Apple TV+ delivered one of 2023’s most bingeable and emotionally charged limited series with The Last Thing He Told Me, a seven-episode adaptation of Laura Dave’s runaway bestseller of the same name. Starring Jennifer Garner in her first major television role in over a decade, the show quickly became a global hit, earning strong critical praise (88% on Rotten Tomatoes) and massive viewership numbers that kept it in Netflix and Apple TV+ top charts for weeks after release.

The series follows Hannah Michaels (Garner), a woodturner living a quiet life in Austin, Texas, who is suddenly thrust into a nightmare when her husband Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears without warning. On the same day, their 16-year-old stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) receives a cryptic note from Owen: “Protect her.” With no body, no ransom demand, and no clear explanation, Hannah is left to piece together the fragments of her husband’s life — a life she realizes she barely knew.

What begins as a missing-person mystery rapidly unfolds into a high-stakes conspiracy involving corporate fraud, witness protection, and dangerous secrets from Owen’s past. As Hannah and Bailey go on the run, they must learn to trust each other while evading threats from both law enforcement and shadowy figures who want them silenced. The story is told through dual timelines: the present-day search for Owen and flashbacks that slowly reveal the lies and choices that led to his disappearance.

Jennifer Garner anchors the series with a grounded, relatable performance as a woman who is equal parts terrified, determined, and fiercely protective. Her chemistry with Angourie Rice — playing the guarded, sarcastic Bailey — gives the show its emotional core. The two leads carry most of the screen time, and their evolving bond from reluctant strangers to true family feels authentic and moving. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau brings quiet intensity to Owen in flashbacks, while supporting performances from John Harlan Kim, Augusto Aguilera, and Geoff Stults add layers of tension and mystery.

The adaptation, developed by Laura Dave herself alongside Josh Singer (Spotlight, The West Wing), stays remarkably faithful to the book while expanding the emotional stakes. The pacing is deliberate — slow-burn in the early episodes, accelerating into a tense, twist-filled final act. Director Julia Roberts (executive producer and occasional director) and the creative team maintain a moody, intimate atmosphere: Austin’s warm light contrasted with the cold uncertainty of Hannah and Bailey’s flight.

Critics praised the series for its restraint and character focus: “A smart, suspenseful thriller that never sacrifices emotion for plot twists” (The Hollywood Reporter). “Garner and Rice make you care deeply about what happens next” (Variety). Viewers echoed the sentiment, with many binge-watching the entire season in one sitting. Social media lit up with #TheLastThingHeToldMe trending for weeks, fans praising the “satisfying but bittersweet” ending and the show’s refusal to tie every loose end in a neat bow.

The series also explores timely themes: the fragility of trust in relationships, the lengths a parent will go to protect a child, and the devastating ripple effects of secrets. It’s a thriller that never forgets the human cost.

With strong ratings, critical acclaim, and a passionate fanbase, The Last Thing He Told Me has already been renewed for a second season, expanding beyond the original novel into new territory. For fans of domestic suspense, missing-person mysteries, and character-driven drama, it’s essential viewing.

Stream all seven episodes on Apple TV+ now — but be warned: once you start wondering “what did he tell her?”, you won’t be able to stop.