LONDON — Every January, Netflix aims to perplex and entertain its audience, establishing a pattern since 2020 by launching a miniseries based on Harlan Coben’s thrilling novels during the festive season.
The latest release, “Fool Me Once,” featuring Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar, and Joanna Lumley, debuted in January and quickly gained massive popularity, boasting an impressive 108 million views, thus becoming one of Netflix’s top shows of the year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the streaming platform will unveil “Missing You,” inspired by Coben’s bestselling novel published in 2014. This gritty new series stars Rosalind Eleazar as Detective Inspector Kat Donovan, a police officer dedicated to locating missing persons, yet personally haunted by the disappearance of her fiancé over a decade ago.
Actor Richard Armitage, who has been a part of each of Coben’s winter adaptations, noted how January 1 has become a significant date for the fans of these shows. “People feel connected to the series; they say, ‘I want my Harlan Coben fix on New Year’s Day,’” he shared.
Co-star Ashley Walters echoed this sentiment, explaining that the timing is ideal, given that many people are recovering from New Year’s celebrations and might have little else planned for the day.
The series kicks off with a surprising moment as Donovan discovers her long-lost fiancé, played by Walters, has resurfaced on a dating application—a significant plot twist that shakes the narrative of her past.
Armitage humorously acknowledged his past experiences with ghosting, but admitted that it wasn’t done digitally, indicating the show’s contemporary themes.
Jessica Plummer also shared her disdain for people who vanish without a word, calling such actions “cowardly and lazy,” to which she playfully apologized to Armitage.
Eleazar teased that viewers can expect lots of unexpected developments as the story unfolds, explaining that the cast was initially kept in the dark regarding the ending, relying on the book to piece together the narrative.
Coben’s skills in crafting intricate storylines often lead audiences to speculate incorrectly about plot twists. Eleazar remarked on his talent for misdirection, as fans think they’ve discovered the truth but remain consistently surprised. She expressed curiosity about the author’s creative process, particularly how he constructs the book’s endings.
Armitage noted that “Missing You” stays true to the thrilling conclusion of the book, describing it as momentous, akin to having the “rug pulled away” just as the finale arrives.
While viewers will have the chance to binge-watch the entirety of the five-part series as the new year begins, the cast members will have their own unique ways of celebrating.
Lenny Henry, who plays Kat’s father, whimsically shared that he typically welcomes the new year in comfort, indulging in roast potatoes while still in his pajamas.
In contrast, Armitage prefers outdoor adventures, particularly skiing, to kick off the year. Meanwhile, Eleazar enjoys an extravagant celebration with friends, as they typically rent out a castle and dress in themed outfits.
Past New Year’s Eve gatherings have seen them donning 18th-century attire in France, alongside last year’s opulent Versace-themed party. “I will be celebrating and really hoping that everyone loves this show on the 1st,” Eleazar concluded, looking forward to the reactions from audiences.
