There's a special kind of heartbreak that comes when a great show gets the axe too soon. The sting lingers, especially when you're left wondering what could have been. Sarah Michelle Gellar will forever be beloved for her iconic turn as Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but one of her later projects, a crime thriller called Ringer, met an untimely end over a decade ago—and fans still haven't gotten over it.
What Is 'Ringer' About?
Premiering on The CW in 2011 alongside hits like Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries, Ringer centers on Bridget Kelly (Gellar), a recovering addict trying to rebuild her life in Wyoming. After witnessing her boss, Bodaway Macawi (Zahn McClarnon), commit a murder, Bridget agrees to testify against him. FBI Agent Victor Machado (Nestor Carbonell) promises her protection, but when other witnesses start turning up dead, Bridget realizes she's not safe. She flees to New York, where she reunites with her estranged twin sister, Siobhan (also Gellar).
What seems like a fresh start takes a dark turn when Siobhan disappears during a boat ride, and Bridget assumes she's committed suicide. In a bold move, Bridget decides to assume her sister's identity. But stepping into Siobhan's life means navigating a web of secrets: a cold husband (Ioan Gruffudd), a bratty stepdaughter (Zoey Deutch), an affair with her best friend's husband (Kristoffer Polaha), and a sponsor (Mike Colter) who knows the truth. As Bridget digs deeper, she discovers someone may have been trying to kill Siobhan—and that danger is closer than she thinks.
A Deliciously Twisty Thrill Ride
Across 22 episodes, Ringer moves at breakneck speed, burning through storylines with reckless abandon. Each episode is packed with heart-racing moments and jaw-dropping twists that keep you glued to the screen. While some plot points veer into campy territory, that only adds to the show's soapy charm. It could have easily become a cheesy mess, but the talented cast elevates it. Gellar shines in her dual role, effortlessly distinguishing between the vulnerable Bridget and the polished Siobhan. The supporting cast—including Gruffudd, Polaha, Colter, and scene-stealer Tara Summers as Gemma—grounds the absurdity, making the stakes feel real.
Despite its cancellation in May 2012, Ringer remains a binge-worthy gem. If you're looking for a weekend watch that's equal parts suspenseful and fun, this is it. And if you're in the mood for more crime thrillers, check out our list of the best thrillers from the past five years or dive into this slow-burn thriller review for another gripping option.
So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let Ringer take you on a wild ride. It's a forgotten gem that deserves a second life in your weekend rotation.
