Netflix fans are hooked on Boston-based thriller Absentia, which is climbing the UK charts despite first airing in 2017. The show originally premiered on Prime Video and ran for three seasons before finding a new home on Netflix UK.
The star-studded cast includes actors from series like Downton Abbey, Westworld, Peaky Blinders and The Thursday Murder Club. Stana Katic, known for Castle, leads as Special Agent Emily Byrne, with Patrick Heusinger (Gossip Girl) as Special Agent Nick Durand, Christopher Colquhoun (Casualty) as Special Agent Derek Crown, and Natasha Little (Vanity Fair) as Special Agent Julianne Gunnarsen.
The synopsis from IMDB reads: “After being declared dead in absentia, an FBI agent must reclaim her family, identity and innocence when she finds herself the prime suspect in a string of murders.” On Rotten Tomatoes, Absentia has a critic score of 50% but a higher audience score of 69%.
Fans have praised the show as “fast paced” and “absolutely superb,” with one viewer saying, “I watched the whole 1st season in 1 day.” However, some critics argue it is “objectively bad” with “so many loopholes.” Despite mixed reviews, another fan insisted, “This show is one of very few where almost anyone can be the villain. It keeps the viewer engaged all the way through.”
