Missing You has been released on Netflix and viewers have already binged on the Harlan Coben series – but some critics have spotted a major issue with the show

Netflix has dropped Harlan Coben’s eagerly awaited new thriller series ‘Missing You’, with the drama making waves since its release on New Year’s Day. A year on from the smash-hit ‘Fool Me Once’ starring Michelle Keegan, this series catches up with the life of Katy Donovan who stumbles across her former lover on a dating app – last seen a decade ago.

The riveting show boasts a constellation of stars including ‘Top Boy’ ace Ashley Walters, ‘EastEnders’ alum Jessica Plummer, Rosalind Eleazar, Richard Armitage, and Lisa Faulkner. Critiques have flown in commending the ensemble’s dramatic chops, yet there seems to be a stumbling block with the lead characters’ sparking rapport.

Nick Hilton from The Independent was notably less enchanted, awarding it a meagre two-star rating and commenting: “Of course, nobody, at this point, watches a Harlan Coben adaptation for the gripping interpersonal chemistry. This is television for the shattered attention span.

“Every few minutes there’s a new twist to trigger the dopamine receptors in your brain and try to keep you from doom scrolling on Instagram for another few minutes, until the next twist.”

Critics aren’t sure about the chemistry between the leads (Image: Netflix)

He further added, “There’s a sort of intellectual dishonesty to basing so much of your narrative on faulty information, but viewers won’t care so long as the cliffhangers and gasp-inducing revelations keep coming. ‘It’s not subtle, but it is effective.”

Despite these pointed observations, the hook of endless twisters seems to keep audiences securely tethered to their screens, reports The Mirror.

The Standard’s Hayley Spencer has hailed it as the ideal post-New Year binge-watch, saying: “So as long as you’re not expecting small screen mastery, or indeed the performance of year (it is the first of January after all) then do go forth and gobble up this latest Coben drama.

“It will fill the void on this final languid sofa day of the festive season. And give you plenty of opportunities for some second screen-time alongside watching – this is not drama that needs your undivided attention.”

Fans have wasted no time diving into the series just hours into 2025, with many expressing their enjoyment on social media. One fan tweeted: “New Year, same me. Starting the day with a Netflix binge I think. See what #MissingYou has to offer.”

Another shared their approval, posting: “Currently watching @HarlanCoben #MissingYou on Netflix … so far so good.” A third chimed in with enthusiasm: “Started this 2025 series and it is looking good already #Netflix #Missingyou.”