Safe (TV series)

Safe

Company type	Television miniseries
Industry	Television
Founded	May 10, 2018 (2018-05-10)
Founder	Harlan Coben
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Television drama series
Website	www.netflix.com/title/80175694

Safe (displayed onscreen as Harlan Coben's Safe) is a British drama thriller television miniseries developed by crime novelist Harlan Coben and chiefly scripted by screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst. The narrative unfolds in England, with production handled by Canal+, broadcast on C8 within France, and distributed globally through Netflix. Filming commenced in July 2017 across locations including Manchester, Liverpool, and Cheshire. The eight-part series debuted internationally in 190 countries on 10 May 2018. Its opening theme is "Glitter and Gold" performed by Barns Courtney.

Plot

The storyline of Safe follows Tom Delaney (Hall), a British paediatric surgeon who is widowed and raising two adolescent daughters alone. One year after losing his wife to cancer, Tom faces difficulties maintaining a strong bond with his children. His life takes a dramatic turn when his 16-year-old daughter Jenny vanishes, uncovering a tangled network of hidden truths.

Cast and characters

• Michael C. Hall portrays Tom Delaney, a widowed paediatric surgeon
• Amanda Abbington appears as Sophie Mason, Detective Sergeant, Tom’s neighbour and romantic partner
• Marc Warren plays Pete Mayfield, Tom’s close friend and fellow medical professional
• Audrey Fleurot acts as Zoé Chahal, a French teacher under suspicion for misconduct
• Hannah Arterton features as Emma Castle, a Detective Constable recently transferred from the city
• Nigel Lindsay as Jojo Marshall, father to Sia
• Laila Rouass portrays Lauren Marshall, Sia’s mother
• Joplin Sibtain appears as Neil Chahal, Zoé’s spouse
• Milo Twomey plays Archie "Bobby" Roberts, proprietor of the 1980s-themed bar Heaven
• Emmett J. Scanlan as Josh Mason, Sophie's former husband
• Amy James-Kelly acts as Jenny Delaney, Tom’s elder daughter aged 16
• Amy-Leigh Hickman portrays Sia Marshall, Jenny’s classmate involved in drug dealing
• Freddie Thorp plays Chris Chahal, son of Zoé and Neil and Jenny’s boyfriend
• Hero Fiennes Tiffin appears as Ioan Fuller, a teenager connected to Jenny’s disappearance
• Louis Greatorex as Henry Mason, Sophie's son
• Isabelle Allen portrays Carrie Delaney, Tom’s younger daughter
• India Fowler as Ellen Mason, Sophie’s daughter
• Imogen Gurney plays Tilly Chahal, daughter of Zoé and Neil
• Darren Kemp acts as B.O Ben, technology specialist assisting Tom with GPS tracking
• Karen Bryson portrays Helen Crowthorne, neighbour to the Delaney family

Critical response

The reception of Safe was predominantly favorable, achieving a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 24 critiques. UK publications such as The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian remarked on Michael C. Hall’s unusual English accent as indicative of the series’ quirks but acknowledged its overall entertainment value. Ed Power from The Daily Telegraph commended Harlan Coben for creating believable yet menacing characters alongside expertly crafted cliffhangers, describing the main mystery as well-constructed and efficiently delivered. Sam Wollaston of The Guardian likened the show’s tone to a transition from Netflix-style Broadchurch to something closer to Desperate Housewives, appreciating the character development even if emotional investment was limited.

Maureen Ryan at Variety characterized the series as an engaging, semi-pulp serial filled with twists, clues, and cliffhangers supported by a competent ensemble cast. Ben Travers from IndieWire awarded it a B grade, valuing its acceptance of absurd elements and deeming it an enjoyable soap-opera-like escape.

In contrast, Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter, reviewing initial episodes, critiqued Hall’s accent and acting along with the depiction of the teenage characters as inconsistent in tone. He questioned whether the series would ultimately provide a rewarding conclusion or remain confusing.