If you've been craving a mystery that combines the wit of Knives Out with the cozy intrigue of Only Murders in the Building, Netflix's latest Spanish gem, The Final Problem, is here to fill that void. Released on September 25, 2026, this period drama has quickly become a standout in the streaming giant's catalog, earning rave reviews and a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on the novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the series transports viewers to a luxurious island hotel in the spring of 1959. The story centers on Benjamin Basil (José Coronado), a semi-retired actor famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on screen. Hoping to revive his career, he travels to a small island near Mallorca—only to find himself thrust into a real-life mystery when a fellow guest, the quiet English tourist Elisa Mander, is found dead. What initially appears to be a suicide soon reveals itself as a murder, and with a storm isolating the hotel, everyone becomes a suspect.
Basil, drawing on his on-screen detective skills, teams up with Adela Figueroa (María Valverde) and Foxá (Martiño Rivas) to investigate the guests and staff. The hotel's enigmatic manager, Mrs. Ausländer (Maribel Verdú), adds another layer of intrigue. The official synopsis teases: "In a place no one can leave and no one can reach, every guest and every member of staff becomes a suspect in a crime that grows more complex by the minute."
The series has been a ratings juggernaut, amassing 2.4 million views in its first week and climbing to 3.2 million in the second. Critics have been unanimous in their praise, with many highlighting Coronado's charismatic performance. One review notes, "José Coronado sparkles as the actor who made his name playing Sherlock Holmes, trying his hand at solving a classic locked-room mystery." Another echoes, "The Final Problem is a classic whodunnit, and that’s a good thing, thanks to a lavish setting and a fine lead performance from Coronado."
For fans of the genre, this series offers a fresh take on the classic locked-room mystery, blending a chic period aesthetic with a gripping narrative. It's a perfect companion to other Netflix hits like Lupin's heist adventures or the Coen Brothers' upcoming gothic mystery. If you're looking for more binge-worthy mysteries, check out our list of Netflix miniseries that reward repeat viewings.
With its international production values and a story that delves into the lives of Spain's elite, The Final Problem is not just another mystery series—it's a must-watch event. Whether you're a die-hard fan of whodunits or just enjoy a well-crafted period drama, this show delivers on all fronts. Don't miss out on one of Netflix's most compelling offerings of the year.
