Netflix's latest high-profile thriller, 'His & Hers', has launched to a chorus of critical frustration, with reviewers branding its conclusion a significant letdown that undermines an otherwise addictive series. The six-part limited series, which dropped all at once on Thursday 08 January 2026, features acclaimed stars Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal but has failed to win over critics with its finale.
A Promising Premise Derailed
Adapted from Alice Feeney's bestselling novel and directed by William Oldroyd (known for 'Lady Macbeth'), the show is set in the small town of Dahlonega, Georgia. It follows an estranged couple, portrayed by Bernthal as a detective and Thompson as a news reporter, who are both drawn into a shocking murder case. The ensemble cast also includes Pablo Schreiber, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Crystal Fox, Marin Ireland, and Sunita Mani.
Thompson, who also served as an executive producer, expressed early enthusiasm for the project. In a Netflix press release, she stated she was "hooked" from the moment she understood director Oldroyd's vision for Feeney's book and after visiting the town where the story is set.
Critics Slam 'Inept' Finale and 'Glossy' Substance
Despite the strong source material and talented cast, the series has been heavily criticised for its execution. A common complaint centres on an ending that many found unsatisfying and riddled with plot holes. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com captured the sentiment of many, writing that the story "makes so little sense when it’s done that it makes you angry, wondering why you wasted so much time."
Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter was even harsher, labelling the show the "first disappointment of the new year." He accused Oldroyd of "fumbling the mystery’s structuring device" and delivering an "inept finale with two endings — one stupid and obvious, the other merely stupid." Fienberg summarised the conclusion as "actively irritating."
Beyond the finale, reviewers took issue with clichéd voiceovers, underused supporting actors, and a plot that stretches credibility. A recurring descriptor in reviews was "glossy", suggesting the series is visually polished and easy to watch but ultimately lacks depth and narrative satisfaction.
A Minority Report of Enjoyment
Not every review was wholly negative. Some critics found fun in the series' relentless twists, advising viewers to switch off their analytical minds and enjoy the ride. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian offered a more forgiving take, noting, "The twists, they are plentiful. The absurdities, they multiply. The viewerly enjoyment, it increases." She concluded that the "endeavor is bingeable" and that "nobody needs more, this early in the year."
Ultimately, 'His & Hers' presents a case of a thriller that builds compelling momentum only to falter at the finish line for a majority of critics. While the star power of Thompson and Bernthal and the slick production may attract viewers, the widespread panning of its ending serves as a stark warning for those seeking a mystery with a truly rewarding payoff.
