‘Grey's Anatomy’ star Ellen Pompeo navigates identity and belonging in 'Good American Family’
Disney+ has officially confirmed the highly anticipated release of its original series "Good American Family," starring renowned actors Imogen Faith Reid, Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass.
The series, based on a true story, is set to premiere on March 19, with two episodes launching simultaneously, followed by one episode a week thereafter.
Created and executive produced by Katie Robbins, with Sarah Sutherland serving as executive producer, the series promises to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative that explores themes of perspective, bias and trauma through the eyes of a Midwestern family, who adopt Natalia, a seven-year-old Ukrainian girl with a rare form of dwarfism.
As they navigate the challenges of integrating their new daughter with their three biological children, suspicions arise concerning her true age and background.
The series delves into the mystery of whether she is indeed who she claims to be, igniting a fierce protectiveness in the family amid growing concerns about their daughter's possible hidden past.
As the plot thickens, Natalia embarks on her own emotional odyssey, grappling with issues of identity and belonging as she strives to confront her past and carve a future for herself.
Tensions escalate, leading to an explosive confrontation that ultimately plays out in the tabloids and the courtroom.
In an online interview, “Grey's Anatomy” star Pompeo, who was initially unsure about taking on the role said: “I just thought taking this on would be a land mine.
“This is a scary thing for me to even entertain because it’s intense stuff, and it deals with children and it deals with children who are neurodivergent and have disabilities. This just seems like really tricky stuff.”
But after a conversation with her agent, she agreed to the role, “Okay, well, let’s dig in,” she said.
The eight-episode series will also see notable recurring guest appearances from Dulé Hill, Christina Hendricks, Sarayu Blue and Jenny O’Hara.
∎ “Good American Family” will premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 19.
Three other true-crime series to watch:
“The Act”: Dee Dee, a single mother, lives with her chronically-ill daughter, Gypsy Rose. Deep beneath their caring and loving relationship lies a horrifying secret that will change their lives.
“The Girl From Plainville”: The true story of Michelle Carter's "texting-suicide" case, exploring her relationship with Conrad Roy III and the events leading up to his death and later, her conviction of involuntary manslaughter.
“Candy”: Candy Montgomery is a 1980s housewife and mother who did everything right: a good husband, two kids, and even the careful planning and execution of her transgressions, but when the pressure of conformity builds up, her actions scream for a bit of freedom.