Ruth Jones Shines in ‘Run Away’: Harlan Coben’s Masterpiece on Netflix

Netflix’s New Year Gift: Harlan Coben’s ‘Run Away’

Netflix kicks off 2026 with a bang, presenting its latest Harlan Coben adaptation, Run Away. This thrilling mystery series, starring James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones, and Minnie Driver, has already captivated audiences worldwide. Since its debut on January 1, fans have binge-watched the show and shared their thoughts on social media. But is it worth your time? Our TV experts certainly think so, having picked Run Away as one of our top recommendations for 2026, applauding its ‘impeccable’ cast. Viewers are also hailing it as one of the author’s ‘best ever’ works.

Fan Reactions to Harlan Coben’s ‘Run Away’

While the show has received mixed reviews, the response on social media platforms has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have taken to their feeds to express their admiration for the series:

• ‘@HarlanCoben did it again! What a wonderful story/show. Mind-blowing,’ wrote one enthusiastic viewer.
• ‘Run Away is absolutely outstanding, one of the best Harlan Coben series. Fool Me Once was really not that great, but this one is the redeemer,’ declared another.
• ‘Wow, this new Harlan Coben is the best one yet #Runawaynetflix,’ raved a third.

However, some fans noted that the story could have been told in fewer episodes, and others had issues with the ending. Despite these criticisms, the consensus is that Run Away is a gripping watch.

Why ‘Run Away’ is a Must-Watch

Our Acting TV & Film Editor, Nicky Morris, listed Run Away as one of her must-watch shows for the new year. She praised Harlan Coben’s collaboration with Netflix, highlighting their ability to create compelling characters and snappy dialogue. Netflix has a proven track record with Harlan Coben’s works, which are known for their twists, turns, and red herrings. Run Away follows in the footsteps of 2025’s Missing You and 2024’s Fool Me Once, both of which were gripping thrillers perfect for a New Year’s Day binge-watch.

Delving into ‘Run Away’: Plot and Themes

Adapted from Harlan Coben’s 2019 novel of the same name, Run Away follows Simon (James Nesbitt), a suburban father desperate to reconnect with his runaway daughter, Paige (Ellie de Lange). After spotting Paige in a park, seemingly under the influence of drugs, Simon becomes determined to bring his daughter home. However, when Aaron Corval (Thomas Flynn), a young dealer connected to Paige, turns up dead, Simon finds himself drawn into the dangerous world Paige has been living in.

Ruth Jones stars as Elena, a private investigator helping Simon in his search, while Minnie Driver plays Simon’s wife, Ingrid. Alfred Enoch rounds out the cast as Isaac Fagbenle, the detective leading the investigation into Aaron’s murder.

Discussing the show’s central themes, Coben told Tudum:

‘Run Away is about family — about what we will do to keep our family intact, what secrets we keep within our family, and what secrets we keep as a family. Every time you walk past the house, there’s a whole universe that goes on behind that door and none of us have a clue what it is.’

Run Away is currently available to stream on Netflix. Don’t miss out on what is being hailed as Harlan Coben’s best series yet.