From Trials to Reunions: What Happened in the Explosive Natalia Grace ‘Good American Family’ Finale
Plus, a look at how the show could potentially return for a second season
After eight episodes, Hulu’s Good American Family has come to an explosive end. Inspired by the real-life story of Natalia Grace (played by Imogen Faith Reid), the show follows the Ukrainian-born orphan after she gets adopted by the Barnetts (Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass). Soon things turn violent, and the Barnetts become convinced that Natalia isn’t a child and legally change her birth year from 2003 to 1989 before leaving her all alone in an apartment. They are later charged with neglect and abandonment of a dependent, which is where the finale kicks off. Below, we look at what exactly happened during the hour-long episode and explore what storyline could potentially pave the way for a second season. Read on for more.
Michael and Kristine Barnett’s relationship reaches a breaking point
By Episode 8, it is quite clear that Michael (Duplass) and Kristine (Pompeo) are no longer together; in fact, by this point, he’s remarried to a woman named Jennifer (Kim Shaw). However, since they are both charged with the same crimes, Michael and Kristine reunite and try to figure out how to get the charges dropped. This includes several meetings, an almost kiss, a family dinner and more. It all comes crashing down when Michael agrees to testify against Kristen in exchange for his innocence. By the end of the episode, the two aren’t speaking at all, and their oldest son, Jacob (Aaron Potter), even decides to leave Kristine and live with Michael instead because of what she has allegedly put Natalia through.
Natalia and her new family face challenges
While the Barnetts may still have custody of Natalia, she is currently living with Cynthia and Antwon Mans (Christina Hendricks and Jerod Haynes). The three of them can often be found in the finale preparing for the trial, which makes sense. But what doesn’t make sense is the tension between Natalia and Cynthia. Throughout the episode, the two of them can be found arguing, and at the end, we see them have a massive fight without any resolution. Natalia returns to the Mans’ house before the episode wraps, meaning that despite what happens, she still plans to live there with them.
The Barnetts go to trial
A large part of the finale revolves around the Barnetts preparing and going to trial. This includes them trying and failing to find witnesses, combing through old Facebook messages—including ones that reveal Kristine beat Natalia—and doctors’ notes that try to shed some light on how old Natalia is.
All of that gets thrown out, though, when the judge rules that no one can use Natalia’s alleged age in the trial, because back in 2017—it’s 2022 at this point—she had the chance to change it from 1989 to 2003 and didn’t. Because of that, all the evidence against the Barnetts is no longer usable, and Michael and Kristine are found not guilty.
This did happen in real life; however, Kristine has not been seen in public since the trial.
Michael and Natalia reunite
Following the trial, Natalia goes to Michael’s, where they discuss how they both fought the same monster, Kristine. This conversation mimics one that happened between the two in real life on Natalia’s tell-all series, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks.
In the end, Michael and Natalia go their separate ways, and it is believed that they haven’t talked since he appeared in the docuseries in 2024.
Will there be a ‘Good American Family’ Season 2?
Currently, there is no word on whether Hulu will make a Good American Family Season 2, but if they do, there is certainly content for them to work with. After the Barnetts’ trial, Natalia remained with the Mans but later left them and accused them of abuse.
This was touched on in the show’s end credits but wasn’t actually shown, making it the perfect storyline for them to tell in Season 2 if they want.
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