The new series Girl Taken is now available to stream on Paramount+. This British psychological thriller, based on the novel Baby Doll by Hollie Overton, tells the intense story of twin sisters torn apart by a crime. The full six-episode season arrived on the streaming service on January 8, 2026. This guide will break down the story, the cast, and what critics are saying to help you decide if this dramatic thriller is your next watch.
Stream It or Skip It? The Critical Verdict on Girl Taken
Reviews for Girl Taken offer a mixed but largely positive view. Many critics praise the show’s strong performances and its focus on emotional trauma over simple crime thrills.
One review recommends you STREAM IT, noting that the show builds tension in a straightforward way without relying on trickery or hiding information from the viewer. The Guardian’s review calls it a “deeply engaging, psychologically complex thriller that is a cut above the rest,” appreciating that the violence happens mostly off-screen to focus on the fallout for the family.
However, not all feedback is glowing. A review from RogerEbert.com points out significant flaws, stating the show starts strong but drops in quality after a few episodes, with some performances not meeting the material’s demands. Digital Spy describes it as a “flawed but worthy show” that remains gripping despite issues with pacing and some predictable plot points.
Where to Watch Girl Taken: Streaming Details and Global Release Times
Girl Taken is a Paramount+ original series and is streaming exclusively on that platform worldwide. The entire six-episode season was released at once for binge-watching on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Paramount+ often releases new content at midnight Pacific Time. Based on this pattern, the series likely became available at these local times:
- Los Angeles (PT): 12:00 a.m. on January 8
- New York (ET): 3:00 a.m. on January 8
- London (GMT): 8:00 a.m. on January 8
- Sydney (AEDT): 7:00 p.m. on January 8
You will need a Paramount+ subscription to watch. In the United States, plans start at $7.99 per month, while in the United Kingdom, they begin at £4.99 per month. The service is also accessible as an add-on channel within other platforms like Amazon Prime Video in some regions.
The Story and Cast of Girl Taken: What to Expect
Girl Taken centers on twin sisters Lily and Abby Riser in a quiet English town. Their lives are destroyed when Lily is abducted by a trusted local teacher, Rick Hansen. The story unfolds in two main parts: the immediate aftermath of the kidnapping and the complex journey years later when Lily escapes.
The series is based on Hollie Overton’s novel Baby Doll and was adapted for television by writers including David Turpin. A key theme is exploring the long-term trauma for the victim and her family, not just the crime itself. As the official description states, “The world she longed to return to has moved on without her”.
The cast features several notable actors:
- Alfie Allen plays the manipulative teacher, Rick Hansen. Allen is best known for his role as Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
- Jill Halfpenny plays the twins’ mother, Eve, who struggles with guilt and despair.
- Real-life sisters Tallulah Evans and Delphi Evans play the twin sisters Lily and Abby.
- The supporting cast includes Niamh Walsh as Rick’s wife, Zoe, and Vikash Bhai as Detective Sergeant Tommy Shah.
A Focus on Trauma and Performance Over Sensationalism
A standout aspect of Girl Taken mentioned by reviewers is its deliberate choice to avoid graphic sensationalism. The show focuses more on psychological impact and family drama than on depicting violence.
“It takes the neglected parts of such stories – the sadder, quieter, far less titillating and voyeuristic aspects of what it means to take a person out of her home… and fleshes all that out instead,” notes The Guardian’s review.
This approach is supported by the performances. Alfie Allen’s portrayal of Rick is frequently highlighted as chilling and complex, showing a man who expertly hides his true nature from the community. Jill Halfpenny also receives praise for her performance as a grieving mother. The dynamic between the real-life Evans sisters brings authenticity to the bond and conflict between the twins.
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Understanding the Content: What Viewers Should Know
Given its difficult subject matter, it’s helpful to know the tone and content before watching. Girl Taken deals directly with themes of abduction, coercive control, and traumatic recovery. However, most physical violence occurs off-screen. The series shows the emotional deterioration of the family, including struggles with addiction.
The cast themselves acknowledge the heavy nature of the show. Actress Jill Halfpenny suggested viewers might need something light to decompress after watching, even recommending the comedy film Bridesmaids as a follow-up.
“Let’s watch something you’ve already seen… There’s no shocks, there’s no terrible moments. It’s just fun,” Halfpenny said.
Alfie Allen added context about his character, describing Rick as someone who puts on the image of a “pillar of the community” but is “a nasty guy at his core”.
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