Why Netflix’s New Mystery Thriller With Over 80M Hours Viewed Is Massively Dividing Critics & Audiences

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I’ve noticed something interesting about Netflix. They’re great at promoting their big shows – things like the Knives Out movie or Stranger Things – and it often feels like those shows have to be hits because of all the marketing. But what really fascinates me is when a show comes out of nowhere and becomes popular. We saw it a lot in 2025 with KPop Demon Hunters and Adolescence, and it’s happening again now with Run Away. This new series didn’t have a huge launch, but it’s already been watched for over 80 million hours globally! It’s weird though, because even with those numbers, a lot of people online seem to really dislike it.

The eight-episode series Run Away debuted on January 1, 2026, based on the bestselling novel by Harlan Coben. Starring James Nesbitt, the show follows a father’s frantic search for his daughter, leading him into the UK’s criminal world. Minnie Driver and Ruth Jones also star in this suspenseful story, which is full of the complex plots and hidden connections that Harlan Coben is known for.

Although critics generally like Run Away – it currently has an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes – viewers feel quite differently. The audience score is only 40%, showing a big gap between what critics praise and how the public reacts. This is especially noticeable because many people are watching the show, but a large number are ending up deeply disappointed.

Why Are People Displeased with Run Away, Despite Watching the Show?

Spoiler alert for those who haven’t watched Run Away! Many viewers are frustrated with what they see as major plot holes in the show. Online, fans have been discussing how unbelievable some of the characters’ actions were, especially the mother knowing her daughter was safe while her husband struggled with a mental health crisis. Many feel it didn’t make sense that she didn’t simply tell him, and this felt unnecessarily cruel. They argue that the illogical choices didn’t pay off in the end. Additionally, viewers thought the addition of a secret sibling and a poorly developed cult storyline were distracting and made the central mystery even more confusing.

Some reviewers feel the first half of Run Away lacks depth, and then rushes a lot of information onto the audience in the last episode. This uneven pacing has led to criticism that the show was unnecessarily extended to reach a certain number of episodes, rather than to properly tell the story. Concerns have also been raised about the show’s production quality, including the use of wigs for younger character portrayals and the abundance of guns in a location where gun violence isn’t common.

Even though critics have been harsh, the show is still incredibly popular. This suggests a trend called “hate-watching,” where people watch something because it’s bad. Many viewers acknowledge the acting is exaggerated and the plot doesn’t always make sense, but they can’t stop watching the mystery unfold. The show keeps them hooked with constant twists and cliffhangers, creating a need to find out what happens, even if they suspect the ending won’t be satisfying.

Run Away is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Did you find the plot twists in Run Away believable, or did they feel over the top? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-13 21:44