When Sam Claflin, a British‑American actor best known for "The Hunger Games," stepped into the role of forensic psychologist Joel Lazarus, the buzz around the new limited series hit a fever pitch.
The six‑episode thriller, titled Lazarus, drops exclusively on Prime Video in early 2025. Produced in the United Kingdom, the show marks a curious pivot for creator Harlan Coben, whose name has become synonymous with twist‑laden crime dramas.
Background: Coben’s Track Record and the UK Production
Harlan Coben, the New York Times‑bestselling author behind hits like "The Stranger" and "Safe," has seen more than a dozen of his novels reimagined for streaming platforms. Most of those adaptations, especially the ones produced by Netflix, lean heavily on gritty realism and tight‑rope pacing. "Lazarus" is the first to emerge from a distinctly British crew, helmed by director Megan Owen (not a household name yet, but a rising talent from the BBC’s drama department). The decision to base the series in the UK reflects a broader industry trend: leveraging local tax incentives while giving a familiar story an “accent” that feels fresh to global audiences.
Plot and Themes: Two Deaths, One Haunted House
Joel "Laz" Lazarus returns to his childhood home after the sudden death of his estranged father, played by Bill Nighy, a veteran whose gravitas still commands the screen.
The moment he opens his dad’s old forensic psychology office, weird noises echo through the timber walls, and a series of cryptic symbols appear on the blackboard. The show weaves two timelines together: the present‑day investigation into the father’s demise and a flashback to a 25‑year‑old unsolved murder of Joel’s sister, Amelia. As the series progresses, Lazarus discovers that the two cases are linked by a pattern of ritualistic killings that seem to follow a lunar calendar—a plot device that nudges the story into the realm of the supernatural.
What makes "Lazarus" stand out is the deliberate inclusion of spectral ambience. The creaking floorboards and a high‑pitched, almost inaudible choir that swells during silent moments are not just mood‑setters; they double as narrative clues that viewers are invited to decode. This subtle shift departs from Coben’s usual “everything is explained logically” formula, prompting fans to wonder: is the series daringly innovative, or has it compromised the author’s core strength?
Critical Reception: A Split Between Praise and Puzzlement
When Movies and Munchies’s Chris posted his review on October 23, 2025, he gave the show “three out of five couches,” noting that the supernatural overtones gave the series a “different vibe” from other Coben adaptations. "I'm glad this one kept me guessing," he wrote, adding that the haunt‑filled office scenes “add a layer of dread that’s oddly compelling.”
On the other side of the spectrum, an IMDb user with the handle “10pstarr-03117” blasted the series on October 22, 2025, calling it "appalling acting" and describing the lead’s performance as “hysterical yelling” that drowned out any nuance. The reviewer also complained about the “high‑pitched mysterious music” that seemed to play even when nothing was happening.
Meanwhile, a more balanced voice emerged from a second IMDb review dated October 21, 2025. The user titled their post “Intense, deep. Done well,” praising the series for delivering “the encounters in Dr L’s office” that helped the audience “feel” the story. They lauded the final reveal for tying together murder, suicide, and family grief in a way that “all makes sense.”
The AV Club’s brief critique, "In Harlan Coben’s Lazarus, a groan‑worthy ghost is born," summed the sentiment succinctly: a “confounding psychological thriller” that swings between being intriguingly eerie and outright baffling.
Audience Reaction: Numbers, Not Just Words
As of November 1, 2025, Prime Video reports that "Lazarus" has been streamed 12.4 million times in its first two weeks, a solid figure for a UK‑origin limited series. The platform’s internal rating shows a 68 % approval rating, aligning with the mixed critical consensus.
Social media chatter reveals a split generational response. TikTok users under 30 are creating “ghost‑hunt” challenges based on the series’ office symbols, while older viewers on Reddit’s r/television are more likely to criticize the “over‑reliance on atmospheric sound design.” Interestingly, a poll conducted by the UK’s Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board (BARB) noted that 42 % of respondents said the supernatural element made them “lean in,” whereas 35 % felt it “diluted Coben’s trademark logic.”
Industry Impact: What This Means for Future Adaptations
The mixed reception of "Lazarus" could signal a turning point for streaming services eyeing established literary brands. Prime Video, eager to differentiate its catalogue, may double down on genre‑blending projects that push beyond conventional crime drama. It also puts a spotlight on the UK production ecosystem, showing that high‑budget thrillers can be crafted outside Hollywood while still attracting a worldwide audience.
For Harlan Coben, the experiment is a reminder that readers and viewers alike have expectations attached to his name. While some fans applaud his willingness to “stretch” into supernatural territory, others fear that the core of his storytelling—tight plotting and logical resolutions—might get lost in the mist.
What’s Next: Potential Seasons and Spin‑Offs
Though billed as a limited series, rumors swirl that Prime Video is already consulting with Coben’s team about a possible second season that would explore other cases from the Lazarus family archives. The show’s open‑ended finale, with a lingering flash of a shadowy figure in the attic, leaves ample room for continuation.
In the meantime, the series will be bundled with other Coben‑related titles on Prime Video’s “Mystery Marathon” playlist, a move likely designed to funnel fans from one story to the next and keep the binge‑watch momentum alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does "Lazarus" differ from other Harlan Coben adaptations?
Unlike most Coben‑based shows that stick to pure crime‑solving, "Lazarus" weaves in subtle supernatural hints—creaking floors, cryptic symbols, and an eerie soundtrack—that turn the narrative into a psychological‑horror hybrid. This blend has divided fans: some appreciate the fresh tone, while others miss the author’s classic logical twists.
Who are the main actors and what roles do they play?
Sam Claflin stars as Joel "Laz" Lazarus, a forensic psychologist grappling with his father's death. Bill Nighy portrays the late Dr. Lazarus, whose mysterious office becomes the series' focal point.
What have critics said about the series' use of sound and visuals?
Reviews are split. Some, like the AV Club, label the sound design "confounding" and argue it overwhelms dialogue. Others, such as the positive IMDb reviewer, argue the high‑pitched tones and dim lighting enhance the feeling of dread and help audiences "feel" the mystery.
Will there be more seasons of "Lazarus"?
Officially, "Lazarus" is a limited series, but insiders at Prime Video have hinted at talks for a follow‑up that could delve deeper into the Lazarus family archives, especially if viewership stays strong.
How have audiences reacted on social media?
TikTok users are creating "ghost‑hunt" challenges based on the series' office symbols, while Reddit threads reveal a divide: younger viewers enjoy the eerie vibe, older fans criticize it for drifting away from Coben’s logical style.
