Comparison of Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Why Missing You Falls Behind Fool Me Once

Netflix’s newest series, Missing You, which is based on a novel by Harlan Coben, has received a notably lower Rotten Tomatoes score compared to another adaptation titled Fool Me Once. Despite the initial buzz surrounding Missing You, which tells the story of Detective Inspector Kat Donovan uncovering her long-lost fiancé on a dating site a decade after his disappearance, it currently holds a disappointing 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In stark contrast, Fool Me Once boasts a score of 71%, demonstrating a nearly 30% gap between the two shows.

While the ratings may paint a bleak picture, Missing You features a commendable cast that includes Rosalind Eleazar, Jessica Plummer, and Ashley Walters. The show does promise several dramatic twists throughout its narrative. Yet, it is hard to overlook how poorly it compares to its predecessor, raising critical questions about the adaptations of Coben’s works by Netflix. What missteps led to this disparity in ratings, and what strategies might Netflix employ to enhance the quality of future adaptations?

Overviews of Critics’ Feedback on Missing You

Average Reviews Dominate the Reception of Missing You

Released on January 1, 2025, Missing You has yet to receive overwhelming praise, particularly when compared to earlier adaptations of Coben’s novels. The Independent awarded the show only two stars, criticizing, “The delivery of the thrills in Missing You is too stupid and too manipulative to be encouraged.”Meanwhile, London Evening Standard rated it three stars, stating that while the show is entertaining, it lacks anything particularly memorable or inventive.

YouTube link to Missing You trailer

YouTube link to Missing You overview

Nonetheless, some critics have offered positive insights; Collider gave it a score of 80, urging viewers to consider it their first binge of the new year, while Decider noted it’s still worth a watch. Variety also praised the show. However, the predominant sentiment from critics remains one of disappointment, suggesting that Missing You has not met the expectations set by previous adaptations.

Understanding the Discrepancy in Ratings Between Missing You and Fool Me Once

Missing You’s Lack of Distinction

In contrast, Fool Me Once has earned much more favorable reviews. Its acclaim is reflected in positive notes that echo those found in a few select reviews of Missing You. The London Evening Standard rated Fool Me Once four stars, commending its ability to “push all the usual buttons to great effect.”The Telegraph also awarded it four stars, describing its plot as one that “moves like a slinky on steroids,”indicating a thrilling viewing experience tailored for post-holiday entertainment.

Overview of Netflix’s Harlan Coben Adaptations
TV Show	Adapted Book	Production Origin	Release Date	Rotten Tomatoes Score
Harlan Coben’s Safe	Safe	United Kingdom	May 10, 2018	Critics: 71% \| Audience: 74%
The Stranger	The Stranger	United Kingdom	January 30, 2020	Critics: 87% \| Audience: 70%
Deep in the forest	The Woods	Poland	June 12, 2020	Critics: 89% \| Audience: 59%
The innocent	The Innocent	Spain	April 30, 2021	Critics: 100% \| Audience: 80%
Gone forever	Gone for Good	France	August 13, 2021	Critics: N/A \| Audience: 34%
Stay Close	Stay Close	United Kingdom	December 31, 2021	Critics: 92% \| Audience: 53%
Keep calm	Hold Tight	Poland	April 22, 2022	Critics: N/A \| Audience: 37%
Harlan Coben’s Shelter	Shelter	United States	August 18, 2023	Critics: 88% \| Audience: 78%
Fool Me Once	Fool Me Once	United Kingdom	January 1, 2024	Critics: 71% \| Audience: 45%
Missing You	Missing You	United States & United Kingdom	January 1, 2025	Critics: 44% \| Audience: N/A
Trapped	Caught	Argentina	2025	TBD
Run Away	Run Away	United Kingdom	TBD	TBD

The criticisms that Missing You faces are rooted in the same aspects where Fool Me Once excelled. This suggests a tendency for Netflix to reuse a formula for adapting Coben’s novels. Although this method worked in earlier instances, the novelty appears to have waned, resulting in underwhelming responses to Missing You. Viewers have shown a marked preference for authentic representations of the stories, and while audience scores typically trail behind critics for such adaptations, Fool Me Once‘s audience rating suffered significantly from the alterations made to the original material.

Implications of Missing You’s Rotten Tomatoes Rating for Future Coben Adaptations

A Call for Creativity and Adaptability

The anticipation for Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Caught, set to release in 2025, brings added scrutiny to how well they adapt Harlan Coben’s works after the mixed feedback on Missing You. If Netflix aims to maintain its reputation for quality adaptations of Coben’s stories, it must explore innovative approaches in their storytelling.

While adapting material rooted in existing narratives can limit creative freedom, a commitment to fidelity to Coben’s original storytelling is essential. Moreover, assessing common complaints about Coben’s novels could lend insight into improving adaptations. In order to thrive in future Coben projects, Netflix must listen to feedback and pivot creatively. Missing You serves as a pivotal moment for the streaming platform’s future adaptations of Coben’s works.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes, Rotten Tomatoes, The Independent, London Evening Standard, Collider, Decider, Variety, London Evening Standard, The Telegraph

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