Good American Family* may remind viewers of the horror film Orphan, as it’s inspired by the controversial Natalia Grace case. However, the series presents the story from multiple perspectives—starting with the Barnetts’ experience before shifting to Natalia’s point of view.
By exploring different angles, the show delves into themes of prejudice, trauma, and uncertainty. While the creators take some artistic liberties, the narrative remains deeply rooted in real-life events, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
For Pompeo’s fans, this series is a rare chance to see her in an entirely new light, proving that her talent extends far beyond the walls of Grey Sloan Memorial.
