Acclaimed author Harlan Coben is poised to unveil his next streaming series, following the remarkable success of Missing You, which premiered on Netflix on January 1st. This new series draws inspiration from his 2014 thriller novel and features Rosalind Eleazar in the role of British detective Kat Donovan. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding her father’s death and her ex-fiancé’s disappearance, viewers are promised a gripping narrative. This highly anticipated release is one of the latest adaptations from Coben, hot on the heels of the 2024 hit, Fool Me Once.
Coben, whose novels have been consistently transformed into successful films and television series, boasts an impressive portfolio that includes renowned titles such as The Stranger, Tell No One, and The Woods. Notably, all eight of his previous adaptations on Netflix received a “Fresh”rating on Rotten Tomatoes—each achieving over 60% approval. Fool Me Once notably emerged as one of Netflix’s top-viewed series of 2024. In current rankings, Missing You holds the No. 2 position among Top TV Shows in the U.S. However, interestingly, this latest show is the first among Coben’s adaptations to receive a “rotten”score on Rotten Tomatoes, currently sitting at 52% from critics and 28% from audiences.
Coben’s Next Series: Confirmation on the Horizon
Upcoming Release: Lazarus on Prime Video by 2025
In a recent development, Coben confirmed his collaboration with Prime Video for an eagerly awaited series titled Lazarus. Co-written with Danny Brocklehurst, this original production stars Sam Claflin, known for his role in Daisy Jones & The Six, as a forensic psychologist returning to his hometown to tackle a series of unresolved murder cases. Bill Nighy will portray his deceased father, while Alexandra Roach plays his sister.
During an interview with RadioTimes, Coben shared insights about the release timeline of this new series, mentioning that he has recently completed filming. He described Lazarus as a “visual”ghost story, generating excitement among fans with its anticipated arrival on Prime Video later this year. Here’s what he stated:
It’s a feel thing. I just finished filming a series called Lazarus with Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin [due later this year on Amazon Prime Video]. That was an original idea. I thought, “I could write this as a novel, but I’m seeing it as a TV series.”It’s a little more of a ghost story, very visual.
Insights on Lazarus
A Distinctive Coben Experience
While it remains uncertain whether shooting for Lazarus has officially concluded, it is estimated that the show may soon enter post-production. If so, audiences might expect its premiere in the fall or winter of this year. Coben’s characterization of Lazarus as a ghost story suggests intriguing parallels with shows like Dexter, where a forensic expert converses with a spectral version of his father amidst a narrative of moral complexity.
As an original series, Lazarus is free from the constraints of pre-existing novels. Coben has hinted that it will explore profound themes of loss and redemption, focusing on the enduring connection between a parent and child, transcending even death. In contrast to the more classic mystery formats of Missing You and Fool Me Once, Lazarus presents the potential for a uniquely innovative Coben offering.
Source: RadioTimes
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