This brand new Netflix show is currently surging in the United States and around the world just days after its release, making it one of the top trending viral hits on Netflix during the first official weekend of 2026.

The question is, however, just because the series has found instant streaming success and is one of the best shows to binge-watch on Netflix this weekend, does that mean it’s the right fit for you? Screen Rant breaks down whether this 8-part thriller series is really worth your time.

Harlan Coben’s Run Away Is A Must-Binge Viral Hit On Netflix

If you’ve been scanning Netflix’s Top 10 shows in the U.S. list this weekend, chances are you’ve come across the brand new crime thriller series Run Away, which currently sits in the #2 spot just behind Stranger Things.

The first thing to know about this series is that it’s one of many adaptations of novels written by bestselling author Harlan Coben. Other notable TV adaptations include Missing You, Safe, The Stranger, Fool Me Once, Stay Close, Just One Look, and Hold Tight. All these and more are available to stream on Netflix, although some of Coben’s adaptations are also available to watch on Prime Video, such as Lazarus.

As for Run Away’s plot, it follows an ordinary man named Simon Greene whose daughter goes missing, only to be found strung out on drugs in a park. In order to protect his daughter and keep his family intact, he’ll have to confront a violent and dangerous underworld that he never knew existed.

Run Away dropped on Netflix on January 1, 2026, and immediately became a worldwide streaming sensation upon its release. Critics gave the series a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, also audience reception has been more divisive. You may recognize lead actor James Nesbitt from previous Coben adaptations like Missing You and Stay Close. He’s joined by Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter movies), and Ellie de Lange, who portrays Simon’s daughter, Paige.

Top 3 Reasons Why Run Away Is Worth Binge-Watching Right Now

Minnie Driver as Ingrid Greene laying next to James Nesbitt as Simon Greene reading a newspaper.Everett

Run Away is a great show to binge-watch on Netflix this weekend for three distinct reasons. Firstly, Coben’s body of work has made him a household name, especially in the mystery and thriller genres, so be assured that watching Run Away is watching a master in his element.

Secondly, Run Away is a standalone miniseries, consisting of just 8 episodes, all 41–50 minutes each. If you’re looking for a series to get lost in during a cold and cozy weekend at home, Run Away is instantly immersive and intriguing from the very first scene, designed to keep viewers hooked until the very last minute.

Lastly, Run Away is already considered one of the better Harlan Coben adaptations on streaming, receiving more critical acclaim than Lazarus, Missing You, Fool Me Once, and Safe. While it’s likely not a major awards contender, Run Away is thrilling without being overly complex, led by strong performances rather than narrative innovation, which may be ideal for a post-New Year’s 2026 binge on Netflix.