If the plot of Investigation Discovery’s new docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace sounds familiar, there’s a good reason. Natalia Grace’s case echoes the plot of the 2009 horror thriller, Orphan, starring Isabelle Fuhrman, Vera Farmiga, and Peter Sarsgaard. It’s believed that the true events at the heart of The Curious Case of the Natalia Grace were inspired by the film, which was inspired by a similar case involving Barbora Skrlová.
“This year, we’ve witnessed resounding success with our phenomenal lineup of documentary events and The Curious Case of Natalia Grace is our next, must-watch television limited series,” stated Jason Sarlanis, President, Turner Networks, ID & HLN, Linear & Streaming. “Following the stranger-than-fiction journey of Natalia and her family through a lens that hasn’t been seen before, this gripping content is a great addition to our catalog of blockbuster titles that make ID the ultimate destination for true crime.”
ID’s three-night docuseries will premiere on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT.
The Plot, Courtesy of Investigation Discovery:
The new docuseries offers extraordinary access and exclusive insight into a mystery ripped straight from the headlines: Who is Natalia Barnett? Initially assumed to be a 6-year-old Ukrainian orphan with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone growth disorder that can result in skeletal abnormalities as well as issues with hearing and vision, Natalia was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in 2010.
However, the happy family dynamic soured when allegations against Natalia were brought by the Barnetts who alleged Natalia was an adult masquerading as a child with intent to harm their family. In 2013, Natalia was discovered living on her own which ignited an investigation that led to Michael and Kristine’s arrest and a firestorm of questions.
Featuring exclusive bombshell interviews with members of Natalia’s adoptive family including father Michael Barnett and brother Jacob Barnett, as well as relatives, friends, legal experts, and neighbors of Natalia and the Barnett family, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace offers a never-before-seen glimpse into the Barnett family, Natalia’s identity, Michael Barnett’s October 2022 trial, as well as key insights into new theories and evidence.
Unfolding over multiple parts and three consecutive nights on ID, the docuseries presents an unparalleled deep dive into this shocking family saga tracing all the way from Natalia’s birth in Ukraine up to the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings around Michael Barnett on charges of neglect.
