A Netflix drama inspired by a famous book is one of the best things you can stream on TV at the moment. If you need something new to watch, you may want to tune in
11:55, 14 Jan 2026Updated 11:55, 14 Jan 2026
January is brimming with fantastic viewing options, but a Netflix drama adapted from a renowned novel recently left me utterly astounded. Not only does it feature an exceptional cast, but the storyline is absolutely riveting, filled with unexpected twists that will keep viewers perpetually on tenterhooks.
Now available on Netflix, if you haven't yet seen it, I highly recommend you do, as I haven't been this engrossed in a television series for quite some time. In my view, Run Away is one of the standout shows you'll watch this year.
Even though we're only in January, it's genuinely one of the most thrilling series I've indulged in for months, having devoured the entire series within hours. Alongside its captivating plot, the cast is equally impressive, boasting talents such as James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones and Minnie Driver in pivotal roles.
What made it so enthralling for me were the numerous unforeseen plot twists, which kept me on the edge of my seat at the conclusion of each episode. I consume a lot of television, but few series have me so hooked that I feel compelled to binge-watch the entire thing in one go. Run Away was a notable exception.
Delving into themes of crime, family, love and betrayal, the miniseries packs a punch. It's utterly addictive without being excessively gruesome or scary, ensuring you can still get a good night's sleep without any nightmares.
Nesbitt delivers another compelling performance, but it's the chemistry between Jones and Annette Badland that truly steals the show as they team up in their roles. The pair inject warmth and wit into the darker moments, whilst also delivering emotionally devastating scenes that will leave viewers reaching for the tissues.
Crime dramas can often feel formulaic, but Run Away stands apart from the pack. Perhaps it's down to the source material – Harlan Coben's razor-sharp storytelling.
Just as you believe you've cracked the case, the plot veers off in an entirely unexpected direction, keeping audiences firmly on their toes throughout. It's this unpredictability that elevates the series above standard fare.
Whilst 2026 promises plenty of exciting telly, this adaptation has set an incredibly high bar. Viewers online certainly seem to share that sentiment.
Over on Reddit, one enthusiastic fan declared: "Binged it today. It was all I ever want from these Coben adaptations." Another chimed in with: "I thought it was an incredible watch."
What's the plot?
For those yet to dive in, Run Away, Netflix's latest Harlan Coben adaptation, centres on Simon Greene, whose world crumbles when his daughter Paige disappears. Determined to bring her home, he embarks on a desperate mission to track her down.
Paige plunges into a world of drugs after encountering Aaron, a perilous companion. In his quest to find her, Simon is drawn into a realm beyond his wildest imagination – from cults to murder to the revelation of dark family secrets.
Despite the family's seemingly perfect exterior, numerous secrets start to unravel. Simon uncovers truths he could never have envisaged.
Nesbitt takes on the role of Simon, with Driver portraying his wife, Ingrid. Jones embodies Elena, the private detective tasked with aiding Simon in his search for Paige.
That's about as much as can be divulged without revealing too much. If you're captivated, start watching as soon as possible.