Netflix's latest crime drama offering, His & Hers, fails to deliver the gripping suspense it promises, resulting in a disappointing viewing experience. Headlined by stars Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, this six-part limited series, which premiered on January 9, 2026, has been rated a mere 2 out of 5 stars by prominent critic Alaka Sahani. Despite a promising premise and a talented cast, the show falters due to predictable plot twists and a narrative pace that drags.
A Promising Setup That Loses Its Way
The series opens with compelling, atmospheric visuals designed to hook the audience. Viewers are introduced to a woman lying fatally wounded on a blood-red car on a rainy night, followed by journalist Anna Andrews (Tessa Thompson) returning to her apartment in a dishevelled, wet state. A voiceover ominously states, "There are at least two sides to every story... Which means that someone is always lying." This sets the stage for what should be a complex web of deceit.
His & Hers is an adaptation of Alice Feeney's novel, set in a sleepy north Georgia town rocked by a murder. The crime turns every resident into a potential suspect, including Anna and the lead investigator, Detective Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal). The plot thickens with the revelation that Anna and Jack are an estranged couple, their relationship shattered by the tragic death of their child. Anna, returning to her TV news job after a year's leave, is intensely keen to cover this hometown murder, setting the estranged spouses on a collision course.
Strong Performances Undermined by Weak Writing
The series boasts elements that should have guaranteed success. Tessa Thompson delivers a performance that effectively blends salacious intrigue with a manipulative streak. However, the material doesn't allow her to reach the dramatic heights she achieved in projects like 'Hedda'. Jon Bernthal is reliable as the hassled detective, but his character, as written, fails to spark genuine curiosity in the audience.
A notable bright spot is Sunita Mani, who makes a strong impression as Detective Priya Patel. The series is created by William Oldroyd, the director known for 'Lady Macbeth' (2016) and 'Eileen' (2013). Oldroyd attempts to weave themes of mourning, murder, and memory into a compelling mystery, pitting wife against husband in a bitter duel. The show tries to build an undercurrent of tension by exploring the personal trauma carried by its characters, including past grief and community cracks.
Why the Mystery Falls Flat
Ultimately, His & Hers struggles because its execution doesn't match its ambition. The story incorporates familiar tropes but lacks the depth needed to make them resonate. The central mystery unfolds with a lack of surprise, and the storytelling often feels sluggish, preventing the series from becoming the binge-worthy experience Netflix audiences expect.
Despite its evocative setting and intriguing character dynamics, the series is marred by a predictable plot. The potential for a gripping cat-and-mouse game between Thompson and Bernthal's characters is never fully realized. The result is a crime drama that, despite its dark twists and capable actors, remains devoid of genuine thrills, leaving viewers more weary than wired by the final episode.
His & Hers cast: Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, Rebecca Rittenhouse.
Creator: William Oldroyd.
Rating: 2 stars.
