Crime thrillers have been having a moment lately, with shows like I Will Find You, The Beast in Me, and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you love playing armchair detective or simply getting lost in a suspenseful story, there's something undeniably satisfying about a well-crafted mystery. Now, Apple TV+ has added another gem to the genre with Last Seen, a six-episode limited series that's tailor-made for a weekend binge.
What Is 'Last Seen' About?
Premiering on Apple TV+ last month, Last Seen is a twisty, emotionally charged story that pulls you deep into the lives of its flawed, complex characters. The series centers on Ian Ridley (Patrick Brammall), a former police officer whose young daughter, Maggie, vanished without a trace eleven years ago. Now working as an emergency dispatcher, Ian is barely holding it together. He leans on his AA sponsor, Donald (Daniel Henshall), but keeps falling off the wagon.
Things spiral out of control when the body of a little girl is discovered in a remote area near the very spot where Maggie was abducted. But the biggest shock comes when Ian learns the body isn't Maggie's—which raises an even more haunting question: what really happened to his daughter? When a teenage girl named Sarah (Chloe Jean Lourdes), who's been living with her religious, off-the-grid parents Henry (Brendan Cowell) and Jenna (Maxine Peake), makes a fateful call to emergency services, Ian begins to dare to hope that Maggie might still be alive.
'Last Seen' Is a Heart-Wrenching Thrill Ride
One of the show's greatest strengths is its tight, six-episode structure. There's no filler here—every scene either advances the mystery or deepens our understanding of the grief and trauma these characters carry. Through flashbacks and present-day developments, Last Seen paints a raw, unflinching portrait of how a brutal crime can shatter lives and leave lasting scars. The series doesn't shy away from depicting addiction and emotional suffering, making the stakes feel painfully real.
The cast is uniformly excellent. Brammall, known for his work in Colin from Accounts and as Anne Hathaway's love interest in the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2, delivers a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with a fierce determination. Cowell is riveting as a man blinded by his own desires, while Peake brings a quiet, heartbreaking depth to her role as a woman trapped in a web of secrets. Jessica Wren shines as Ian's ex-wife, and her chemistry with Brammall hints at the happy family they once were. But the real breakout is Lourdes, whose portrayal of Sarah is both complex and deeply moving.
Last Seen wraps up with a satisfying conclusion that answers most of the questions it raises, though the door is left open for a potential second season. For now, these six bingeable episodes are a top-tier choice for anyone craving a gripping, emotionally resonant crime thriller. If you're looking for more recommendations, check out these near-perfect miniseries or fast-paced Netflix thrillers to keep the momentum going.
