The limited series 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." Devoted to their faith, family and community, the Brobergs 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.
Paquin will play Mary Ann Broberg. Lacy will play Robert "B" Berchtold. Hanks will play Bob Broberg. Tipton will play Gail Berchtold.
Nick Antosca (The Act, Channel Zero) created the series. He will executive produce with Alex Hedlund and director Eliza Hittman. The real-life Mary Ann and Jan Broberg will serve as producers, with Skye Borgman as a consulting producer. Universal Content Productions, Eat the Cat and Top Knot Films will produce.
"Nick Antosca has created a compelling series in A Friend of the Family that explores one family's unimaginable experience with great insight and sensitivity," said Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. "We can't wait to see Anna Paquin, Jake Lacy, Colin Hanks and Lio Tipton bring these complex characters to life, and we know Peacock audiences will connect with this incredible story of deception and resilience."
