Looking for a brilliant new crime thriller to see you through the week? Apple TV is about to deliver the goods with its twisty new series, Last Seen – and we’re warning you, it’s totally mind-boggling viewing. Featuring a troubled detective, a missing child and a mysterious phone call, it’s exactly the sort of series Harlan Coben fans will love.
The plot revolves around police dispatcher Ian Ridley (Patrick Brammall) whose daughter, Maggie, went missing 11 years ago. Life has moved on since then, but Ian hasn’t - and when he receives a call from a girl who sounds just like his Maggie, he sets out on a desperate mission to find her.
With the series coming to our screens this week, here’s everything you need to know about Last Seen before you tune in - and why it should be at the top of your watch list.
What is Last Seen about?
The six-part series introduces us to former police detective Ian Ridley (Patrick Brammall) whose life fell apart 11 years ago when his young daughter, Maggie, went missing. Ian has left investigations in the past and now works as a police dispatcher, but he still clings to the hope that Maggie is still alive – and a phone call is about to fuel that hope.
During one of his shifts, Ian receives a distress call from a teenage girl and her voices sound remarkably similar to Maggie’s. Ignoring procedure and risking everything, he launches a relentless search for answers, which leads him into a dangerous web of crime, deception and long-buried secrets.
While Ian will stop at nothing to find Maggie and reunite his broken family, the question is, is his reluctance to let go of the past about to destroy his future? No spoilers, but the series also stars Maxine Peake as Jenna Reid, who has a pretty vital role in the case.
Maxine told the Royal Television Society: “I read the script and thought: this is not an easy gig – it will be a good mental workout for me. If you’re frightened of the part, that is how you learn and keep developing as an actor. Those parts where there is a conundrum, I jump in feet first.
“Anything where children are involved is upsetting. I’m not a mother but I have two godchildren who I adore, and can wholly empathise. I’m in awe of parents. It’s such a tough job and I respect people who are bringing children into this world. It’s not an easy place and it’s not getting easier.”
Who’s in the cast of Last Seen?
The cast of Last Seen includes:
- Patrick Brammall (Colin from Accounts) as Ian Ridley
- Maxine Peake (Say Nothing, Black Mirror) as Jenna Reid
- Brendan Cowell (Dune: Prophecy) as Henry Reid
- Daniel Henshall (Mickey 17) as Donald Reid
- Zahra Newman (Thirteen Lives) as Isabel Pena
- Jessica Wren (Devil’s Playground) as Debbie McGuire
- Tobias Muhafidin (Bali 2002) as Dean Ridley
- Chloe Jean Lourdes (newcomer)
- Bert LaBonté (Thrash) as Bill McCracken
- Felix Cameron (Boy Swallows Universe) as Tommy Brenton
- Fletcher Humphrys (The Stranger) as Peter Mulligan
Is there a trailer for Last Seen?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Last Seen below:
Is Last Seen any good?
Yes – it’s pacy, unpredictable and Patrick Brammall, who we’re used to seeing in a comedic role (anyone seen Colin from Accounts?) is absolutely superb as the lead and captures all the emotion of a father in turmoil. While we won’t give any spoilers here, we can tell you that Ian’s quest for answers will keep you gripped until the very end.
How can I watch Last Seen?
The first two episodes will premiere on Apple TV on Wednesday 9th September. New episodes will then air weekly until the finale on Wednesday 7th October.
What other crime thrillers can I watch now?
If you’re a Stephen Graham fan, we’d highly recommend The Good Boy. Stephen leads the cast as an altruistic man who captures and chains up a teenager in a bid to rehabilitate him - and it's as chilling as it sounds. You can watch The Good Boy now on Prime Video. For something equally twisty, we’d suggest The Beast in Me. Claire Danes plays author Aggie Wiggs who finds herself in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with her real estate mogul neighbour. Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys) was once the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance - but did he actually do it? The Beast in Me is available to watch now on Netflix.
