Harlan Coben has returned to the top of the streaming charts with his latest Netflix adaptation, Run Away. The eight-part series, which premiered on January 1, 2026, follows the harrowing journey of a father, Simon Greene (James Nesbitt), as he searches for his drug-addicted daughter in a dangerous underworld. While the show is packed with the signature twists fans expect, Coben recently shared that the story’s origins began with a simple, unsettling observation in a public park.
The “Paraphernalia” Moment That Sparked the Story
The idea for Run Away didn’t come from a complex police report or a news headline, but from a quiet moment of curiosity. Harlan Coben explained that he was sitting in a park when he noticed a young woman who looked out of place. She was busking, playing a guitar, but appeared disheveled and clearly struggling.
As he watched people walk past her, he began to wonder about her background. He realized that every person who ends up in such a vulnerable position is someone’s child. The writer noted that he “found a little paraphernalia” nearby—small items left behind that hinted at a much darker reality. This prompted a central, terrifying question for any parent: what if that was my child, and what would I do to bring them home?
“Run Away is about family—about what we will do to keep our family intact, what secrets we keep within our family, and what secrets we keep as a family,” Coben shared during a recent interview. “Every time you walk past a house, there’s a whole universe that goes on behind that door and none of us have a clue what it is.”
What Happens in the Series?
The series begins with Simon Greene, a successful wealth manager living in Manchester, whose life is shattered when his eldest daughter, Paige (Ellie de Lange), runs away. After six months of silence, Simon spots her playing guitar in a park. However, she isn’t the girl he remembers; she is “strung out” and under the influence of her boyfriend, Aaron Corval.
When Simon tries to intervene, a violent confrontation occurs. Shortly after, Aaron is found murdered, and Simon finds himself as a lead suspect in a homicide investigation. To clear his name and save Paige, he must team up with a private investigator, Elena Ravenscroft (Ruth Jones), to navigate a web of cults, drug dealers, and long-buried family secrets.
Cast and Character Details
The production features a high-profile cast of British and Irish talent, many of whom have worked with Coben and developer Danny Brocklehurst on previous projects like Stay Close and Fool Me Once.
- James Nesbitt as Simon Greene: A desperate father whose search for his daughter leads him to commit acts he never thought possible.
- Minnie Driver as Ingrid Greene: Simon’s wife and a pediatrician who struggles with how to handle their daughter’s addiction.
- Ellie de Lange as Paige Greene: The missing daughter at the heart of the mystery.
- Ruth Jones as Elena Ravenscroft: A private investigator who brings a bit of dry humor to the otherwise dark series.
- Alfred Enoch as Isaac Fagbenle: One of the detectives investigating the murder case that entangles the Greene family.
- Adrian Greensmith and Ellie Henry: Playing the younger Greene siblings, Sam and Anya.
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Where to Watch and Release Information
Run Away is a Netflix global release, meaning all eight episodes became available simultaneously across the world.
- United Kingdom: Available now on Netflix UK.
- USA and Canada: Streaming on Netflix since January 1.
- Australia and India: All episodes are currently available for binge-watching.
The show has already climbed to the number two spot on the global Netflix charts, sitting just behind the final season of Stranger Things. Early reviews have praised the chemistry between James Nesbitt and Ruth Jones, with critics noting that while the plot moves at a breakneck speed, the emotional core of a father’s love keeps the story grounded.
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