In a streaming landscape often dominated by big-budget blockbusters and returning favorites, Netflix has found an unexpected champion in Unchosen, a taut six-episode British cult thriller that premiered on April 21. The series has quickly ascended to the top of the streamer's global TV chart, amassing a staggering 10.4 million views in its first week alone—more than doubling the performance of its nearest competitor, Running Point Season 2.
Created by Julie Greer, Unchosen follows Rosie (Molly Windsor), a young woman living in a secluded Christian commune that believes it alone is the Chosen, while everyone outside is Unchosen. Strict rules forbid any contact with outsiders, and the community has harsh methods for dealing with rule-breakers. But when an Unchosen named Sam (Fra Fee) enters her life, Rosie begins to question everything she has been taught—including whether her community truly has her best interests at heart. As she navigates this dangerous new relationship, she must also wonder if Sam himself might be hiding dark intentions.
The show has drawn mixed reactions from critics, earning a 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences have been less enthusiastic, giving it a 42% rating. Still, its streaming numbers tell a different story, suggesting that viewers are hungry for the kind of slow-burn psychological tension Unchosen delivers. Greer has crafted the series as a standalone story with a satisfying conclusion, but she hasn't ruled out continuing if the show achieves massive success. Fee, for his part, is eager to explore his character further. "I hadn't come across such a brilliant character in so long, really, and I would just love to explore him further," he told Collider.
The cast also includes Asa Butterfield, Siobhan Finneran, Christopher Eccleston, Alexa Davies, Olivia Pickering, and Rory Wilmot, adding depth to this unsettling world. For fans of cult narratives and psychological thrillers, Unchosen offers a compelling weekend binge—especially as it continues to dominate Netflix's top ten.
Speaking of Netflix's top ten, the platform's original programming is having a strong moment. Kate Hudson's basketball comedy Running Point is back for Season 2, and while it hasn't matched the acclaim of its first season, it remains the second most-popular show. The Korean psychological horror If Wishes Could Kill sits at number three, followed by the crime documentary Should I Marry a Murderer and the Korean rom-com Sold On You. Other trending titles include Flunked, Million Dollar Secret, The Cleaning Lady, Everybody Hates Chris, and Santita.
If you're looking for more streaming recommendations this May, check out our May 1 Binge Guide: 3 Netflix Shows to Devour This Weekend for other top picks. And for those who enjoy a good mystery, Mckenna Grace's Mystery Thriller 'What We Hide' Is a Sleeper Hit on Prime Video might be your next obsession.
You can stream Unchosen on Netflix globally now. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on the streaming hits you need to know about.
