This New Netflix Thriller Just Became the Most-Watched Show — Beating ‘Stranger Things’

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I’m already hooked on the new Harlan Coben thriller on Netflix! It’s called ‘Run Away’ and it dropped on January 1st. Honestly, it blew up fast – it became the number one show in the US in just a few days, even surpassing ‘Stranger Things‘! And globally, it’s already number two on Netflix, which is amazing. I can’t stop watching!

James Nesbitt stars as Simon in Run Away, a man whose seemingly perfect life – complete with a good job, family, and home – is shattered when his teenage daughter, Paige (played by Ellie de Lange), goes missing.

Simon’s world is turned upside down when his child goes missing. Though he eventually finds her, she’s in trouble and things quickly take a terrifying turn. After a shocking incident, she disappears once more, pulling Simon into a dangerous and deceitful investigation. As he searches for her, he uncovers family secrets that threaten to tear everything apart.

I was really drawn in by this series, which is adapted from Harlan Coben’s 2019 novel. It’s eight episodes long, and it’s more than just a crime thriller, at least according to Coben himself. He’s said it’s really a story about the bonds of family – how far we’ll go to protect those we love, the secrets we hold within the family, and the secrets we all keep together as a unit. It’s that family dynamic that really fascinated me.

He pointed out that every home holds a complete world of its own, and we rarely have any idea what life is like for the people inside.

A daughter has disappeared, a boyfriend is dead, and a private investigator is digging for answers. Harlan Coben’s new thriller, RUN AWAY, featuring James Nesbitt, Minnie Driver, and Ruth Jones, is now available on Netflix.

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) January 1, 2026

Harlan Coben praised the actors in the show, particularly James Nesbitt, whom he immediately felt was perfect for the role of Simon. Coben told Tudum that Nesbitt is incredibly versatile and emotionally resonant, making it easy for audiences to connect with his character.

Harlan Coben looked at many actresses before selecting Ellie de Lange to play Paige. He was impressed with her performance, noting she convincingly portrayed the character’s strength and vulnerability. Coben highlighted her emotional depth, saying she brought a lot to the role.

The show features a talented cast including Ruth Jones, Minnie Driver, Alfred Enoch, and Lucian Msamati. Initial reviews are positive, averaging 80% from critics, though audience reactions have been around 44%.

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2026-01-06 15:19