The new drama series “Ripple” is now streaming on Netflix, offering a story about connections in New York City. The show, led by actors like Ian Harding and Frankie Faison, follows four strangers whose lives slowly come together. This guide breaks down what the show is about, who’s in it, and whether it’s worth your time.
The series arrived on the platform on December 3, 2025. All eight episodes of the first season were released at once for a full binge-watch. The show was originally developed for Hallmark+ but later moved to Netflix, which now holds the global streaming rights. If you enjoy character-driven stories about hope and unexpected friendships, this might be your next watch.
What Is the Story of “Ripple”?
“Ripple” explores how small decisions can create big changes in people’s lives. The story is set in New York City and follows four main characters: Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria. These strangers have unknowingly crossed paths many times but have never actually met. As each person deals with personal challenges and loss, their individual choices begin to affect each other, creating a “ripple effect” that slowly connects them.
The show’s creator, Michele Giannusa, shared that the idea came from a real moment in her life involving an accidental text message, which shifted her own path. She describes the series as a “love letter to New York City” and its ability to bring different people together. The narrative begins with a simple event: a blue stone falling from a high-rise building. This small moment sets off the chain of events that brings the four main characters into each other’s orbits.
Who Are the Main Characters and Cast?
The series features an ensemble cast familiar to television audiences. Ian Harding, known for “Pretty Little Liars,” plays Nate, a wine bar owner facing a health crisis while his marriage falls apart. His bar becomes a central meeting place for the group. Veteran actor Frankie Faison plays Walter, an older widower who visits Nate’s bar because it was his late wife’s favorite spot.
Julia Chan plays Kris, a music executive trying to build her own career by supporting a new artist. Sydney Agudong plays Aria, a talented singer who performs at Nate’s bar and captures Kris’s professional interest. The supporting cast includes Nicola Correia-Damude, Sarah Swire, and Marci T. House.
Ian Harding told TV Insider: “It’s a show that has hope and heart. It’s funny. It has romance and romantic tension. It’s got all of these elements of a really great TV show.”
Harding also mentioned a playful connection to his past role, noting there is a small line in the show where his character says, “I love that name,” as a wink to fans of “Pretty Little Liars,” where his love interest was named Aria.
When and How Can You Watch It?
“Ripple” premiered globally on Netflix on Tuesday, December 3, 2025. Unlike some series that release episodes weekly, the entire eight-episode first season is available to stream at once. You can watch it with a standard Netflix subscription; no extra fees or add-ons are required.
The show is not branded as a “Netflix Original” but is a Lionsgate Television and Lionsgate Canada production that Netflix has licensed for global distribution. It has been confirmed for release in major English-speaking regions including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. The series carries a TV-PG rating.
What Are the Episodes About?
The first season consists of eight episodes, all with distinct titles that hint at the story’s progression.
- Episode 101: “A Stone’s Throw”
- Episode 102: “Drip, drip, drip”
- Episode 103: “The Twenty”
- Episode 104: “The Storm”
- Episode 105: “The Flyer”
- Episode 106: “The White Coat”
- Episode 107: “The Gift”
- Episode 108: “The Bonus”
The episode titled “The Storm” aligns with the show’s reported theme that “the best things often come after the storm”. The working title for the series during production was “A Stone’s Throw,” which became the name of the first episode.
Who Created and Produced the Show?
“Ripple” was created by Michele Giannusa, who also worked on “The Dead Girls Detective Agency”. The showrunner is Joni Lefkowitz, whose credits include “New Girl” and “Jane the Virgin”. The production team includes well-known figures like Amanda Tapping (“Stargate SG-1”), who served as an executive producer and director.
The series was filmed in Toronto, Ontario, with production starting in late September 2024 and wrapping in mid-December 2024. The original score was composed by Joel Schwartz and Kristjan Bergey.
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Is “Ripple” Worth Watching? A Viewer’s Guide
Deciding whether to watch “Ripple” depends on what you enjoy. The show focuses on character connections, emotional stories, and themes of hope. It deals with real-life issues like grief, divorce, health problems, and professional struggles. The tone is described as having a mix of drama with moments of humor and romantic tension.
If you like shows that are more about people and relationships than fast-paced action, this could be a good fit. Early viewer feedback on other platforms compares its emotional depth to shows like “This Is Us” and mentions it as an “easy watch” with relatable characters. However, if you prefer plots with major mysteries or lots of suspense, this might not be your first choice.
The show’s move from Hallmark+ to Netflix suggests it aims for a broader audience than typical Hallmark channel content. Its message is ultimately optimistic, focusing on how people can find support and form a “chosen family” during difficult times.
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