‘A Friend of the Family’
A Friend of the Family, Peacock’s original nine-episode miniseries, is the true crime dramatization more people should be talking about. Based on the horrifying story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped at ages 12 and 14 by her family’s close friend Robert “B” Berchtold, the drama depicts the real-life events detailed in the popular Netflix documentary, Abducted in Plain Sight. Jake Lacy plays B, delivering a chilling, utterly sinister portrayal of a predator, abuser, and charming master-manipulator. Hendrix Yancey and Mckenna Grace powerfully embody Jan at different ages. And Colin Hanks and Anna Paquin give raw, emotional performances as Jan’s parents, Bob and Mary Ann. Perhaps most importantly, this series is worth your time because it received input, permission, and even a cameo from its subject, the real Jan Broberg. Many true crimes, including Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, lack that crucial level of collaboration.