Key Points:
- Missing You scored 50% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with a low audience score of 31%.
- The Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel received criticism for its character development and over-reliance on plot twists.
- Comparatively, Fool Me Once, another Coben adaptation, achieved a much higher 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Missing You, Netflix’s latest adaptation of Harlan Coben’s works has garnered mixed reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 50% and an even lower audience score of 31%. Released on January 1, 2025, the series’ reception has been disappointing compared to Coben’s previous hit Fool Me Once.
Missing You Rotten Tomatoes Score: Comparing Critics and Audiences
The Missing You Rotten Tomatoes score reflects a divide between critics and audiences, although both groups were largely unimpressed. Critics’ reviews, based on 18 entries at the time of writing, hover at 50%. This score indicates a lukewarm reception, with some finding merits in the performances while criticizing the show’s lack of cohesion. Audience reactions were even harsher, as evidenced by the 31% score, showcasing a general dissatisfaction with the adaptation.
When compared to Fool Me Once, another Netflix adaptation of a Harlan Coben novel released in 2024, the difference in reception is stark. Fool Me Once scored 71% among critics and achieved significant audience approval, becoming one of Netflix’s top 10 most-watched English-language series. The disparity highlights the challenges Missing You faced in living up to its predecessor’s success.
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Why Missing You Received Negative Reviews
Faithful but Flawed Adaptation
While Missing You remains largely faithful to the 2014 novel, critics have pointed out significant flaws in its execution. The source material is considered one of Harlan Coben’s best works, praised for its emotional depth, intricate plot twists, and relatable characters. However, the adaptation struggles to translate these strengths onto the screen. Critics have noted that the series leans too heavily on repetitive drama and convoluted plot twists, losing sight of the original story’s emotional core.
For instance, Kat Donovan, the protagonist played by Rosalind Eleazar, is described as a believable and relatable character in the novel. However, the series’ portrayal fails to evoke the same level of connection with viewers. While Eleazar delivers a compelling performance, the lack of nuanced character development undermines her efforts. Supporting characters, including Aqua (Mary Malone) and Stacey (Jessica Plummer), also suffer from inconsistent writing, making it difficult for audiences to fully engage with their arcs.
Critics’ Take: Over-Reliance on Plot Twists
One of the most significant criticisms leveled at Missing You is its over-reliance on plot twists. The narrative’s constant pivoting detracts from character development and emotional resonance. RogerEbert.com’s review noted that the series “gets so far afield from its origin that you start to forget the initial premise.” While twists are a hallmark of Coben’s storytelling, their execution in Missing You felt forced and excessive, diluting the impact of key revelations.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Despite its flaws, the series’ cast received praise for their performances. Rosalind Eleazar’s portrayal of Kat Donovan adds gravitas to the show, and Mary Malone’s Aqua was highlighted for bringing depth and authenticity to the screen. However, even strong performances could not compensate for the script’s shortcomings. Critics noted that the cast’s efforts were often undermined by the series’ pacing issues and inconsistent tone.
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Comparisons to Fool Me Once
Released exactly one year before Missing You, Fool Me Once set a high benchmark for Coben adaptations. The 2024 series was praised for its engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and impactful performances. It ranked among Netflix’s most-watched English-language shows, drawing 98.2 million viewers within its first month.
In contrast, Missing You struggled to replicate this success. While both series share Coben’s signature twists and suspenseful storytelling, Fool Me Once benefited from a more cohesive script and stronger character arcs. The contrast in reception highlights the importance of balancing plot-driven narratives with character development, a balance Missing You failed to achieve.
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The Future of Harlan Coben Adaptations
The mixed reception of Missing You has cast a shadow over upcoming adaptations of Harlan Coben’s works. Netflix’s next project, Caught, based on Coben’s 2010 novel, is set for release in 2025. Directed by Sean Spencer and starring Soledad Villamil, Alberto Ammann, and Juan Minujín, Caught will be a Spanish-language series filmed in Argentina. The story follows journalist Ema Garay as she investigates the disappearance of a young girl in Patagonia.
With expectations heightened by Missing You’s underwhelming performance, Caught faces significant pressure to deliver. To succeed, the series will need to address the issues that plagued Missing You, including better pacing, stronger character development, and a more balanced approach to plot twists. As Coben’s Netflix deal continues to bring his novels to the screen, the platform’s ability to maintain the quality of adaptations will determine the longevity of this partnership.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
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