Series synopsis
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace is an American crime documentary television series that premiered on Investigation Discovery on May 29, 2023. It ended on January 7, 2025. It stars Beth Karas, Natalia Grace Rene Mans, Kristine Barnett and Nicole DePaul.
This stranger-than-fiction series explores the question of whether Natalia Barnett is an exploited Ukrainian child with dwarfism or a dangerous adult masquerading as a child. Featuring exclusive bombshell interviews with members of Natalia's adoptive family, relatives, friends, legal experts, and neighbors, this docuseries 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.
Premise
This stranger-than-fiction series explores the question of whether Natalia Barnett is an exploited Ukrainian child with dwarfism or a dangerous adult masquerading as a child. Featuring exclusive bombshell interviews with members of Natalia's adoptive family, relatives, friends, legal experts, and neighbors, this docuseries 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.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Beth Karas as Self - Legal Expert
- Natalia Grace Rene Mans as Self
- Kristine Barnett as Self - Natalia's Adoptive Mother (archive footage)
- Nicole DePaul as Self
- Mackenzie DePaul as Self - Nicole's Daughter
Guest cast
- Michael Barnett as Self - Natalia's Adoptive Father
- Bob Goldsmith as Self - Sheriff, Tippecanoe County
- Brandon Davenport as Self - Detective, Indiana State Police
- Veronica Maxwell as Self - Ret. Special Agent, FBI
- Kenneth J. Maxwell as Self - Ret. Asst. Special Agent in Charge, FBI
- Eric Evangelista as Self - Executive Producer
- Vince DePaul as Self - Nicole's Husband
Episodes
This series spans 4 seasons with 17 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 1 | December 26, 2023 | December 26, 2023 |
| Season 1 | 6 | May 29, 2023 | June 1, 2023 |
| Season 2 | 6 | January 1, 2024 | January 3, 2024 |
| Season 3 | 4 | January 6, 2025 | January 7, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Road to Natalia Speaks Legal analyst, Beth Karas, breaks down the key moments and takeaways from the first installment to highlight just what is at stake for Natalia as Natalia Speaks picks back up with her story. |
December 26, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Meet the Barnetts The Barnett’s adoption of Natalia, an allegedly six-year-old Ukrainian Orphan, turns into a nightmare when they learn she may not be six or Ukrainian. With suspicions mounting, the Barnetts discover they may have an adult stranger in their home. |
May 29, 2023 |
| 2 |
Orphan or Imposter? Michael Barnett reveals Natalia tried to poison and harm them as the Barnett’s own lies surface. This information leads to the question -- is there more than one villain here? |
May 29, 2023 |
| 3 |
Nightmare Neighbor Now re-aged as an adult and living alone, Natalia wreaks havoc at her new apartment by sexually propositioning and stalking the residents. Meanwhile, the Barnett’s truly sinister side emerges as they face a social services investigation into Natalia. |
May 30, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Age, Rage & the Big Lie In a jaw-dropping premiere, Natalia attempts to fill the missing pieces of her life by learning the truth about her age. Meanwhile, shocking new information reveals that the Barnetts knew more about Natalia when they adopted her than they ever let on. |
January 1, 2024 |
| 2 |
For the Love of Money In an explosive confrontation, Natalia demands answers from Michael about why they adopted her. Law enforcement officials involved in the case answer questions about the Barnetts' true motivations behind adopting Natalia. |
January 1, 2024 |
| 3 |
By Any Means Necessary Natalia describes the horrible multi-pronged plot by the Barnetts to get rid of her. The Barnetts would try anything to get rid of Natalia, from having her re-aged as an adult to attempting to institutionalize her. |
January 2, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
It’s a Manses World Trapped by her adoptive parents, Natalia desperately seeks a way out. |
January 6, 2025 |
| 2 |
The Rescue Natalia flees with the DePauls, terrified of her parents' impending wrath. |
January 6, 2025 |
| 3 |
The Hell Loop Natalia moves in with the DePauls, yet Cynthia and Antwon's grip tightens from afar; Natalia's presence ignites chaos, driving a wedge between Nicole and Vince and pushing Vince to the brink of leaving. |
January 7, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Investigation Discovery |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 29, 2023 |
| Last aired | January 7, 2025 |
| Runtime | 43 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday |