With Season 2 of “The Last Thing He Told Me” arriving on February 20, 2026, many viewers are wondering if they should catch up on the first season. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Apple TV thriller—from the plot and cast to what critics and fans really thought—to help you decide if it’s worth your time.
What Is The Last Thing He Told Me About?
“The Last Thing He Told Me” is a mystery thriller series on Apple TV+ based on the bestselling novel by Laura Dave. The story follows Hannah Hall, a woodturner living in Sausalito, California. Her life shatters when her husband, Owen Michaels, disappears after the tech company he works for is raided by the FBI. He leaves behind a cryptic note for Hannah that says, “Protect her”—referring to his teenage daughter, Bailey.
Hannah, who has always struggled to connect with her stepdaughter, must now team up with Bailey to find Owen. Their search leads them from California to Austin, Texas, uncovering dangerous secrets about Owen’s past and the real reason he vanished.
Season 1 Story Recap
The first season, which premiered in April 2023, consists of seven episodes. Hannah and Bailey’s investigation reveals that Owen is not who he claimed to be. His real name is Ethan Young, and he entered the witness protection program after testifying against a powerful crime syndicate linked to his former father-in-law.
The season ends with Hannah making a difficult deal with Owen’s dangerous former father-in-law to ensure Bailey’s safety. In a final time jump, a disguised Owen briefly reunites with Hannah, passing a secret message of love. The true resolution comes from the evolving relationship between Hannah and Bailey, who finally call each other “Mom” and daughter.
“In the end, Hannah chooses Bailey, and Bailey chooses Hannah,” star Angourie Rice told TODAY.com. “So that to me was such a beautiful story about what motherhood and daughterhood… can be.”
Main Cast and Characters
The series features a strong ensemble cast led by Hollywood favorites.
- Jennifer Garner plays Hannah Hall, the determined stepmother thrust into a mystery.
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays Owen Michaels/Ethan Young, the husband with a hidden past.
- Angourie Rice plays Bailey Michaels/Kristin, the rebellious teenage stepdaughter.
- Aisha Tyler plays Jules, Hannah’s best friend and a journalist.
- David Morse plays Nicholas Bell, Owen’s threatening former father-in-law.
For Season 2, Jennifer Garner, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Angourie Rice are all returning. New cast members include Judy Greer and Rita Wilson.
How Critics Reviewed Season 1
Critics had mixed feelings about the first season. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports a 41% approval rating from critics. The consensus notes that while “Jennifer Garner’s sensitive performance brings some heart to the proceedings,” the show suffers from “monotonous pacing and a glossy veneer”.
Some reviews were harsh. The Guardian called Garner’s performance “wooden” and criticized the show for having “shallowly depicted” characters. Others were more measured. The Hollywood Reporter found it “blandly watchable,” praising the central performances but noting a “pervasive sense of blandness” in the story.
What Fans and Viewers Said
Despite the mixed critical reception, the show found a solid audience. It became Apple TV+’s most-watched limited series at the time of its release. On IMDb, it holds a user rating of 6.6/10 based on over 20,000 ratings.
Many viewers appreciated the character dynamics and slower pace. One fan wrote, “This is a slow building drama, if you can hang in until the end, you’ll be rewarded. [It has] a great story, a great cast and some compelling performances”. Another viewer noted, “I’m sure Jennifer Garner is why most of us tuned into this series. She’s always a joy to watch”.
Should You Watch or Skip?
Whether you should watch “The Last Thing He Told Me” depends on what you look for in a thriller.
Consider watching if you enjoy:
- Character-driven mysteries focused on family bonds.
- Strong performances from a reliable cast.
- A slower, more deliberate pace rather than constant action.
- Book adaptations that stick close to the source material.
You might want to skip if you prefer:
- Fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers with lots of twists.
- Complex, gritty storytelling over a polished, “glossy” style.
- Universal critical acclaim, as reviews were decidedly mixed.
The show is ultimately about the forming of a “found family” between a stepmother and stepdaughter. If that emotional journey interests you more than a perfectly plotted mystery, it’s likely worth watching.
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Season 2 Release and Streaming Details
The second season premieres on Apple TV+ on February 20, 2026. It will consist of eight episodes, released weekly every Friday until April 10. The season is based on Laura Dave’s sequel novel, “The First Time I Saw Him”.
The official trailer shows Owen returning after five years on the run, forcing Hannah and Bailey to reunite their family before threats from the past catch up to them.
All episodes of Season 1 are available to stream now on Apple TV+. A subscription is required to watch.
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