The Stolen Girl arrives tonight: 'Binge-worthy' suspense, a cast of familiar faces and how to watch
The Stolen Girl makes its broadcast debut tonight, and the timing matters because this adaptation of Alex Dahl's novel Playdate — which first appeared on a streaming service last year (originally airing in April) — is being presented as a five-part, must-watch thriller. The Stolen Girl will be on the schedule Wednesday, February 25, at 9pm, and its early buzz centers on tense plotting and strong performances that have prompted viewers to call it binge-worthy and compare it favorably to Harlan Coben-style mysteries.
Why The Stolen Girl has been billed 'binge-worthy'
Viewer commentary has emphasized the series' relentless suspense and hooking opening. Fans have described the drama as "very suspenseful" and said it keeps audiences guessing until the end. One reaction noted the series is an "exciting watch" and another said they watched the entire show "in ONE GO, " praising performances, direction and production values. Those reactions underscore why the series is being framed as binge-friendly despite its five-episode broadcast rollout.
What happens in the story
The central premise is framed as a parent's worst nightmare. Nine-year-old Lucia is eager for her first sleepover at her new friend Josie's house. Lucia's mother, Elisa Blix — played by Denise Gough — initially has reservations but, after meeting Josie's mother Rebecca and visiting their striking home, Elisa agrees to the overnight stay. The following day Elisa and her husband Fred Blix (played by Jim Sturgess) return to collect Lucia and discover Rebecca, Josie and Lucia have disappeared without a trace. The house is empty except for a cleaner who tells the devastated couple that "no one lives here. " The abduction sets off a chain of investigation, grief and obsession that drives the five-part arc.
The Stolen Girl cast: Where you’ve seen the stars before, from Jim Sturgess to Ambika Mod
The series assembles a cast whose credits many viewers will recognize. Leading the cast, Denise Gough plays Elisa Blix; she is known for stage work including People, Places and Things and Angels in America, and on screen for roles such as Dedra Meero in Andor, Connie Mortensen in Too Close, and the titular role in Paula. Jim Sturgess plays Fred Blix and is known for roles including Jude in Across the Universe, Ben Campbell in 21, and Dexter Mayhew in the One Day film, with additional credits including Cloud Atlas, Fifty Dead Men Walking and voice work in Legend of the Guardians.
Holliday Grainger appears as Rebecca Walsh; among her credits is a starring role as DCI Rachel Carey in The Capture, with that series set to return for a third season this March. Her other credits listed include Waterloo Road, Mickey 17, Strike and Cinderella. Ambika Mod plays Selma Desai, a determined journalist; her past work includes the 2024 One Day series (as Emma Morley), the 2022 drama This Is Going to Hurt (as Shruti Acharya) and I Hate Suzie.
Bronagh Waugh plays DI Shona Sinclair, the lead investigator on Lucia's case; Waugh's credits include The Fall and a multi-year run on Hollyoaks from 2009 to 2013, along with appearances in Ridley, Viewpoint, Unforgotten, Derry Girls and Death in Paradise. Xavier Samuel is listed among the cast with credits including The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Elvis, Blonde, The Loved Ones, Adore, Anonymous and Fury; the contextual credit list is truncated and the final item is unclear in the provided context. Marcus Turner is described as a hotelier and Elisa's former lover who is currently serving time in prison.
Selma Desai and the investigation angle
Ambika Mod's character Selma Desai is a driven journalist at Dash Voice who becomes personally involved in the case. Feeling the police are not moving quickly enough, Selma takes matters into her own hands and leads her own investigation — adding a parallel, investigative thread to the police inquiry headed by DI Shona Sinclair.
How to watch and episode rollout
The Stolen Girl will premiere on a UK broadcaster tonight, Wednesday, February 25, at 9pm. The run comprises five episodes, with the remaining instalments scheduled to air weekly. For viewers who prefer to watch the entire story immediately, the complete boxset is available to stream on the broadcaster's streaming platform. Schedule details are subject to change.
Recent audience reaction highlights why this adaptation is being talked about as a compact, addictive thriller: tight plotting, an ensemble cast with familiar credits and a central mystery that unfolds across five episodes. The Stolen Girl’s combination of domestic dread and investigative momentum positions it as an appealing option for viewers who enjoy tense, character-driven mysteries.
