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Limited Series – A Friend of the Family

Play trailer 2:11 Poster for Limited Series – A Friend of the Family Oct 2022 Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
The harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose young daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times in the 1970s by a charismatic, obsessed family "friend." Devoted to their faith, family and community, the Brobergs were unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbor used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart and turn their daughter against them, permanently altering their lives. And while many are apt to place blame on the parents, Jan Broberg Felt came to their defense in 2019 when she tweeted, "...my parents saved my life. They're the bravest people I know, willing to try to help the rest of you see what they didn't. That is the only reason we told our story."
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A Friend of the Family — Limited Series

A Friend of the Family — Limited Series

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Critics Consensus

Unspooling like a slow-motion nightmare, A Friend of the Family benefits immeasurably from Eliza Hittman's deft direction and Jake Lacy's unflinching portrayal of insidious evil.

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Critics Reviews

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Wenlei Ma PerthNow Nov 6, 2023
That it can be frustrating viewing means it’s effective, evoking strong feelings and quiet moments of discomfort. Go to Full Review Steve Greene IndieWire Oct 7, 2022
B+
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. Go to Full Review James Jackson The Times (UK) Oct 7, 2022
Grim subject matter it may be, but the first episode is absorbingly told, with strong turns by Anna Paquin as Jan’s mum and Colin Hanks... Go to Full Review Jorge Loser Espinof Mar 7, 2023
4/5
A Friend of the Family is a great drama about a family that manages to overcome something terrible and arrives at a place of forgiveness and healing where the monster loses its power over them... [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Kristy Strouse Film Inquiry Nov 26, 2022
This is a series that features some of the best performances and filmmaking on television this year, but it’s also a relentless nightmare to take in. Go to Full Review Charlotte Harrison Charlotte Sometimes Goes to the Movies Oct 31, 2022
A mind-boggling story that has to be seen to be believed. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Valerie N @ValerieAnn Aug 12, 2026 The only reason I watched this to the end is that it is a rather shocking true story and would otherwise be completely unbelievable. The writing IMO was wooden and the acting not much better. Also 9 episodes is really too long, though some might argue it was necessary to really tell this story. Interesting that the real Jan Broberg appears as the therapist. It did spark my curiosity about the case and I would like see the documentary. See more Timothy P @timop1919 Apr 14, 2026 Way too long. 9 hourlong episodes is not necessary, the documentary on Netflix was better and only an hour and a half. See more Ede H. @EdeJean Dec 17, 2025 It’s too uncomfortable to watch this show. Were we really that naive in the 70’s? See more courtney W. @bucky30 Dec 10, 2025 Loved it! Sad and twisted but good show 🤩 See more Gareth v @geewah Jun 8, 2024 A story well worth telling, only problem is it padded out way too much and could of been a couple of episodes shorter. See more Michael C @RT85916465 Feb 17, 2023 To think people in 1974 were this dumb is an insult. How can anyone allow their child to be with anyone after 1 day when the child was supposed to be returned home is beyond me. Even if its true it plays on people not being good parents. See more Read all reviews
A Friend of the Family — Limited Series

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Cast & Crew

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Anna Paquin

Mary Ann Broberg

Jake Lacy

Robert "B" Berchtold

Colin Hanks

Bob Broberg

Lio Tipton

Gail Berchtold

Mckenna Grace

Jan Broberg

Hendrix Yancey

Young Jan Broberg

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 6, 2022 Horseback Riding in American Falls A trusted family friend picks up Jan after school to go horseback riding, but as nightfall looms, and they're still not home, what seemed like a casual afternoon slowly turns nightmarish. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 6, 2022 The Mission The search for Jan escalates as the Brobergs call in the FBI; Jan is tasked with a disturbing life-or-death responsibility. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 6, 2022 The Gift of Tongues The Berchtolds and Brobergs grow closer, but as Mary Ann and the girls fall under the spell of their fun-loving neighbor, Bob sees him as a threat. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 6, 2022 Articles of Faith The Brobergs fight to restore normalcy as they prepare to face B. in court; Jan's anxiety about the mission snowballs with time; Mary Ann's unanswered questions about Mexico and growing disconnect with Bob lead her to a gut-wrenching decision. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 6, 2022 The Bitter Cup When the Brobergs' marriage is thrown into jeopardy, Bob and Mary Ann must face the terrible consequences of their mistakes; B. strengthens his sinister hold over Jan. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 6, 2022 Son of Perdition In Jackson Hole, Jan finds herself overwhelmed by the demands of the mission; Bob and Mary Ann organize an aggressive legal strategy to bring her home. Details Episode 7 Aired Oct 6, 2022 The Great Deceiver Jan goes missing again and the FBI's hands are tied, but the Brobergs press on in their search for answers; the case takes a heavy toll on Pete as he digs deeper into B.'s past; Jan learns to blend in a strange new environment. Details Episode 8 Aired Oct 6, 2022 Outer Darkness Mary Ann prepares for a high-stakes showdown; Pete works double time to find Jan, disobeying direct orders; worn down by fear and secrecy, Jan nears a breaking point. Details Episode 9 Aired Oct 6, 2022 Revelation With Jan home, Bob and Mary Ann take steps toward healing, but as her 16th birthday approaches and the mission reaches its do-or-die moment, Jan prepares for the worst. Details

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A Friend of the Family — Limited Series

A Friend of the Family: Limited Series Trailer A Friend of the Family: Limited Series Trailer 2:11 Now Playing A Friend of the Family: Limited Series Teaser A Friend of the Family: Limited Series Teaser 1:41 Now Playing View more videos
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A Friend of the Family — Limited Series

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Season Info

Director
Eliza Hittman, Steven Piet, Jamie Travis, Lauren Wolkstein
Executive Producer
Alex Hedlund, Nick Antosca, Eliza Hittman
Network
Peacock
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 6, 2022
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