Netflix's New 3-Part Crime Series Is Officially A Streaming Hit After Just Two Days

1 week ago 16

Published Jun 6, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT

Ryan Northrup is a Senior Staff Writer on ScreenRant's Movie & TV News team, where he has authored nearly 5,000 articles, including features and reviews. A graduate of McMaster University, Ryan began his career in public relations before attending Vancouver Film School. There, he built lasting industry connections and optioned a feature film screenplay.

Netflix has another hit on its hands.

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After launching on Netflix on June 4, The Witness has now ascended to become the second most popular TV show on the platform in the U.S., as of writing. The Netflix Original beats other shows including The Four Seasons; Instadocs: Alex Murdaugh, Unconvicted; The Buroughs; and Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Michael Jackson: The Verdict is the only series currently beating it in the top 10 chart.

Created by Rob Williams, The Witness chronicles the 1992 killing of Rachel Nickell and the aftermath for her husband, André (Jordan Bolger), and son, Alex (Max Fincham), the latter of whom witnessed the murder. The show, which consists of only three episodes, is based on Alex Hanscombe's memoir, Letting Go. Neil Maskell, Steve Stamp, Eleanor Williams, Mark Stanley, Kerry Godliman, Sean Gilder, and Kevin Eldon also star.

Part of the reason for the show's instant streaming success is likely due to its critical reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Witness has a rare 100% score from critics. Though this score stems from only 8 reviews and could change as more are added, it nevertheless speaks to the show's strong quality. The powerful storytelling and impressive performances are cited as highlights in several of the reviews.

The show's newfound success may also stem from its authenticity. Both André and Alex Hanscombe served as consultants on the project, which dramatizes real, traumatizing events. Williams, who has written for shows like Killing Eve and The Man in the High Castle, wrote all three episodes of The Witness, with Alex Winckler directing.

It's not necessarily surprising to see The Witness in the Netflix top 10 charts so soon after its release. What will be more telling is whether the show can continue this performance over the coming weeks and months, and there's reason to be optimistic. Crime shows, especially those based on real events, tend to be strong performers on the streamer. Netflix's Monster, for example, continues to release popular new seasons.

Even if The Witness' success continues, it doesn't seem likely that there will be another season. The show is billed as a miniseries, and it tells a complete story, with no real room for continuation. Though the series will seemingly remain a one-and-done, it's evidently one that is really appealing to Netflix subscribers in its first few days.