Netflix's latest high-profile thriller, 'His & Hers', has sparked a wave of critical frustration, being labelled a binge-worthy mystery that spectacularly fumbles its ending. The six-part limited series, which launched in full on Thursday 9 January 2026, features acclaimed stars Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal but has left reviewers annoyed by what they see as a convoluted and unsatisfying conclusion.
A Promising Adaptation with Stellar Names
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 married couple, played by Bernthal and Thompson, who find themselves professionally entangled in a shocking murder case—he as a detective, she as a news reporter. The ensemble cast also includes Pablo Schreiber, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Crystal Fox, Marin Ireland, and Sunita Mani.
Tessa Thompson, who also served as an executive producer, expressed her early enthusiasm for the project. In a Netflix press release, she stated she was "hooked" from the moment she understood the director's vision and visited the location. Despite this strong foundation and the proven talent of its leads, the series has not managed to translate its source material's success into universal critical acclaim.
Where 'His & Hers' Lost the Plot
The central complaint from numerous reviewers focuses on the show's finale, which has been described as undermining the entire viewing experience. Critics have pointed to clichéd voiceovers, underused supporting actors, and a far-fetched plot that fails to deliver a coherent or satisfying resolution.
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com did not mince words, writing that the story "makes so little sense when it’s done that it makes you angry, wondering why you wasted so much time on what’s ultimately a pretty gross piece of storytelling."
Meanwhile, Daniel Fienberg at The Hollywood Reporter called the series the "first disappointment of the new year." He criticised Oldroyd for "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," a sentiment echoed by others who highlighted glaring plot holes.
A 'Glossy' But Hollow Experience
A recurring theme in the critiques is the description of the series as "glossy." This suggests that while the production is sleek, visually appealing, and easy to watch, it ultimately lacks substantive depth or a memorable narrative punch. The show has been deemed a classic example of style over substance, capable of holding attention but leaving viewers feeling short-changed by the time the credits roll.
However, not all feedback was negative. Some critics found a perverse enjoyment in the show's relentless twists. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian advised viewers to switch off their critical faculties, noting, "The twists, they are plentiful. The absurdities, they multiply. The viewerly enjoyment, it increases... The endeavor is bingeable. Nobody needs more, this early in the year."
Ultimately, 'His & Hers' stands as a divisive new entry in Netflix's thriller catalogue. It showcases powerful performances from its A-list leads and hooks audiences with its premise, but for many, the journey is marred by a finale that feels like a betrayal of the suspense built over the preceding episodes. The series is available to stream now, inviting viewers to decide for themselves if the ride is worth the disappointing destination.
