15 most overrated Netflix shows of 2020

Overrated Netflix shows: The Stranger

Seasons: 1

Created By: Harlan Coben

Starring: Richard Armitage, Siobhan Finneran, Jennifer Saunders, Shaun Dooley, Paul Kaye, Dervla Kirwan, Kadiff Kirwan, Jacob Dudman, Ella-Rae Smith, Brandon Flowers, Misha Handley, Anthony Head, Hannah John-Kamen, Stephen Rea

Why It’s Overrated: These days, if there’s something everyone seems to love more than an exciting documentary series or wacky reality show, it’s a thrilling limited series. Big Little Lies, The Undoing, Sharp Objects and many, many more have premiered in the last few years and captivated the entire internet. By and large, limited series have all but resurrected the concept of watercolor TV, when shows would attract 10s of millions of viewers and have everyone talking the next day. But with social media, shows catch on like wildfire. However, The Stranger didn’t.

Based on the novel of the same name by Harlan Coben, who also created the miniseries, The Stranger follows the aftermath of a “mysterious stranger” sharing a bit of information with a privileged man. Of course, that secret has ripple effects for the recipient, including his wife going missing. The stranger, a woman in her 20s, ends up being found out for her connection to other secrets that have emerged throughout the series. It all leads up to a shocking conclusion.

The Stranger debuted on Netflix in January and earned mostly positive reviews from critics, holding an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. As addictive as the story might be, the limited series didn’t seem to make a lasting impact on pre-quarantine binge-watchers. If anything, The Stranger comes off of this mixed-up year overrated because of the overflowing amount of mystery thrillers, and notably better ones, taking up space in both our watch lists and minds.