James Nesbitt recently teased the complexities of trust in his role for the upcoming Netflix series Run Away, based on a story by Harlan Coben. The show, which will premiere on 1st January 2026, features a star-studded cast including Ruth Jones and Minnie Driver, and promises to deliver the unexpected twists characteristic of Coben’s adaptations.
The series revolves around Simon Greene, portrayed by Nesbitt, who is a successful career man and devoted father. When his daughter, Paige, goes missing, Simon finds himself on a perilous journey to bring her home. The storyline delves into themes of family and desperation, raising the question of Simon’s reliability as a character. This query was posed to Nesbitt during a recent screening at BFI Southbank, where he shared insights about the character’s moral ambiguity.
“You can’t trust anyone in Harlan’s shows,” Nesbitt remarked. “That’s the beauty of it, that’s the intrigue, the excitement of it.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity in portraying his character, suggesting that the unpredictable nature of the narrative keeps audiences engaged.
Nesbitt’s collaboration with his co-star Ruth Jones was highlighted as vital to the show’s dynamic. “We got on brilliantly,” he noted, acknowledging their previous lack of collaboration. “It’s hard work, but it’s a privilege.”
The eight-part series was written by Danny Brocklehurst, known for his work on Brassic. He discussed the adaptation process, emphasizing the need to immerse the writing team in the emotional core of the story, particularly the parent-child relationship. “My job is to kick off the series and lead us in the most exciting way possible,” Brocklehurst stated. “With Run Away, I was particularly eager to upfront make it very emotional because it is, after all, a parent-child story.”
The synopsis of Run Away reveals the turmoil in Simon’s life: “Simon had the perfect life: loving wife and kids, great job, beautiful home. But then his eldest daughter Paige ran away and everything fell apart.” The narrative escalates when Simon finds Paige in a vulnerable state, leading to a shocking confrontation that propels him into a dangerous underworld. This journey will uncover secrets that threaten to dismantle his family.
With its UK setting and a cast of familiar faces, Run Away aims to deliver a gripping and emotionally charged viewing experience. As anticipation builds for the series, fans of Coben’s work can look forward to a blend of suspense and heartfelt storytelling.
The series will be available to stream on Netflix, with subscriptions starting at £5.99 a month. For those eager to keep up with the latest developments in television, the Radio Times app offers daily TV recommendations and features, including the ability to add Run Away to personal watchlists.
As the release date approaches, audiences are poised for a thrilling exploration of trust, family, and the dark undercurrents that can lie beneath the surface of everyday life.
