A new Netflix drama is proving a powerful lesson: sometimes the smallest stories make the biggest waves. Ripple, a series that arrived on the platform with very little advance promotion on December 3, has rapidly climbed Netflix’s charts. It became the eighth most-watched title in the UK shortly after its release, with fans worldwide reporting they binge-watched all eight episodes in a single sitting.
The show follows four strangers in New York City—Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria—whose separate lives begin to connect through a series of small, seemingly random events. Viewers and critics are calling it a touching and expertly crafted drama that fills a void for heartfelt, character-driven storytelling.
The Story and Characters Driving the Buzz
At its core, Ripple is about connection and the unseen threads that link people. The official description states that the series shows “how even small actions can set off monumental consequences”. The story begins with a simple event: a blue stone falling from a high-rise building. This small incident sets off a chain reaction that gradually brings the four main characters together.
Each character is navigating a significant personal challenge:
- Walter, played by Frankie Faison, is a widower grappling with loss.
- Kris, played by Julia Chan, is a former record-label executive who has lost her job.
- Nate, played by Ian Harding, is facing a serious health journey as a lung-cancer patient.
- Aria, played by Sydney Agudong, is an aspiring musician dealing with anxiety and the struggles of a creative life.
The creator, Michele Giannusa, has said that the show is a very personal project, with elements of each character drawn from real experiences of grief, anxiety, and career change.
Audience and Critical Reaction: “Spectacular” and “A Must See”
The audience response to Ripple has been overwhelmingly positive. On review platforms, viewers have given the series strong ratings and compared its emotional depth to popular shows like This Is Us.
One viewer wrote, “This is the type of series that fills a void television has had for a long time. Not since This Is Us have I felt this way about a series… It’s terrific, a must see!”.
Another fan shared, “Ripple matches the quality of This Is Us! I loved how these characters’ lives are all intertwined… This one’s easy to binge-watch”.
Many viewers have taken to social media to express how quickly they consumed the series and their immediate desire for more stories. Common reactions include notes about finishing the season too quickly and strong appeals to Netflix for a second season.
The Creative Mind Behind the Series
Ripple was created by Michele Giannusa, who also served as executive producer. In interviews, Giannusa explained that the idea was born from a personal moment of reflection after her own life took an unexpected turn.
She revealed that the show’s journey to Netflix was a long one. It was first sold to Netflix in 2018, moved to Hallmark+ during industry shifts, and finally returned to Netflix where it found its global audience. Giannusa has a clear long-term vision for the characters, stating she initially planned for a five-season story arc.
“When the show started in development, I had five seasons in my pocket. I’ve always had five seasons in my pocket,” Giannusa said. “I know exactly what the very last shot of the last episode looks like. I really, really hope we can keep telling these stories”.
Will There Be a Season 2?
As of December 12, Netflix and production company Lionsgate have not officially announced a renewal for Ripple Season 2. This is common, as streamers often wait to assess viewer numbers and audience reaction before making renewal decisions.
However, the first season ends with several storylines purposefully open, indicating the creators’ hope to continue. Key questions left for potential future seasons include the outcome of Nate’s health journey, the success of Aria’s music career, and the new partnership between Walter and Nate.
The show’s rapid rise on the charts and passionate fan response are strong indicators that Netflix will be looking closely at the data. The cast has also shown enthusiasm for continuing, frequently sharing the show’s success on social media.
Full Cast List and Where to Watch
The series features a blend of experienced and rising talent. The main cast includes:
- Frankie Faison as Walter
- Julia Chan as Kris
- Ian Harding as Nate
- Sydney Agudong as Aria
They are joined by supporting cast members including Marci T. House, Sarah Swire, Vanessa Smythe, and Robert Bazzocchi. Vanessa Smythe, who plays Claire, shared that part of her role involved learning American Sign Language for the show.
Ripple is available to stream globally on Netflix. All eight episodes of the first season are ready to watch.
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