True crime fans will soon have another series to add to their watch list. Peacock has announced a new true crime limited series titledA Friend of the Family. The series is based on the true story ofJan Broberg. Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by family friendRobert Berchtold. The family was left unprepared for the tactics Berchtold used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart, and turn their daughter against them.
Anna Paquinwill star in the series as Jan’s motherMary Ann Broberg. She is described as the mother of three daughters, whose life has felt safe, happy, and rewarding until recently. Paquin’s previous work includes 2021’sAmerican Underdog(directed byAndrewandJoe Erwin), 2019’sThe Irishman(directed byMartin Scorsese), and 2018’sTell It to the Bees(directed byAnnabel Jankel).Jake Lacywill play Berchtold in the series. The character is described as a charming local businessman, who is also an expert in manipulation. Lacy’s previous work includes 2021’sBeing the Ricardos(directed byAaron Sorkin), 2019’sOtherhood(directed byCindy Chupack), and 2019’sOde to Joy(directed byJason Winer).Colin Hankswill playBob Broberg, Jan’s father and Mary Ann’s husband. He is described as big-hearted, kind, and everyone’s best friend. Hanks' previous work includes 2016’sElvis & Nixon(directed byLiza Johnson), 2015’sNo Stranger Than Love(directed byNick Wernham), and 2013’sParkland(directed byPeter Landesman).Lio Tiptonwill playGail Berchtold, Robert’s wife. The character is described as “on edge”, due to her husband’s mood swings, which leads to him acting erratically. Tipton’s previous work includes 2019’sSummer Night(directed byJoseph Cross), 2018’sBroken Star(directed byDave Schwep), andBetter Start Running(directed byBrett Simon).
Nick Antoscawill be the series' showrunner. His previous work includes Netflix’sBrand New Cherry Flavor, Hulu’sThe Act, andChannel Zero(which ran on Syfy from 2016-2018). He will also be a writer and executive producer for the series. “Nick Antosca has created a compelling series inA Friend of the Familythat explores one family’s unimaginable experience with great insight and sensitivity,” saidLisa Katz(president of scripted content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming).
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Eliza Hittmanwill direct multiple episodes of the series. Her previous work includes 2020’sNever Rarely Sometimes Always, 2017’sBeach Rats, and 2013’sIt Felt Like Love. She will also be an executive producer. The actual Jan and Mary Ann Broberg will be producers for the series.Alex Hedlundwill be an executive producer.Sky Borgmanwill be a consulting producer for Top Knot Films. The series will be produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. “Alongside Jan and Mary Ann Broberg, Nick and Alex have brought humanity to a delicate and haunting story,” saidBeatrice Springborn(UCP’s President). “As he demonstrated withThe Act, and now with this series, Nick treats real people not as caricatures but as complex and layered.”
No official release date has been announced for whenA Friend of the Familywill premiere on Peacock.
