“The truth is, I knew nothing about the real story,” reveals “A Friend of the Family” director and producer Eliza Hittman. “So I came to it really with fresh eyes. I received the script from the writer, showrunner Nick Antosca, and it was just so exceptionally written, and the characters were so vivid on the page, and the world was so beautifully rendered that I just kind of devoured the script immediately.” We talked to Hittman as part of our “Meet the Experts” TV directors panel. Watch our exclusive video interview above. Click the Cc button on the video for closed captioning subtitles.
SEEInterviews with top Emmy contenders
“A Friend of the Family” tells the disturbing true story of Jan Broberg (played at different ages by Mckenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey), who in the 1970s was abducted multiple times by Robert Berchtold (played by Jake Lacy), a neighbor who had...
SEEInterviews with top Emmy contenders
“A Friend of the Family” tells the disturbing true story of Jan Broberg (played at different ages by Mckenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey), who in the 1970s was abducted multiple times by Robert Berchtold (played by Jake Lacy), a neighbor who had...
- 5/22/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
A Friend of the Family showrunner-creator Nick Antosca, stars Lio Tipton and Colin Hanks and activist and producer Jan Broberg, on whose life the series is based, joined Deadline’s Contenders Television to spotlight sexual-abuse awareness.
The Peacock true-crime drama series follows Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a serial child kidnapper. After becoming close friends with the Broberg family, Berchtold kidnaps their daughter Jan (played by both Mckenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey) twice within the span of two years. Anna Paquin, Austin Stowell and Patrick Fischler also star.
During the panel, Broberg, whose harrowing life experience has been recounted multiple times across books and documentaries, made a passionate statement regarding the importance of the serialized drama series. “I’ve been telling my story for 30 years, never on purpose, never thinking this would happen, but just because I knew that by telling our stories, maybe we could help future children not experience this,...
The Peacock true-crime drama series follows Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a serial child kidnapper. After becoming close friends with the Broberg family, Berchtold kidnaps their daughter Jan (played by both Mckenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey) twice within the span of two years. Anna Paquin, Austin Stowell and Patrick Fischler also star.
During the panel, Broberg, whose harrowing life experience has been recounted multiple times across books and documentaries, made a passionate statement regarding the importance of the serialized drama series. “I’ve been telling my story for 30 years, never on purpose, never thinking this would happen, but just because I knew that by telling our stories, maybe we could help future children not experience this,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
This interview with “A Friend of the Family” production designer John D. Kretschmer first appeared in the Below-the-Line issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
A miniseries created by Nick Antosca (“Channel Zero”), “A Friend of the Family” deals with the charming but sinister Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy), who spent years seducing, brainwashing and eventually kidnapping — twice — a young Idaho girl, Jan Broberg (played by Hendrix Yancey and Mckenna Grace at different ages). The story “is pretty much a gut punch,” production designer John D. Kretschmer said. “However, this family survived, and they are still alive and happy and a loving family today. That makes them very intriguing, and I thought (it was) very much a story that needs to be told.”
“A Friend of the Family” (Peacock)
Kretschmer and his team wanted to honor the Broberg family, right down to re-creating their Pocatello Idaho home. They did so in Atlanta,...
A miniseries created by Nick Antosca (“Channel Zero”), “A Friend of the Family” deals with the charming but sinister Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy), who spent years seducing, brainwashing and eventually kidnapping — twice — a young Idaho girl, Jan Broberg (played by Hendrix Yancey and Mckenna Grace at different ages). The story “is pretty much a gut punch,” production designer John D. Kretschmer said. “However, this family survived, and they are still alive and happy and a loving family today. That makes them very intriguing, and I thought (it was) very much a story that needs to be told.”
“A Friend of the Family” (Peacock)
Kretschmer and his team wanted to honor the Broberg family, right down to re-creating their Pocatello Idaho home. They did so in Atlanta,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
“I learned so much about myself and about acting, because I had to push myself to places that I hadn’t gone before,” reveals Emmy-nominated actor Mckenna Grace (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) about her role in the nine-episode limited series “A Friend of the Family.” For our recent webchat she adds, “It was really emotionally and sometimes physically exhausting. But I am just so proud to have gotten to tell Jan’s story and gotten to play her and portray her story.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
See Exclusive Video Interview: Jake Lacy (‘A Friend of the Family’)
In the Peacock original true crime drama “A Friend of the Family,” which was created by Nick Antosca, Emmy nominee Jake Lacy (“The White Lotus”) portrays Robert “B” Berchtold, a close friend and neighbor of the Brobergs, a close-knit family with strong Christian values that prove to be all too forgiving and naive.
See Exclusive Video Interview: Jake Lacy (‘A Friend of the Family’)
In the Peacock original true crime drama “A Friend of the Family,” which was created by Nick Antosca, Emmy nominee Jake Lacy (“The White Lotus”) portrays Robert “B” Berchtold, a close friend and neighbor of the Brobergs, a close-knit family with strong Christian values that prove to be all too forgiving and naive.
- 12/14/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Actress Jessica Chastain, star of the new Showtime miniseries "George and Tammy", poses for the December 2022 issue of "Marie Claire" magazine, wearing Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Victoria Beckham and a whole lot more, photographed by Jessica Chou:
Cast of "George and Tammy" also includes Steve Zahn as 'George Richey', Tim Blake Nelson as 'Roy Acuff', Kelly McCormack as 'Sheila Richey', Katy Mixon as 'Jan Smith'...
... Hendrix Yancey as 'Gwen', Walton Goggins as 'Earl Peanutt Montgomery', David Wilson Barnes as 'Billy Sherrill...
...John Teer as 'Harold Bradley', Joshua C. Allen as 'Lou Bradley'. Kate Arrington as 'Charlene Montgomery,' Pat Healy as 'Don Chapel'...
...Bobbie Eakes as 'Nan Smith', Abby Glover as 'Georgette Jones', Ian Lyons as 'Paul Richey', GiGi Erneta as 'Nancy Sepulvado' and Vivie Myrick as 'Donna Chapel'.
Click the images to enlarge.
Cast of "George and Tammy" also includes Steve Zahn as 'George Richey', Tim Blake Nelson as 'Roy Acuff', Kelly McCormack as 'Sheila Richey', Katy Mixon as 'Jan Smith'...
... Hendrix Yancey as 'Gwen', Walton Goggins as 'Earl Peanutt Montgomery', David Wilson Barnes as 'Billy Sherrill...
...John Teer as 'Harold Bradley', Joshua C. Allen as 'Lou Bradley'. Kate Arrington as 'Charlene Montgomery,' Pat Healy as 'Don Chapel'...
...Bobbie Eakes as 'Nan Smith', Abby Glover as 'Georgette Jones', Ian Lyons as 'Paul Richey', GiGi Erneta as 'Nancy Sepulvado' and Vivie Myrick as 'Donna Chapel'.
Click the images to enlarge.
- 12/14/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"George and Tammy" is a new dramatic TV miniseries created by Abe Sylvia and directed by John Hillcoat, starring Jessica Chastain as country singer 'Tammy Wynette' and Michael Shannon as 'George Jones', now streaming on Showtime:
Cast also includes Steve Zahn as 'George Richey', Tim Blake Nelson as 'Roy Acuff', Kelly McCormack as 'Sheila Richey', Katy Mixon as 'Jan Smith', Hendrix Yancey as 'Gwen', Walton Goggins as 'Earl Peanutt Montgomery', David Wilson Barnes as 'Billy Sherrill...
...John Teer as 'Harold Bradley', Joshua C. Allen as 'Lou Bradley'. Kate Arrington as 'Charlene Montgomery,' Pat Healy as 'Don Chapel'. Bobbie Eakes as 'Nan Smith', Abby Glover as 'Georgette Jones', Ian Lyons as 'Paul Richey', GiGi Erneta as 'Nancy Sepulvado' and Vivie Myrick as 'Donna Chapel'.
Click the images to enlarge...
Cast also includes Steve Zahn as 'George Richey', Tim Blake Nelson as 'Roy Acuff', Kelly McCormack as 'Sheila Richey', Katy Mixon as 'Jan Smith', Hendrix Yancey as 'Gwen', Walton Goggins as 'Earl Peanutt Montgomery', David Wilson Barnes as 'Billy Sherrill...
...John Teer as 'Harold Bradley', Joshua C. Allen as 'Lou Bradley'. Kate Arrington as 'Charlene Montgomery,' Pat Healy as 'Don Chapel'. Bobbie Eakes as 'Nan Smith', Abby Glover as 'Georgette Jones', Ian Lyons as 'Paul Richey', GiGi Erneta as 'Nancy Sepulvado' and Vivie Myrick as 'Donna Chapel'.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 12/5/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Click here to read the full article.
In Peacock’s A Friend of the Family, Jake Lacy plays Bob “B” Berchtold, a man who befriends a Midwestern Mormon family in the 1970s, only to kidnap their young daughter Jan not just once, but twice. It would be an unbelievable story if it weren’t true: Jan Broberg’s story was previously chronicled in the 2017 documentary Abducted in Plain Sight.
For Lacy, playing a kidnapper and pedophile was an emotional challenge for the actor, particularly given the ages of his victim: Jan was 12 and 14 when she was kidnapped. Hendrix Yancey, now 11, and Mckenna Grace, 16, play Jan at the different ages, while the real Jan Broberg and her mother, Mary Ann, were often on set as they served as producers on the limited series.
“It’s so selfless for them to say, ‘We want this story told so that people understand what...
In Peacock’s A Friend of the Family, Jake Lacy plays Bob “B” Berchtold, a man who befriends a Midwestern Mormon family in the 1970s, only to kidnap their young daughter Jan not just once, but twice. It would be an unbelievable story if it weren’t true: Jan Broberg’s story was previously chronicled in the 2017 documentary Abducted in Plain Sight.
For Lacy, playing a kidnapper and pedophile was an emotional challenge for the actor, particularly given the ages of his victim: Jan was 12 and 14 when she was kidnapped. Hendrix Yancey, now 11, and Mckenna Grace, 16, play Jan at the different ages, while the real Jan Broberg and her mother, Mary Ann, were often on set as they served as producers on the limited series.
“It’s so selfless for them to say, ‘We want this story told so that people understand what...
- 11/26/2022
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jan Broberg Felt, the real-life woman at the heart of Peacock’s narrative series “A Friend of the Family,” wants people to realize her story could happen to anyone. Throughout the series’ nine episodes, audiences have watched Jan Broberg (played as a child by Hendrix Yancey and a teen by McKenna Grace) grow up as the groomed, manipulated victim of pedophile Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy). And yet, for as wild as the story is, the real Broberg Felt reiterates everything was true.
For her, it was the key reason she decided to tell her story in a narrative format, after participating in a 2017 documentary called “Abducted in Plain Sight.” It was “telling the story in a way where you could be drawn into the characters, where you could see the psychology of a groomer, of a predator, and how they operate and lead not just the child, but lead the whole orbit around the child,...
For her, it was the key reason she decided to tell her story in a narrative format, after participating in a 2017 documentary called “Abducted in Plain Sight.” It was “telling the story in a way where you could be drawn into the characters, where you could see the psychology of a groomer, of a predator, and how they operate and lead not just the child, but lead the whole orbit around the child,...
- 11/11/2022
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
It was a documentary that brought Jan Broberg‘s shocking true story of her two-time childhood kidnapping to the world. The events of Netflix‘s Abducted in Plain Sight were dramatized in Peacock‘s A Friend of the Family, currently in-season. And now, Broberg is returning to this harrowing time of her life in the new documentary A Friend of the Family: True Evil coming to Peacock. The streamer has also revealed the official trailer and images from the upcoming series, set to premiere Tuesday, November 15. (The finale of A Friend of the Family drops November 10.) In it, Broberg will continue her lifelong journey of healing from the abuse she and her family endured at the hands of Robert “B” Berchtold, who died by suicide in 2005. As shown in A Friend of the Family, B (played by Jake Lacy) groomed the young Jan (Hendrix Yancey and Mckenna Grace) for years,...
- 11/3/2022
- TV Insider
After co-creating Emmy-winning series “The Act,” this year’s “Candy,” and now creating “A Friend of the Family,” it’s easy to label Nick Antosca the highbrow king of true crime streaming series.
Yet the acclaimed showrunner quickly corrected labeling “A Friend of the Family” as part of the trendy true crime genre.
“I don’t think the stories that I like to do are true crime,” Antosca exclusively told IndieWire. “I think of them in terms of human stories and psychological horror stories, so I don’t see it as ‘What’s the next true crime story that we can tell?'”
“A Friend of the Family” centers on the Broberg clan, led by husband and wife Bob (Colin Hanks) and Mary Ann (Anna Paquin) Broberg. Next-door neighbor “Brother B” Berchtold (Jake Lacy) takes a special interest in their tween daughter Jan and seduces the whole family in a...
Yet the acclaimed showrunner quickly corrected labeling “A Friend of the Family” as part of the trendy true crime genre.
“I don’t think the stories that I like to do are true crime,” Antosca exclusively told IndieWire. “I think of them in terms of human stories and psychological horror stories, so I don’t see it as ‘What’s the next true crime story that we can tell?'”
“A Friend of the Family” centers on the Broberg clan, led by husband and wife Bob (Colin Hanks) and Mary Ann (Anna Paquin) Broberg. Next-door neighbor “Brother B” Berchtold (Jake Lacy) takes a special interest in their tween daughter Jan and seduces the whole family in a...
- 10/28/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lio Tipton seems to be playing a fictional character in Peacock’s psychological thriller limited series “A Friend of the Family,” based on true events. But, as the Nick Antosca-created show proves, sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
Actor Tipton, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, portrays Latter Day Saints housewife Gail Berchtold, who seems to have the perfect life: a handsome husband (Jake Lacy), five adorable children, and kind neighbors, the Brobergs (Colin Hanks and Anna Paquin). Yet when Gail’s spouse Bob “Brother B” grooms and repeatedly kidnaps the young Jan Broberg, Gail’s own abusive relationship with Bob comes to light.
“It was really hard. There is nothing decisive in where she stands,” Lipton said of Gail. “The person I was representing in a big way was the most fictional representation of any of the characters. Because of that, I tried to...
Actor Tipton, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, portrays Latter Day Saints housewife Gail Berchtold, who seems to have the perfect life: a handsome husband (Jake Lacy), five adorable children, and kind neighbors, the Brobergs (Colin Hanks and Anna Paquin). Yet when Gail’s spouse Bob “Brother B” grooms and repeatedly kidnaps the young Jan Broberg, Gail’s own abusive relationship with Bob comes to light.
“It was really hard. There is nothing decisive in where she stands,” Lipton said of Gail. “The person I was representing in a big way was the most fictional representation of any of the characters. Because of that, I tried to...
- 10/22/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
This opening is usually where a disclaimer goes. For a series like “A Friend of the Family,” one that dramatizes the events behind a story that came to public attention through an acclaimed (or at least widely-seen) documentary, it’s almost second nature now to start off any discussion with a acknowledgment that many of the details are an open matter. Anyone who wants to know the story beforehand (particularly those who might want to avoid certain subject matter the story addresses) can easily find a concise summary with a few clicks.
Creators will go to great lengths to try to preserve a certain kind of viewing experience, one with twists unspoiled and jarring turns hidden. Amidst a sea of real-life stories of manipulation and grief and predation being turned into TV series, “A Friend of the Family” is one that stands out because it’s not constructed in that way.
Creators will go to great lengths to try to preserve a certain kind of viewing experience, one with twists unspoiled and jarring turns hidden. Amidst a sea of real-life stories of manipulation and grief and predation being turned into TV series, “A Friend of the Family” is one that stands out because it’s not constructed in that way.
- 10/6/2022
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The documentary to podcast to scripted series is now a familiar progression for those of us who can’t help but blast blue light into our eyes at night, plunging into one true crime rabbit hole or another instead of sleeping. It’s no longer enough to consume a real-life travesty just for the facts; we need to obsess over the really juicy ones from every angle, from the lurid to the topical to the philosophical.
The latest now-familiar story to make the final stop on the all-platforms content cycle — the A-list scripted limited series — is the story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped twice as a child by her neighbor Robert Berchtold, and is now chronicled in “A Friend of the Family.”
Skye Borgman’s Netflix documentary “Abducted In Plain Sight” first introduced this strange, maddening story to a mass audience, leaving viewers with outrage and righteous judgment, the...
The latest now-familiar story to make the final stop on the all-platforms content cycle — the A-list scripted limited series — is the story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped twice as a child by her neighbor Robert Berchtold, and is now chronicled in “A Friend of the Family.”
Skye Borgman’s Netflix documentary “Abducted In Plain Sight” first introduced this strange, maddening story to a mass audience, leaving viewers with outrage and righteous judgment, the...
- 10/6/2022
- by Stephan Lee
- The Wrap
In Peacock’s true-crime drama “A Friend of the Family,” Bob Broberg (Colin Hanks) pleads with his wife Mary Ann (Anna Paquin) to help him understand her egregious lapse in judgment. “Don’t you have better sense? It doesn’t make any sense…why would you do such a thing?” Those also happen to be the questions bandied about on Twitter when “Abducted in Plain Sight,” a 2017 documentary about the Brobergs, went viral after landing on Netflix. According to what passes for consensus on social media, while the Brobergs endured a horrible ordeal, they bear most of the responsibility because of the unconscionable decisions they made.
“A Friend of the Family” is written with an acute awareness of the backlash that met the Brobergs after they shared how they were manipulated and nearly destroyed by a malignant narcissist. It begins with a statement from the Brobergs daughter Jan, the primary victim in the story,...
“A Friend of the Family” is written with an acute awareness of the backlash that met the Brobergs after they shared how they were manipulated and nearly destroyed by a malignant narcissist. It begins with a statement from the Brobergs daughter Jan, the primary victim in the story,...
- 10/5/2022
- by Joshua Alston
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Making way-too-long, way-too-late indirect scripted adaptations of shoddily made Netflix true crime documentaries wouldn’t seem like a winning business plan. But six months after informally turning Tiger King into the almost unwatchably hammy Joe vs. Carole, Peacock has given the limited series treatment to 2019’s Abducted in Plain Sight.
Abducted in Plain Sight — one of those Netflix releases that come without any promotion, are all anybody discusses for three days and then are never mentioned again — was simultaneously tedious and tawdry. At only 91 minutes, it was either infuriatingly repetitive or repetitively infuriating, and the idea that Peacock’s A Friend of the Family was going to tell Jan Broberg’s harrowingly bizarre story in nine hours caused me immediate trepidation.
Based on six episodes sent to critics, A Friend of the Family is simultaneously doomed by that structural choice and close to a best-case scenario.
Making way-too-long, way-too-late indirect scripted adaptations of shoddily made Netflix true crime documentaries wouldn’t seem like a winning business plan. But six months after informally turning Tiger King into the almost unwatchably hammy Joe vs. Carole, Peacock has given the limited series treatment to 2019’s Abducted in Plain Sight.
Abducted in Plain Sight — one of those Netflix releases that come without any promotion, are all anybody discusses for three days and then are never mentioned again — was simultaneously tedious and tawdry. At only 91 minutes, it was either infuriatingly repetitive or repetitively infuriating, and the idea that Peacock’s A Friend of the Family was going to tell Jan Broberg’s harrowingly bizarre story in nine hours caused me immediate trepidation.
Based on six episodes sent to critics, A Friend of the Family is simultaneously doomed by that structural choice and close to a best-case scenario.
- 10/5/2022
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jan Broberg is telling her story again, with hope that this time, she’ll be able to help others. In 2019, she was the subject of Netflix’s documentary “Abducted In Plain Sight,” which told the story of how she was abducted twice in the 70s — first at age 12, and again at 14 — by Bob “B” Berchtold, a close family friend. At the time, he brought her to Mexico and brainwashed her into believing that she had been kidnapped by aliens and had to have sex with him in order to save her family.
Her parents, Bob and Mary Ann Broberg, also had sexual experiences with “B,” as they were both groomed as well.
Now, at 60, Jan serves as a producer on Peacock’s “A Friend of the Family,” a nine-episode drama based on her experiences. While she wasn’t expecting the public’s criticism of her family that came after the documentary,...
Her parents, Bob and Mary Ann Broberg, also had sexual experiences with “B,” as they were both groomed as well.
Now, at 60, Jan serves as a producer on Peacock’s “A Friend of the Family,” a nine-episode drama based on her experiences. While she wasn’t expecting the public’s criticism of her family that came after the documentary,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Plot: Inspired by the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend”.
Review: There does not seem to be any end in sight for the current wave of true crime event series populating streaming services these days. While some are better than others, there are still some genuinely disturbing stories that have been told recently. Documentaries always have an advantage in the realm of true crime, but a well-made narrative series can chill you as much as entertain. A Friend of the Family, from producer Nick Antosca, is one of the most shocking and disturbing true crime stories I have ever heard and offers a well-made look at a story that is too crazy not to be true. With a great cast and the actual victim of the crime on board as a producer,...
Review: There does not seem to be any end in sight for the current wave of true crime event series populating streaming services these days. While some are better than others, there are still some genuinely disturbing stories that have been told recently. Documentaries always have an advantage in the realm of true crime, but a well-made narrative series can chill you as much as entertain. A Friend of the Family, from producer Nick Antosca, is one of the most shocking and disturbing true crime stories I have ever heard and offers a well-made look at a story that is too crazy not to be true. With a great cast and the actual victim of the crime on board as a producer,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
The twisted real-life case of Jan Broberg, the Idaho youth abducted twice by a neighbor during the 1970s, drives the riveting nine-episode series A Friend of the Family. “What they lived through is so complex, so terrifying…it felt like a story that you needed to be immersed in over many hours to understand psychologically and emotionally,” says writer Nick Antosca, who executive produced the project. “Their experience was a slow burn.” (Broberg and her mother Mary Ann are producers.) Flack’s Anna Paquin and The Offer’s Colin Hanks star as the Broberg parents, who have no idea that Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy of The White Lotus), the seemingly innocent Mormon next door, is obsessed with their daughter. Before they know it, Berchtold has not just infiltrated their marriage but also put into motion a plan that would find him kidnapping Jan at the age of 12 and ...
- 10/2/2022
- TV Insider
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Hocus Pocus 2, A Friend of the Family, Entergalactic and the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s Albie Awards.
Hocus Pocus 2 premiere
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy premiered their highly anticipated Disney+ sequel in New York on Tuesday, along with newcomers Sam Richardson, Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo.
Anne Fletcher, Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Adam Shankman, Lynn Harris and Sam Richardson Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo Bette Midler
Entergalactic premiere
On Wednesday, Netflix hosted a brunch and evening premiere for new series Entergalactic, the latter at the The Paris Theater in New York City. Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Jessica Williams, Ty Dolla ign, Laura Harrier and Teyana Taylor were in attendance along with executive producers Kenya Barris,...
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Hocus Pocus 2, A Friend of the Family, Entergalactic and the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s Albie Awards.
Hocus Pocus 2 premiere
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy premiered their highly anticipated Disney+ sequel in New York on Tuesday, along with newcomers Sam Richardson, Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo.
Anne Fletcher, Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Adam Shankman, Lynn Harris and Sam Richardson Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo Bette Midler
Entergalactic premiere
On Wednesday, Netflix hosted a brunch and evening premiere for new series Entergalactic, the latter at the The Paris Theater in New York City. Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Jessica Williams, Ty Dolla ign, Laura Harrier and Teyana Taylor were in attendance along with executive producers Kenya Barris,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A Friend of the Family is coming soon to Peacock. The true crime drama follows Robert Berchtold as he kidnaps Jan Broberg -- again and again. The limited series will consist of nine episodes. Jake Lacy, Anna Paquin, Colin Hanks, Lio Tipton, Hendrix Yancey, Mckenna Grace, Austin Stowell, Patrick Fischler, Bree Elrod, and Philip Ettinger star in the series which arrives in October.
Read More…...
Read More…...
- 9/14/2022
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Not everyone is a good person. Some people have darkness lurking in them that drives them to commit unspeakable acts. These people could be your family, co-workers, and friends. People change behind closed doors, but some monsters refuse to remain hidden when an object of desire threatens to escape their grasp. In Peacock’s A Friend of the Family trailer, the Broberg family discovers an unfathomable secret about a friend who feels more like an extended family member.
According to Peacock, A Friend of the Family is “based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart, and turn their daughter against them. This...
According to Peacock, A Friend of the Family is “based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart, and turn their daughter against them. This...
- 9/13/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Peacock’s debuted an official trailer for the limited true crime series A Friend of the Family starring Colin Hanks and Anna Paquin. The nine-episode drama is based on a bizarre true story, and the trailer introduces the key players including the titular friend of the family who turns out to be a complete psychopath.
The cast also includes Jake Lacy, Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace, and Hendrix Yancey. Nick Antosca serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, with the real kidnap victim at the heart of the story – Jan Broberg – involved as a producer.
Peacock’s official synopsis describes the series as “based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family ‘friend.’ The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities,...
The cast also includes Jake Lacy, Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace, and Hendrix Yancey. Nick Antosca serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, with the real kidnap victim at the heart of the story – Jan Broberg – involved as a producer.
Peacock’s official synopsis describes the series as “based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family ‘friend.’ The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Robert "B" Berchtold is anything but A Friend of the Family in the true crime series' first trailer. Played by The White Lotus' Jake Lacy, Robert is at the center of the Peacock show based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of a few years in the '70s. Though it might be hard to understand how a family so devoted to each other, their faith and community could let someone as dangerous as Robert into their lives, A Friend of the Family's trailer starts to offer answers. He drives carpool for the neighborhood kids, has a loving wife (Lio...
- 9/13/2022
- E! Online
Who do you love the most?
That’s the question at the heart of Peacock series “A Friend of the Family,” based on the terrifying true story of the Broberg family. Jake Lacy stars as “Brother B,” the next-door neighbor who succumbs to “impulsive mood” swings with fatal consequences for the family next door, led by Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks, who play Mrs. and Mr. Broberg.
“A Friend of the Family,” premiering October 6, is the latest series from “The Act” and “Candy” executive producer Nick Antosca, who serves as showrunner, EP, and writer for the upcoming limited series.
Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace, and Hendrix Yancey additionally star in “A Friend of the Family,” with Alex Hedlund and Eliza Hittman also executive-producing the series, and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” director Hittman helming multiple episodes including the pilot. Real-life survivors Jan and Mary Ann Broberg additionally both serve as producers on the series.
That’s the question at the heart of Peacock series “A Friend of the Family,” based on the terrifying true story of the Broberg family. Jake Lacy stars as “Brother B,” the next-door neighbor who succumbs to “impulsive mood” swings with fatal consequences for the family next door, led by Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks, who play Mrs. and Mr. Broberg.
“A Friend of the Family,” premiering October 6, is the latest series from “The Act” and “Candy” executive producer Nick Antosca, who serves as showrunner, EP, and writer for the upcoming limited series.
Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace, and Hendrix Yancey additionally star in “A Friend of the Family,” with Alex Hedlund and Eliza Hittman also executive-producing the series, and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” director Hittman helming multiple episodes including the pilot. Real-life survivors Jan and Mary Ann Broberg additionally both serve as producers on the series.
- 9/13/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peacock gave viewers the most extensive look yet at A Friend of the Family during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
Series star Jake Lacy, who was nominated for an award, introduced the trailer during the Emmys telecast.
The official trailer and key art take us inside the world of the series.
In addition to Lacy, A Friend of the Family features a star-studded cast that includes Anna Paquin (Flack), Colin Hanks (The Offer), Lio Tipton (The Edge of Sleep), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Hendrix Yancey (George & Tammy), and more.
The series premieres on Peacock on October 6 with three episodes at launch and new episodes streaming weekly.
A Friend Of The Family is inspired by the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.”
The series comes from showrunner/EP/writer, Nick Antosca, and...
Series star Jake Lacy, who was nominated for an award, introduced the trailer during the Emmys telecast.
The official trailer and key art take us inside the world of the series.
In addition to Lacy, A Friend of the Family features a star-studded cast that includes Anna Paquin (Flack), Colin Hanks (The Offer), Lio Tipton (The Edge of Sleep), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Hendrix Yancey (George & Tammy), and more.
The series premieres on Peacock on October 6 with three episodes at launch and new episodes streaming weekly.
A Friend Of The Family is inspired by the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.”
The series comes from showrunner/EP/writer, Nick Antosca, and...
- 9/13/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
A first look at A Friend of the Family, Peacock’s limited true crime drama series, is out in advance of the trailer’s debut this evening during the 74th Emmys.
The series features Anna Paquin (Flack), Jake Lacy (The White Lotus), Colin Hanks (The Offer), Lio Tipton (The Edge of Sleep), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), and Hendrix Yancey (George & Tammy). The show premieres on Peacock Oct. 6 with three episodes at launch and new episodes streaming weekly.
A Friend Of The Family is inspired by the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The series comes from showrunner/EP/writer Nick Antosca (Candy) and executive producers Alex Hedlund and Eliza Hittman, who also directs. Jan and Mary Ann Broberg both serve as producers on the series while Skye Borgman for Top Knot Films is a consulting producer.
The series features Anna Paquin (Flack), Jake Lacy (The White Lotus), Colin Hanks (The Offer), Lio Tipton (The Edge of Sleep), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), and Hendrix Yancey (George & Tammy). The show premieres on Peacock Oct. 6 with three episodes at launch and new episodes streaming weekly.
A Friend Of The Family is inspired by the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a few years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The series comes from showrunner/EP/writer Nick Antosca (Candy) and executive producers Alex Hedlund and Eliza Hittman, who also directs. Jan and Mary Ann Broberg both serve as producers on the series while Skye Borgman for Top Knot Films is a consulting producer.
- 9/13/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
When Jan Broberg was a child, she was kidnapped by close family friend Robert Berchtold not once, but twice. Her parents, Mary Ann and Bob Broberg, knew what Robert did the first time, and yet it somehow happened again. The mind-boggling true crime story is dramatized in Peacock‘s A Friend of the Family, debuting October 6 on the streaming service. Starring Jake Lacy (The White Lotus), Anna Paquin (True Blood), Colin Hanks (The Offer), Lio Tipton (Why Women Kill), Mckenna Grace (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Hendrix Yancey (Stranger Things), Peacock debuted the first A Friend of the Family teaser on Thursday, August 18. A Friend of the Family is based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the...
- 8/18/2022
- TV Insider
You never know when there’s a killer next door.
Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks star as Mrs. and Mr. Broberg, a classic suburban couple dedicated to their faith, family, and friends. That is, until one “friend” (Jake Lacy) repeatedly kidnapped their daughter over the course of years. Based on a true story, “A Friend of the Family” is the latest series from “The Act” and “Candy” executive producer Nick Antosca, who serves as showrunner, EP, and writer for the upcoming Peacock limited series, premiering October 6.
Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace, and Hendrix Yancey also star in “A Friend of the Family,” all on edge as a next-door neighbor succumbs to “impulsive mood” swings with fatal consequences. Alex Hedlund and Eliza Hittman also executive produce the series, with “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” director Hittman helming multiple episodes including the pilot. Real-life survivors Jan and Mary Ann Broberg additionally both serve as producers on the series.
Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks star as Mrs. and Mr. Broberg, a classic suburban couple dedicated to their faith, family, and friends. That is, until one “friend” (Jake Lacy) repeatedly kidnapped their daughter over the course of years. Based on a true story, “A Friend of the Family” is the latest series from “The Act” and “Candy” executive producer Nick Antosca, who serves as showrunner, EP, and writer for the upcoming Peacock limited series, premiering October 6.
Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace, and Hendrix Yancey also star in “A Friend of the Family,” all on edge as a next-door neighbor succumbs to “impulsive mood” swings with fatal consequences. Alex Hedlund and Eliza Hittman also executive produce the series, with “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” director Hittman helming multiple episodes including the pilot. Real-life survivors Jan and Mary Ann Broberg additionally both serve as producers on the series.
- 8/18/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
A neighbor develops a disturbing interest in the Broberg family in the just-released trailer for Peacock’s upcoming true-crime limited drama series “A Friend of the Family.”
The series is inspired by the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over several years by an obsessed family “friend.” (You can watch the new trailer here.)
Jan and Mary Ann Broberg both serve as producers on the series, which comes from showrunner, executive producer and writer Nick Antosca (“Candy”).
“We were a loving, trusting, educated family. We were not stupid or careless. So how could this happen in our neighborhood, where we knew everyone, and everyone was a friend? The truth is that most predators are not strangers but people we know — people who can build trust, create special friendships, and separate family members psychologically,” Jan Broberg said in a statement.
Also Read:
‘Vampire Academy...
The series is inspired by the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over several years by an obsessed family “friend.” (You can watch the new trailer here.)
Jan and Mary Ann Broberg both serve as producers on the series, which comes from showrunner, executive producer and writer Nick Antosca (“Candy”).
“We were a loving, trusting, educated family. We were not stupid or careless. So how could this happen in our neighborhood, where we knew everyone, and everyone was a friend? The truth is that most predators are not strangers but people we know — people who can build trust, create special friendships, and separate family members psychologically,” Jan Broberg said in a statement.
Also Read:
‘Vampire Academy...
- 8/18/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden will be introducing National Geographic’s latest series “America’s National Parks,” set to premiere Aug. 29. Narrated by Garth Brooks, the five-part docuseries celebrates the world-famous and lesser-known national parks across the U.S., from Yosemite to Big Bend National Park.
The series will first be introduced by Dr. Biden from the Grand Canyon. “America’s national parks are full of unrivaled natural beauty, geological wonders, cultural history and amazing wildlife,” Dr. Biden said as part of her introduction to the series. “Each national park connects people to a piece of the American story — who we are and where we came from. With at least one national park in every state, all Americans can enjoy them.”
In participation with the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative, National Geographic will also premiere a PSA throughout the five-night event showcasing Dr. Biden’s appreciation for the military community.
The series will first be introduced by Dr. Biden from the Grand Canyon. “America’s national parks are full of unrivaled natural beauty, geological wonders, cultural history and amazing wildlife,” Dr. Biden said as part of her introduction to the series. “Each national park connects people to a piece of the American story — who we are and where we came from. With at least one national park in every state, all Americans can enjoy them.”
In participation with the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative, National Geographic will also premiere a PSA throughout the five-night event showcasing Dr. Biden’s appreciation for the military community.
- 8/9/2022
- by Carson Burton and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Ella Jay Basco has been cast as a recurring character in Nick Antosca’s upcoming Peacock limited series “A Friend of the Family,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The crime series is based on the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan (Hendrix Yancey) was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by Robert “B” Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart and turn their daughter against them. “A Friend of the Family” follows how their lives were permanently altered and how they survived.
Details of Basco’s character have yet to be announced.
Basco is best known for starring as Cassandra Cain opposite Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in the 2020 DC movie “Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of...
The crime series is based on the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan (Hendrix Yancey) was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by Robert “B” Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart and turn their daughter against them. “A Friend of the Family” follows how their lives were permanently altered and how they survived.
Details of Basco’s character have yet to be announced.
Basco is best known for starring as Cassandra Cain opposite Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in the 2020 DC movie “Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of...
- 7/7/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock is ramping up its slate of originals in the second half of 2022.
The streaming service on Wednesday revealed premiere dates for some of its most highly anticipated shows.
Vampire Academy, the supernatural drama based on the novel series of the same name, premieres on September 15.
From executive producers Julie Plec & Marguerite MacIntyre comes a story of friendship, romance, and danger.
"In a world of privilege and glamour, two young women’s friendship transcends their strikingly different classes as they prepare to complete their education and enter vampire society," the logline reads.
"One as a powerful Royal, the other a half-vampire Guardian trained to protect against the savage ‘Strigoi’ who threaten to tear their society apart."
"That is, if Royal infighting doesn’t do the job first."
Last Light, starring Matthew Fox, premieres on week earlier on September 8.
"Petro-chemist Andy Yeats knows how dependent the world is on oil; if...
The streaming service on Wednesday revealed premiere dates for some of its most highly anticipated shows.
Vampire Academy, the supernatural drama based on the novel series of the same name, premieres on September 15.
From executive producers Julie Plec & Marguerite MacIntyre comes a story of friendship, romance, and danger.
"In a world of privilege and glamour, two young women’s friendship transcends their strikingly different classes as they prepare to complete their education and enter vampire society," the logline reads.
"One as a powerful Royal, the other a half-vampire Guardian trained to protect against the savage ‘Strigoi’ who threaten to tear their society apart."
"That is, if Royal infighting doesn’t do the job first."
Last Light, starring Matthew Fox, premieres on week earlier on September 8.
"Petro-chemist Andy Yeats knows how dependent the world is on oil; if...
- 6/29/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Peacock announced on Wednesday the premiere dates for its scripted originals for the rest of the year, including Matthew Fox’s “Last Light,” “Vampire Academy,” the “Pitch Perfect” spinoff series “Bumper in Berlin” and the TV adaptation of “The Best Man.”
Original series set to premiere in July (and have been previously announced) include six-part drama thriller “Trigger Point” from Jed Mercurio’s Htm Television on July 8, starring Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester; “Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem,” a spin-off of the legendary NBC soap that stars cast members Kristian Alfonso, Peter Reckell and Eileen Davidson on July 11; and comedic thriller series “The Resort” with William Jackson Harper and Cristin Milioti, from writer and executive producer Andy Siara premieres on July 28.
In August, Peacock will premiere “The Undeclared War,” a series from BAFTA winner Peter Kominsky that tracks a team of analysts at Gchq as they combat cyber warfare and premieres on Aug.
Original series set to premiere in July (and have been previously announced) include six-part drama thriller “Trigger Point” from Jed Mercurio’s Htm Television on July 8, starring Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester; “Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem,” a spin-off of the legendary NBC soap that stars cast members Kristian Alfonso, Peter Reckell and Eileen Davidson on July 11; and comedic thriller series “The Resort” with William Jackson Harper and Cristin Milioti, from writer and executive producer Andy Siara premieres on July 28.
In August, Peacock will premiere “The Undeclared War,” a series from BAFTA winner Peter Kominsky that tracks a team of analysts at Gchq as they combat cyber warfare and premieres on Aug.
- 6/29/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Austin Stowell, Patrick Fischler, Bree Elrod and Philip Ettinger have been cast in “A Friend of the Family,” Peacock’s upcoming true crime limited series from UCP and showrunner and executive producer Nick Antosca.
The series is based on the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan (Hendrix Yancey) was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by Robert “B” Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart and turn their daughter against them. “A Friend of the Family” follows how their lives were permanently altered and how they survived.
Stowell will play FBI Agent Pete Welsh, a young investigator dead set on returning Jan to her family. As a father himself, Pete invests in Jan’s case and grows frustrated...
The series is based on the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan (Hendrix Yancey) was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by Robert “B” Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart and turn their daughter against them. “A Friend of the Family” follows how their lives were permanently altered and how they survived.
Stowell will play FBI Agent Pete Welsh, a young investigator dead set on returning Jan to her family. As a father himself, Pete invests in Jan’s case and grows frustrated...
- 4/6/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock’s limited drama series A Friend Of The Family continues to build its cast, adding Austin Stowell (The Hating Game), Patrick Fischler (American Crime Story: Impeachment), Bree Elrod (Red Rocket) and Philip Ettinger (First Reformed). They will join previously announced stars Anna Paquin, Jake Lacy, Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey. A Friend Of The Family comes from Nick Antosca, who serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer.
A Friend Of the Family is based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart, and turn their daughter against them. This is the story of how their lives were permanently altered — and how they survived.
A Friend Of the Family is based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” The Brobergs — devoted to their faith, family, and community — were utterly unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart, and turn their daughter against them. This is the story of how their lives were permanently altered — and how they survived.
- 4/6/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Hendrix Yancey has been cast in a main role of the Peacock true crime series “A Friend of the Family.”
She joins previously announced cast members Mckenna Grace, Anna Paquin, Jake Lacy, Colin Hanks, and Lio Tipton. The series is based on the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.”
Yancey will play Jan Broberg in the early years. Jan is the oldest daughter of Bob (Hanks) and Mary Ann Broberg (Paquin) and leads a happy, traditional life in an idyllic American city. Jan trusts family friend and neighbor Robert Berchtold (Lacy), though he has plans for her abduction that she doesn’t suspect. It was previously announced that Grace will play an older version of Broberg in the story.
Yancey will next be seen in the drama series “George and Tammy” alongside Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon.
She joins previously announced cast members Mckenna Grace, Anna Paquin, Jake Lacy, Colin Hanks, and Lio Tipton. The series is based on the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.”
Yancey will play Jan Broberg in the early years. Jan is the oldest daughter of Bob (Hanks) and Mary Ann Broberg (Paquin) and leads a happy, traditional life in an idyllic American city. Jan trusts family friend and neighbor Robert Berchtold (Lacy), though he has plans for her abduction that she doesn’t suspect. It was previously announced that Grace will play an older version of Broberg in the story.
Yancey will next be seen in the drama series “George and Tammy” alongside Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon.
- 3/25/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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