A dark, critically acclaimed thriller has become the unexpected antidote to festive overload for UK Netflix subscribers, storming into the platform's top 10 rankings. 'The Red Road,' starring Jason Momoa, has seen a major resurgence in viewing, with many fans reporting they devoured its entire run in a single weekend.
A Compelling, Cancelled Gem Finds New Life
Originally airing on SundanceTV for just two seasons and 12 episodes between 2014 and 2015, the series' premature cancellation has long been a point of contention for its dedicated fanbase. However, its concise length is now proving a major asset for viewers seeking a substantial but manageable binge during the post-Christmas period. The show's move to Netflix has introduced it to a vast new audience, who are quickly discovering its intense appeal.
Set in a fictional New Jersey town, the narrative centres on police officer Harold Jensen, played by Martin Henderson. Jensen's life is unraveling: his wife Jean battles undiagnosed mental illness and addiction, pushing his family to the brink, while a long-buried secret threatens to destroy everything he has left.
Jason Momoa's 'Finest Performance' and Real-World Roots
The story's tension is driven by Jensen's fraught relationship with Phillip Kopus, portrayed by Jason Momoa. Kopus is a magnetic and morally ambiguous member of the Ramapough Mountain people, a state-recognised Native American tribe. Fans consistently highlight Momoa's performance as a career best, bringing rare depth and complexity to the character.
What elevates The Red Road beyond a standard crime drama is its foundation in real historical injustice. The plot draws direct inspiration from the struggles of the Ramapough Lenape Nation and the environmental disaster of the Ringwood Mines landfill toxic dumping, where industrial waste poisoned generations of local residents.
Fan Fury and Critical Acclaim: A Show That Demanded More
Audience reactions on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes reveal a pattern of passionate admiration followed by frustration. One viewer admitted to watching all 12 episodes in a single weekend, only to be furious upon learning the series was cancelled without a proper conclusion. Another lamented the show never got the narrative space it deserved, stating, 'It wasn't finished, and I miss it!'
The praise is effusive. Fans commend the sharp writing, emotional restraint, and powerhouse performances from the supporting cast, including Julianne Nicholson as Jean Jensen. One emphatic review declared the series impossible to top, calling it 'the most well-written, well thought-out, well produced… the best of everything.'
While the series concludes on a cliffhanger that leaves many wanting more, its blend of moral complexity, social relevance, and gripping performances has cemented its status as a hidden gem. For UK viewers seeking something sharply intelligent and refreshingly detached from seasonal cheer, 'The Red Road' has become the must-watch binge of the moment. The entire series is available to stream on Netflix now.
