Peacock adapts true kidnapping story to make A Friend of the Family

NBCUniversal-owned Peacock has given a straight-to-series order to a true crime drama series starring Anna Paquin, Jake Lacy, Colin Hanks and Lio Tipton.

Beatrice Springborn

The limited series will be based on Jan Broberg’s own experiences of being kidnapped twice by the same charismatic, obsessed ‘family friend.’

The Brobergs, who were devoted to their faith, family and community, were unprepared for the sophisticated tactics their neighbour used to exploit their vulnerabilities, drive them apart and turn their daughter against them.

The series comes from Nick Antosca (The Act, Channel Zero), who serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer and will produce under his production banner Eat the Cat via his overall deal with UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Director Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always) is set to direct and executive produce multiple episodes, including the first episode. Broberg and Mary Ann Broberg will also serve as producers.

“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 at 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.”

Beatrice Springborn, president of UCP, said: “Alongside Jan and Mary Ann Broberg, Nick and Alex have brought humanity to a delicate and haunting story. As he demonstrated with The Act, and now with this series, Nick treats real people not as caricatures but as complex and layered. We’re proud to bring that quality and care in storytelling to Peacock.”