4 best Harlan Coben shows on Netflix to watch and 3 to skip

Get ready for an electrifying ride through the thrilling world of Harlan Coben as we delve into the Netflix universe, where mystery, suspense, and jaw-dropping twists are the order of the day.

With the highly anticipated eight-part series adaptation of Fool Me Once on the horizon, there’s no better time to explore the captivating realm of Coben’s storytelling.

Whether you’re a seasoned Coben fan or a newcomer, we’ll guide you through the 4 best Harlan Coben shows available on Netflix that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seats. Additionally, we’ll also reveal the 3 shows that you might want to consider skipping, ensuring your Netflix binge-watching experience is nothing short of extraordinary!

Join us as we unravel the web of suspense, mystery, and intrigue crafted by the prolific author and true master of suspense, Harlan Coben, and brought to life on our screens by Netflix below!

Harlan Coben shows on Netflix you should watch and skip

As we anticipate the release of Fool Me Once, the latest Harlan Coben adaptation on Netflix, come along with us as we uncover which shows already available on the streaming platform deserve your attention and which ones you might want to skip!

Safe (2018)

Watch: Safe is an enthralling and suspenseful drama centered around the disappearance of a teenage girl, set within the confines of a gated community. Dr. Tom Delaney, portrayed by Michael C. Hall, appears to lead a stable life in this suburban haven with his two daughters. However, this illusion shatters when his older daughter, Jenny, vanishes following a party. Tom embarks on a desperate quest to find her and unveil the truth concealed within the community’s seemingly tranquil exterior.

The series offers a compelling plot that held us captivated and at the edge of our seats throughout. It is imbued with suspense and tension, enriching the overall atmosphere. Safe is a labyrinth of unexpected twists and turns, with its eight episodes skillfully keeping you guessing right until the very end. We wholeheartedly recommend giving it a watch. The official synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"“After his teenage daughter goes missing, a widowed surgeon begins uncovering dark secrets of the people closest to him.”"

The Stranger (2020)

Skip: The Stranger delves into a web of secrets, lies, and deceptions that entangle the lives of individuals in a suburban community. The story kicks off when a mysterious stranger approaches Adam Price, portrayed by Richard Armitage, and delivers a shocking revelation about his wife, Corinne, played by Dervla Kirwan.

While the series has its intriguing moments, we found it to be unnecessarily complex, with the main storyline lacking sufficient room to breathe. The plot can be convoluted, with multiple seemingly unrelated threads happening simultaneously, which makes it challenging to keep track of the characters and their secrets. These complexities might make it a less enjoyable choice for some viewers.The official synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"“Follows the lives of suburban families whose secrets and lies are made public by the appearance of a stranger.”"

The Woods (2020)

Watch: The Woods transports you to a summer camp nestled deep in the woods of 1994, a place shrouded in mystery where four teenagers vanished without a trace. A quarter of a century later, a body is unearthed, breathing new life into a long-dormant case. At the heart of this gripping series is Pawel Kopinski, haunted by the unresolved disappearance of his sister and the murder of his childhood crush.

We found the series to be a compelling and unpredictable journey, taking unexpected twists and turns that will keep you hooked. The cinematography adds to the visual allure, creating a captivating backdrop for the unfolding drama. The Woods is not only well-executed but also well worth your time! The official synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"“In Warsaw, a prosecutor’s hopes rise after a body is found and linked to his sister’s disappearance 25 years earlier.”"

The Innocent (2021)

Watch: The Innocent is a captivating thriller that delves into the life of Mateo Vidal, a man ensnared in a complex web of secrets, lies, and crime.

This adaptation stands out as one of the series’ finest, delivering a gripping plot that will hold your attention from start to finish. The series boasts breathtaking cinematography, creating a dark and immersive atmosphere that heightens the suspense. The standout performances of the cast, with Mario Casas in a particularly remarkable role, add an extra layer of excellence to the show. The official synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"“An accidental killing leads a man down a dark hole of intrigue and murder. Just as he finds love and freedom, one phone call brings back the nightmare.”"

Gone for Good (2021)

Skip: Gone For Good leads viewers on a journey as a man becomes entangled in a nightmarish mystery, triggered by his girlfriend’s sudden disappearance, a decade after his brother’s tragic murder.

Regrettably, we found the series to be marked by a notably slow pace and a plot that lacks the gripping engagement seen in other Harlan Coben adaptations. The characters lack the depth and development expected in Coben’s work, and the show falls short of delivering the suspense and tension that are typically the hallmarks of his storytelling. The official, synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"“Guillaume thought he had drawn a line under the terrible tragedy which saw the two people he loved the most die. Ten years later, Judith, whose love has made his life worth living again, suddenly disappears during his mother’s funeral.”"

Stay Close (2021)

Skip: Stay Close delves into a mystery drama narrative that centers around Megan’s reunion with Ray, an encounter cut short, and Detective Mike Broome’s investigation into a pattern of disappearances linked to a complex old case.

However, we found the overall plot of the series somewhat convoluted, with an abundance of characters sometimes engaging in lackluster dialogue. Additionally, the show leans heavily on clichés, which makes the storyline quite predictable. The official, synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"“The lives of a photojournalist, a soccer mom and a homicide detective are disturbed by a terrible event from the past.”"

Hold Tight (2022)

Watch: Hold Tight unfolds in the tranquil surroundings of a Warsaw suburb, where the peaceful facade of an affluent neighborhood gradually crumbles as a young man goes missing shortly after his friend’s death. This disappearance peels back the layers of secrets and lies, revealing that the seemingly idyllic community holds more than meets the eye.

The show offers a strong and intricately woven plot, replete with the kind of unexpected twists that Harlan Coben is known for. The contrasting settings, with parents’ homes in a modern, prosperous neighborhood and their children’s hangout spots in rundown areas, create a striking backdrop for the unfolding drama. The acting is consistently solid, and the series is masterfully executed with excellent pacing and direction. The official synopsis on IMDb teases the series’ premise perfectly:

"“When a young man goes missing soon after his friend dies, life in a tight-knit, affluent Warsaw suburb slowly unravels, exposing secrets and lies.”"

When is Fool Me Once coming to Netflix?

Currently, Fool Me Once, featuring Michelle Keegan and Richard Armitage, awaits an official release date. However, viewers can anticipate its launch in the latter part of 2023 or the early months of 2024.