There's something magical about seeing a beloved book come to life on screen. From Netflix's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder to the sci-fi sensation Project Hail Mary, book adaptations are Hollywood's goldmine—they bring built-in fanbases and richly layered stories. Dan Brown's novels are no exception, having spawned a blockbuster franchise starring Tom Hanks. But one adaptation got left behind: the 2021 Peacock series The Lost Symbol.
While Hanks and director Ron Howard turned Brown's Robert Langdon books into a global phenomenon with The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno, they famously passed on The Lost Symbol. Howard later explained that the novel felt too similar to its predecessors thematically, so they chose Inferno instead. That decision left The Lost Symbol to find a home on the small screen—and it's a decision that still stings for mystery fans.
What Is 'The Lost Symbol' About?
The series follows a younger Robert Langdon (Ashley Zukerman), a Harvard symbology expert who gets pulled into a deadly puzzle. When his mentor Peter Solomon (Eddie Izzard) invites him to Washington D.C., Langdon arrives to find a severed hand—wearing Peter's Masonic ring—and a cryptic challenge from a kidnapper. The clues lead Langdon through secret societies, ancient knowledge, and a hidden portal beneath the city.
Along the way, he teams up with CIA operative Sato (Sumalee Montano), a Capitol cop (Rick Gonzalez), and Peter's fierce daughter Katherine (Valorie Curry). The series, developed by Jay Beattie and Dan Dworkin, was executive produced by Brown and Howard themselves, ensuring it stayed true to the source material.
A Divisive Reception—But a Hidden Gem
Despite its pedigree, The Lost Symbol earned mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at 60% from critics and just 48% from audiences. Critics praised its world-building and faithfulness to the novel but criticized uneven pacing and a mystery that sometimes felt like a wild goose chase. Peacock canceled the series after one season, leaving fans without closure.
Yet for those who love a twisty, mind-bending puzzle, the 10-episode series is a near-perfect binge. It offers a glimpse into Langdon's early days at Harvard, fleshing out his character in ways the movies never did. If you're a fan of near-perfect soft sci-fi masterpieces or underrated Netflix shows, this Peacock original deserves a second look.
Why It's Worth Watching Now
Five years later, The Lost Symbol remains a compelling mystery that rewards patient viewers. It's a rare chance to see a different side of Robert Langdon—before he became the world-weary hero of the films. And for fans of Dan Brown's intricate plotting, it delivers exactly what you'd expect: secrets, symbols, and a finale that will leave you stunned.
If you're looking for your next binge, don't let the mixed reviews scare you off. This is one puzzle that's worth solving—especially now that you know what Tom Hanks missed.
