Review: Netflix’s Frustrating Whodunit ‘His & Hers’

The highly anticipated Netflix series *His & Hers* has premiered on January 8, 2026, but it has already sparked disappointment among viewers. This limited series, based on Alice Feeney’s 2020 novel, stars acclaimed actors Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson. Despite this star power, the series struggles to deliver a coherent narrative over its six episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes.

Challenges in Storytelling

Created by William Oldroyd and showrun by Dee Johnson, *His & Hers* attempts to capture the essence of successful murder mysteries similar to HBO’s *Sharp Objects* and *Mare of Easttown*. Set in Dahlonega, Georgia, the plot revolves around a series of homicides connected to Anna’s past. Anna, now a top news anchor in Atlanta, returns home after a former classmate’s body is discovered in the woods.

Character Dynamics

Anna’s relationship with Jack, her estranged husband, plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama. The couple grapples with the grief of losing their child a year earlier, leading to distant behavior as they confront their tumultuous past. As they navigate their personal struggles and the investigation, both characters often appear less than believable, undermining the show’s dramatic intent.

• Key Characters:
  • Anna (Tessa Thompson)
  • Jack (Jon Bernthal)
  • Detective (Jack’s sister)
  • Lexy (Rebecca Rittenhouse)

Missed Opportunities

While the series introduces compelling themes such as bullying, sexual assault, and class differences, it ultimately fails to explore these complexities in depth. Supporting characters lack sufficient development, often relegated to a single defining trait, which detracts from the overall story richness. This is especially evident in their interactions, which feel flat and one-dimensional.

The murder investigation spirals into an awkward narrative, filled with unrealistic plot points and underwhelming twists. Many viewers may find the climax unsatisfying, particularly considering the series’ ambitious themes.

Despite the potential for a gripping tale, *His & Hers* opts for shock value rather than meaningful storytelling. The direction and performances, especially that of Thompson, highlight the lost potential in an installment that could have been much more impactful.

As audiences await further installments, *His & Hers* serves as a reminder of the fine line between expectation and reality in thrillers, especially when transitioning from page to screen.