Jennifer Saunders may still be best known for her iconic part in the beloved British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, which she wrote and co-starred in. But with the exception of that legendary comedy, her highest-rated TV drama – according to critics on Rotten Tomatoes – is actually Harlan Coben's The Stranger.
First premiering in 2020, it's often credited with being the first breakout hit for the popular author on Netflix, whose subsequent TV adaptations have gone on to become something of a streaming event for fans.
Based on the novel of the same name, The Stranger centres around a family man called Adam Price, whose life starts to crumble when he encounters a mysterious woman in a diner. Of course, it wouldn't be a Harlan Coben story without plenty of twists and turns along the way, and he soon finds himself entangled in a conspiracy.
Who was in the cast of The Stranger?
Jennifer Saunders was just one of the impressive ensemble of actors that starred in the Netflix mystery thriller.
The main character of Adam was played by Richard Armitage, who then later went on to appear in a number of other Harlan Coben shows, including Fool Me Once, with Michelle Keegan, and the more-recent Missing You.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer legend Anthony Head also starred in The Stranger, along with Happy Valley's Siobhan Finneran, and Marvel star Hannah John-Kamen.
What to Read Next
Elsewhere, the cast list for The Stranger includes:
- Paul Kaye (Small Prophets)
- Kadiff Kirwan (Slow Horses)
- Shaun Dooley (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office)
- Stephen Rea (Prime Target)
- Jacob Dudman (Fate: The Winx Saga)
What did the critics say about The Stranger?
As mentioned previously, it's currently Jennifer Saunders' highest-rated drama on Rotten Tomatoes, with only BBC comedy series (not a drama!) Absolutely Fabulous sitting with a higher score.
"With revelations dealt out like treats, actors of the quality of Stephen Rea and Jennifer Saunders in the cast, and pacing that is guaranteed to elevate your pulse rate, just try to watch one episode without being sucked in," wrote Sydney Morning Herald.
"A clever, mystery thriller, that doesn't reveal its secrets until it absolutely has to," said The Post NZ, while Den of Geek added: "It's an enjoyable and entertaining series that, while it doesn't leave a lasting impression, also doesn't allow any time for boredom."
"A strong and sprawling cast (Stephen Rea is also in it, as is Jennifer Saunders) work hard to keep all the balls in the air, and you will feel a strong urge to watch the second episode immediately, if only to clear up a few things," read Guardian's three-star review.
If you liked The Stranger, here are some other shows to stream now
Harlan Coben's latest Netflix release, I Will Find You, only dropped on the streaming platform last week, and is already proving to be a hit, drawing impressive viewing numbers for the streaming giant.
If it's more Jennifer Saunders you're after, the comedian and actor made a cameo appearance in Too Much. Starring Megan Stalter (Hacks) and Will Sharpe (Amadeus), the Netflix comedy-romance series followed a heartbroken American girl as she moves to London.
And of course, if you want to revisit Absolutely Fabulous, that's available as a full boxset on BBC iPlayer.
The Stranger, I Will Find You, and Too Much, are all streaming now on Netflix.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
