Netflix kicked off 2026 with a bang, premiering the eight-episode limited series Run Away on January 1, delivering another signature Harlan Coben mystery packed with secrets, shocking revelations, and relentless suspense. Adapted from Coben’s 2019 novel of the same name, the British-produced thriller has quickly climbed to the top of global streaming charts, captivating millions with its emotional depth and unpredictable plot turns. While the ensemble cast shines, it’s Ruth Jones—best known for her comedic brilliance in Gavin & Stacey—who has emerged as the breakout star, earning widespread praise for her intense, commanding performance as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft.
From the opening moments, Run Away hooks viewers with a seemingly ordinary family crisis that spirals into something far darker. James Nesbitt stars as Simon Greene, a devoted father whose seemingly perfect life unravels when his teenage daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange) runs away from home. When Simon finally tracks her down, he finds her in a vulnerable state, strung out on drugs and in the company of a troubled young man named Aaron Corval (Thomas Flynn). In a heated confrontation, Simon’s desperate attempt to bring Paige home is captured on video and goes viral, painting him as the villain. Soon after, Aaron is murdered, thrusting Simon into a murder investigation where he becomes a prime suspect.
As Simon races to clear his name and save his daughter, he crosses paths with Elena Ravenscroft (Ruth Jones), a former police officer turned private investigator. Elena is hired by another desperate parent to locate a missing son, Henry, whose disappearance appears linked to the same shadowy underworld involving Paige and Aaron. What begins as parallel searches converges into a web of interconnected secrets, forcing Simon and Elena to navigate betrayal, hidden pasts, and mounting danger together.
The series masterfully builds tension through its non-linear storytelling and Coben’s trademark twists. No character is entirely innocent—old wounds reopen, trust erodes rapidly, and just when viewers think they’ve pieced together the puzzle, the narrative shifts again. The pace is unrelenting, with each episode escalating the stakes through revelations involving infidelity, family trauma, substance abuse, and even elements of a mysterious cult-like group. The atmosphere remains thick with unease, blending everyday suburban settings in the north of England with undercurrents of violence and moral ambiguity.
At the heart of this chaos stands Ruth Jones as Elena Ravenscroft, delivering what many are calling a career-defining turn. Known for her warm, witty roles in lighter fare like Gavin & Stacey (where she co-created and starred as the iconic Nessa) and Stella, Jones steps boldly into darker territory for the first time in a major dramatic lead. Elena is a complex figure: tough, determined, and haunted by her own unresolved grief over her late husband, whose death she continues to investigate. Jones brings a quiet intensity to the role—her presence carries weight from the moment she appears on screen. Every glance feels loaded with unspoken history, every line delivery sharp and measured. She balances vulnerability with steely resolve, making Elena the emotional anchor amid the storm of twists.
Viewers and critics alike have flooded social media and reviews with admiration for Jones’s performance. Many note how she “steals the show,” drawing comparisons to the grounded, no-nonsense detectives of classic British procedurals like Vera. Her portrayal proves she can command a thriller just as effectively as she does comedy, showcasing raw emotion, sharp control, and a depth that elevates the entire series. Jones herself has spoken about the excitement of the role, highlighting Elena’s unconventional traits—from her quirky habit of “borrowing” a dog in the park to her unconventional wardrobe choices that belie her fierce determination. For an actor accustomed to humor, diving into this world of suspense and heartbreak has been a thrilling challenge, and it shows in every scene.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Nesbitt, a Coben veteran from previous adaptations like Missing You and Stay Close, brings gravitas to Simon’s frantic desperation. Minnie Driver plays Ingrid Greene, Simon’s wife, adding layers of tension to the family dynamic. Alfred Enoch portrays Detective Isaac Fagbenle, whose suspicion of Simon adds procedural intrigue, while Lucian Msamati and others round out a diverse ensemble that enriches the story’s emotional core.
Filmed in the north of England—Manchester and Liverpool—the series benefits from authentic, varied locations that blend ordinary neighborhoods with eccentric, atmospheric backdrops. Coben, serving as executive producer through his Final Twist Productions, has praised the region’s charm, noting how it enhances the “everyday and eccentric” feel of his narratives.
While some reviews critique the adaptation for leaning into familiar Coben tropes—plot holes, over-the-top coincidences, and a sometimes ludicrous piling-on of secrets—the show’s breakneck pacing and emotional payoff keep audiences hooked. It ranks as one of Netflix’s top performers early in 2026, often compared favorably to predecessors like Fool Me Once and Missing You for its binge-worthy quality.
By the finale, Run Away delivers a series of jaw-dropping revelations, leaving viewers stunned and reflective. The twists hit hard, with profound implications for the characters’ futures. Jones’s Elena emerges as the moral center, her journey through personal loss and professional grit proving transformative. The series isn’t just another dark crime drama—it’s a showcase of Ruth Jones at her most powerful, proving her versatility and leaving fans eager for whatever she does next.
In a landscape flooded with thrillers, Run Away stands out for its human element amid the chaos, and Ruth Jones is the reason many can’t stop talking about it.
