Published on April 5, 2026
Dennis Kelly’s six-part drama “Waiting for the Out” begins with Josh Finan’s character, Dan Stewer, an academic who is obsessively fretting over a cooker in his kitchen. As he checks the dials and flame settings repeatedly for any sign of a gas leak, he ultimately leaves the house—only to step into a different kind of pressure cooker while embarking on a new job teaching philosophy to inmates in a prison.
His students include a diverse group of characters portrayed , Charlie Rix, Nima Taleghani, Sule Rimi, Steve Meo, Josef Alton, and Alex Fairns. Each prisoner brings their own struggles and perspectives, challenging Dan as he attempts to simplify the philosophical concepts of thinkers like John Locke and Descartes. The reality is that many of these prisoners, including the bright Keith McKellar played , are deeply affected , much like Dan himself.
While navigating his role as a teacher, Dan grapples with his own family issues. His brother, played , is a recovering drug addict becoming a first-time father, and both share the trauma of a verbally abusive criminal father, portrayed . Their emotionally turbulent childhood shapes Dan’s character arc, leading him to oscillate between wanting to connect with his father and fearing his presence. At times, Dan even hallucinates sightings of the man who abandoned them.
Concerns arise from his family regarding this obsession, especially from his mother, Gail, and their uncle Frank, played , who disapproves of Dan’s yearning to reconnect with their abusive parent. The miniseries expertly delves into the implications of childhood trauma and toxic masculinity, demonstrating how these experiences shape individuals into adulthood.
Kelly, alongside writers Levi David Adai and Ric Renton, presents a compelling portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder and the intrusive thoughts that accompany it. Dan is portrayed as not just a prisoner of his past but also a prisoner of his obsessions—whether it’s checking his gas cooker multiple times or compulsively verifying messages on his smartphone, which he cannot bring into the prison. This preoccupation impacts not just his familial relationships but also his budding romance with Jessica, played , and his work relationships, leading to clashes with Officer Stephens, played .
The tone of “Waiting for the Out” creates an intense viewing experience, as viewers become anxious about Dan’s precarious situation. Josh Finan delivers a standout performance, portraying Dan as a troubled yet kind-hearted character who feels isolated in both his professional and personal life. He is supported cast, including Wight, Spiro, Mack, Daniels, and others.
Directed with intelligence and Ben Palmer, “Waiting for the Out” resonates with the emotional weight of other notable dramas, securing its place as an important television offering. It aired on BBC1 from January 3 to February 7, 2026, and is currently available for streaming on iPlayer.
In stark contrast, Netflix’s latest offering, “Run Away,” has drawn attention for a different reason. Known for releasing glossy adaptations of Harlan Coben’s work, this time there are no familiar faces like Richard Armitage. Instead, James Nesbitt steps into the spotlight again, portraying Simon Greene, a financier on a desperate quest to find his missing daughter, Paige.
Adapted from Coben’s 2019 novel by a team of writers, the series follows Simon as he navigates a convoluted narrative filled with social media outrage and convoluted mysteries. The plot thickens when Simon confronts Paige’s drug-addicted boyfriend, leading to a violent encounter that sends him spiraling into the spotlight, branded as a “rich arsehole.” The investigation soon spawns a murder case when the boyfriend is found dead, with detectives narrowing their blame on Simon.
As Simon searches for his daughter with the aid of his wife, the plot introduces various elements including local drug dealers and precarious interactions with new characters. However, the miniseries has been criticized for its lack of substance, dull dialogue, and underwhelming characters. Many plot points appear contrived, and the chemistry between the detectives feels weak, hindering the show’s overall effectiveness.
Critics argue that “Run Away” lacks the gripping storytelling that fans expect from Coben’s adaptations, with unnecessary twists that detract from the main narrative. Despite the strong premise, the execution falls flat, leading to an underwhelming viewing experience. This leaves audiences wishing for the return of Richard Armitage in future Netflix offerings, as the current installment just does not live up to expectations. “Run Away” premiered on January 1, 2026, and raises concerns about the quality of upcoming adaptations in the vein of Coben’s work.
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