‘Spectacular’ Netflix drama races up top 10 after viewers binge watch in one sitting

Netflix clearly knows December is the best month of all for a cosy, comfort TV watch because subscribers are already getting stuck into the latest drop.

Calling all viewers who found themselves emotionally preyed upon by the schmaltzfest (complimentary) that was This Is Us, the word on the social media streets is that Netflix’s Ripple is cut from the same sentimental cloth.

The new eight-parter follows four strangers living in New York whose lives criss-cross and intersect to cause a series of – ahem – personal ripple effects.

The four are: Aria, an aspiring musician, Kris, a former record label exec, Nate, a lung cancer patient, and Walter, a widower. They have all crossed paths in various ways, but never quite met – until each experiences a deep loss and finds a sense of family in one another.

Ripple appeals directly to proponents of the butterfly effect – the idea that small, seemingly trivial actions might create a chain reaction to bigger consequences. Here, minuscule decisions morph into life-changing moments. 

The official synopsis affirms: ‘The message of this show is: just wait for the rainbow. Some of the best things in life can’t happen without the storm.’

This counterweight to darker TV fare was in the bones of the show to begin with, since creator Michele Giannusa said Ripple, which is set in her native city, was inspired by an unexpected moment that changed her own life.

The flavour might be a bit sickly sweet for the more cynical TV watchers among us, but for those ready for a dose of hopeful optimism in humanity, Ripple has already gone down like honey. 

Over on IMDb, where the show currently holds a 7.4 rating out of ten, viewers have been almost unanimously effusive.

In one review, @demarlet described the show as ‘spectacular’, noting that it matches the quality of This Is Us. 

‘I loved how these characters’ lives are all intertwined, it was easy to follow and had a great flow. Not a single plot hole. This one’s easy to binge-watch,’ they wrote.

‘I was disappointed that there weren’t more episodes. Please bring this show on for multiple seasons!!’

In another review from @kmzacharias, they echoed those sentiments on the bingability of the show.

‘If there’s ever been a time to promote hope and community, it’s now,’ they wrote. ‘I binge-watched it in one sitting (!), I’m totally hooked. Please make a season 2.’

Ripple is available to stream on Netflix.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.