If you love mystery and suspense, Run Away is one Netflix series you won’t want to miss. The show is creating a lot of buzz because it combines a gripping crime story with a family drama that keeps you guessing at every turn. Centered around the desperate search for a missing daughter, the series captures the tension and emotions of a family in crisis.
From the first episode, you’ll find yourself drawn into the story, questioning who can be trusted and who might be hiding secrets. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or psychological thrillers, Runaway promises a mix of suspense and emotional moments that make it a standout addition to Netflix’s lineup this year.
| Attribute | Details |
| Series Title | Run Away |
| Based on | Novel Run Away by Harlan Coben |
| Release Date | January 1, 2026 |
| Genre | Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| Starring | James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones, Minnie Driver, Alfred Enoch, Ellie de Lang |
| Directed by | Nimer Rashed (Episodes 1–3, 7–8),
Isher Sahota (Episodes 4–6) |
| Producers | Guy Hescott (Series Producer), Will McDonagh (Producer), Charlotte Coben (Associate Producer) |
| Production Companies | Quay Street Productions, Final Twist Productions |
| Number of Episodes | 8 |
| Episode Runtime | 45–55 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Platform | Netflix |
About Run Away
RunAway is based on a bestselling novel by Harlan Coben, adapted into a Netflix series for 2026. The show fits firmly into the crime, drama, mystery, and thriller categories, making it perfect for viewers who enjoy stories with tension and complex relationships.
The series revolves around the story of a missing teenager and the unraveling secrets of her family. The combination of suspenseful events and personal conflicts creates a storyline that feels both immediate and relatable.
Runaway Release Date
Fans of crime and thriller series won’t have to wait long to watch Run Away. The series officially premiered on January 1, 2026, and it is available for streaming worldwide on Netflix. This global release means viewers from different countries can enjoy the series at the same time, making it a shared experience for audiences everywhere.
The release timing is ideal for those looking to start the new year with a gripping story that mixes suspense with family drama. Each episode gradually reveals pieces of the mystery behind the runaway girl, ensuring that viewers remain hooked from the very first scene.
Cast of Run Away (TV Series)
Here’s a look at the main cast and their roles in the series:
- James Nesbitt as Simon Greene
Simon is a loving father whose world collapses when Paige, his eldest daughter, disappears. His search brings him face to face with danger and forces him to confront hidden truths about his family.
- Ruth Jones as Elena Ravenscroft
Elena is a private investigator who becomes an essential partner in the hunt for Paige. She’s determined and resourceful, bringing her own experience to the case.
- Minnie Driver as Ingrid Greene
Ingrid is Simon’s wife. As the emotional foundation of the family, she struggles with her own pain and guilt while desperately wanting her daughter back.
- Alfred Enoch as Isaac Fagbenle
A detective with a sharp mind, Isaac is both skeptical of Simon and intrigued by the twists in the case. His role adds tension as he balances investigation with suspicion.
- Ellie de Lange as Paige Greene
Paige is the missing daughter whose disappearance drives the narrative. She becomes involved with troubling people and choices that make finding her all the more urgent.
- Supporting Cast
Other notable actors include Lucian Msamati as Cornelius Faber, Jon Pointing as Ash, Adrian Greensmith as Sam Greene, Ellie Henry as Anya Greene, Tracy‑Ann Oberman as Jessica Kinberg, and more, all contributing to the complex world surrounding the Greene family.
Plot Summary
The story follows Simon Greene, a father whose life changes completely when his daughter disappears without a trace. The search for the runaway girl uncovers hidden truths, unexpected alliances, and shocking twists. As you watch, you begin to understand the pressures and fears that drive the characters, making it a story that keeps you emotionally engaged while also keeping the suspense alive.
Throughout the series, you will notice how the title, Run Away, not only refers to the daughter’s disappearance but also symbolizes the decisions and secrets each character struggles with. The plot is structured to keep you guessing, and every episode adds a layer to the central mystery.
Episode Guide & Structure
Run Away is structured to keep viewers on edge, with episodes that build suspense while gradually revealing the mystery behind the missing girl. The series consists of eight episodes, each running around 45–55 minutes. This format allows the story to unfold at a steady pace, giving enough time to develop the characters and their relationships without dragging the plot.
Each episode adds a new layer to the narrative, whether through unexpected encounters, revelations about the daughter’s life, or the uncovering of secrets in the community. While the series focuses on the search for the runaway, it also explores the effects of this disappearance on those left behind. This approach keeps the tension high while allowing viewers to understand the emotional stakes involved.
The episodes are designed with cliffhangers that encourage binge-watching. You will often find yourself wondering what choices the characters will make next and how their past decisions may influence the unfolding events.
Creators & Production
Run Away isn’t just another adaptation — it’s guided by a team deeply connected to the story’s creator. The show is based on the bestselling novel by Harlan Coben, who also serves as one of the executive producers, helping steer how the book translates to the screen. Joining him in leadership are Danny Brocklehurst (head writer and executive producer), Nicola Shindler, and Richard Fee, all of whom bring experience from previous successful drama series.
The series is produced by Quay Street Productions and Final Twist Productions, combining strong storytelling with attentive production values. Guy Hescott is credited as the series producer, and Will McDonagh as producer, ensuring each episode maintains consistent quality. Charlotte Coben, Harlan’s daughter, also appears in the production team as an associate producer, giving a personal touch to the series’ creation.
Filming, Directors & Locations
The visual style and pacing of Run Away are shaped by two directors: Nimer Rashed, who leads episodes 1–3 and 7–8, and Isher Sahota, who directs episodes 4–6. Their combined approach balances character focus with narrative tension, making every scene contribute to the wider mystery. Filming took place across England, especially around Manchester and the northwest, using authentic urban and suburban locations to ground the story in a real‑world setting. These environments help enhance the emotional impact of the series, allowing you to feel closer to the characters’ world and the urgency of the search for the missing daughter
Wrapping Up
Runaway is more than just a mystery; it’s a story about family, trust, and the unexpected choices people make when faced with crisis. The combination of suspenseful storytelling, well-developed characters, and emotional depth makes it a series worth watching.
If you enjoy crime dramas that keep you guessing while also showing the human side of a family in distress, this Netflix series will keep you hooked from start to finish. Stream Run Away today and experience the tension, emotion, and suspense that everyone is talking about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When did Run Away premiere on Netflix?
Run Away premiered worldwide on January 1, 2026, with all eight episodes available for streaming simultaneously.
Q2. What is the plot of Run Away?
The series follows Simon Greene, a father whose life changes when his daughter Paige goes missing. The story uncovers secrets, unexpected alliances, and the search for the runaway girl while exploring family dynamics and hidden motives.
Q3. Who stars in Run Away?
The main cast includes James Nesbitt as Simon Greene, Ruth Jones as Elena Ravenscroft, Minnie Driver as Ingrid Greene, Alfred Enoch as Isaac Fagbenle, and Ellie de Lange as Paige Greene, with a strong supporting cast rounding out the story.
Q4. Is Run Away based on a book?
Yes, the series is adapted from Harlan Coben’s bestselling novel Run Away, with Coben involved as an executive producer to maintain the story’s authenticity.
Q5. How many episodes does Run Away have and how long are they?
The series has eight episodes, each lasting approximately 45–55 minutes, with cliffhangers that encourage binge-watching and keep viewers engaged throughout the story.