The new Netflix drama Ripple features a main cast you have almost certainly seen before. The series, which arrived on Netflix on December 3, 2025, brings together four strangers in New York City whose lives become deeply connected. The show’s strength lies in its actors, a mix of seasoned television veterans and fast-rising stars from major franchises. From a legendary figure in acclaimed HBO drama to a star from a popular teen series and a lead from a recent Disney live-action hit, here is a complete guide to where you know the cast of Ripple from.
Meet the Four Main Characters of Ripple
Ripple is an eight-episode drama that follows Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria. These four New Yorkers have unknowingly crossed paths many times before a series of small decisions finally brings them together. They each face significant personal challenges, including grief, health issues, and career changes, and find support in their unexpected connections. The series was created by Michele Giannusa and is produced by Lionsgate Canada. Originally developed for Hallmark Plus, the show found its home with a global release on Netflix.
Frankie Faison as Walter: A Drama Icon
Frankie Faison brings immense depth to the role of Walter, a widower navigating life after loss. At 76 years old, Faison is a highly respected actor with a long list of major credits.
Audiences will most likely recognize him from his pivotal role as Commissioner Ervin Burrell on HBO’s landmark series The Wire. He is also famously known for playing Barney Matthews, the orderly, in the Hannibal Lecter film series, including The Silence of the Lambs. His other notable roles include Sugar Bates on the Cinemax series Banshee and parts in classic films like Coming to America and Do the Right Thing.
Julia Chan as Kris: From Medical Drama to Record Executive
Julia Chan plays Kris, a former record-label executive who is re-evaluating her life and career in New York. The 42-year-old English actress and presenter is known for several key television roles.
She is best known for playing Dr. Maggie Lin on the long-running CTV medical drama Saving Hope. Chan also starred as Pepper Smith in The CW’s New York-based series Katy Keene, a role that shares some thematic ground with her Ripple character. Beyond acting, she co-hosted the first two seasons of The Great Canadian Baking Show.
Ian Harding as Nate: From Teacher to Bar Owner
Ian Harding takes on the role of Nate, a bar owner facing a serious health diagnosis that causes him to rethink his relationships. For many viewers, Harding is a familiar face from a defining teen drama.
The 39-year-old actor is best known for his role as Ezra Fitz, the English teacher and love interest, on the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars, a role he played from 2010 to 2017. This role earned him multiple Teen Choice Awards. Since then, he has appeared in shows like Chicago Med and Long Slow Exhale, and in films such as Adventureland and Ford v Ferrari. Harding has spoken about the tone of Ripple, noting, “It’s a show that has hope and heart. It’s funny. It has romance and romantic tension”.
Sydney Agudong as Aria: A Rising Star’s Big Break
Sydney Agudong portrays Aria, an aspiring musician whose path crosses with Kris’s at a pivotal moment. At 25 years old, Agudong is the youngest of the main cast and is quickly rising to fame.
Her biggest role to date is the lead part of Nani Pelekai in Disney’s 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Hailing from Hawaii, Agudong and her sister began traveling to Los Angeles for auditions at a young age. Before her Disney breakout, she had guest roles on series like On My Block and NCIS.
The Supporting Cast and Guest Stars
The story in Ripple is supported by a strong ensemble of characters who interact with the main quartet. Many of these actors also have notable credits from popular genre shows.
- Nicola Correia-Damude plays Sylvie. She is recognized for her role as Maryse Lightwood on the fantasy series Shadowhunters.
- Sarah Swire plays Ellis. She is known for her role as Jenna Briggs in The Last Frontier and appeared in an episode of The Boys. She is also a singer-songwriter who performs as Sister Swire.
- Vanessa Smythe plays Claire. She is best known for her role as Michio on the sci-fi series The Expanse and has also appeared in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. For her role in Ripple, Smythe learned American Sign Language. She shared on Instagram about working with interpreters and her on-screen daughter, saying, “I was honoured to get to engage with members of the deaf community”.
- Marci T. House plays Tara Martin. Her credits include Murder in a Small Town and the film Happy Face.
- Robert Bazzocchi plays John. His acting portfolio includes appearances in Gen V and Reacher. Interestingly, he initially studied Robotics Engineering at university before switching to acting.
Other guest stars include Isabella Astbury as Finn, Lyra Xhoci as Nurse Angela, and Eden Broda as Rebecca.
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Ripple Release Details and Episode Guide
All eight episodes of Ripple Season 1 were released at once on Netflix on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The show is available for streaming globally.
The episodes follow a cause-and-effect structure, with titles that hint at the connecting story:
- A Stone’s Throw
- Drip, drip, drip
- The Twenty
- The Storm
- The Flyer
- The White Coat
- The Gift
- The Bonus
The series is rated TV-PG.
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