The Stolen Girl: A binge-worthy suspense pick airing tonight for Harlan Coben fans and TV binge-watchers

For viewers who chase tense, character-driven thrillers, the stolen girl arrives with the promise of quick hooks and a strong cast — and that’s exactly how this one is being framed by online fans. The five-part psychological drama, adapted from Alex Dahl’s novel Playdate, lands on a UK broadcaster tonight, and for Harlan Coben followers and binge-watchers it provides a tidy, suspense-first evening: compact episodes, a central parental nightmare, and performances many will recognise.

Why this matters for binge-watchers and Harlan Coben fans

Here’s the part that matters: the stolen girl is being described as "binge-worthy" and compared to the kind of suspense that hooks quickly, which changes how you might schedule your evening. If you prefer tightly plotted, hook-driven mysteries, this series is positioned to deliver that immediate payoff. For readers of Alex Dahl, and viewers who like serialized, twist-driven dramas, the format — five episodes with weekly instalments after launch — shapes expectations of pacing and reveals.

Premiere and episode plan

The series makes its UK television debut tonight, Wednesday, February 25, at 9pm. The story is presented across five episodes, with the remaining instalments set to air weekly after the premiere. If you prefer to watch the story in one go, the complete boxset is already available to stream on the broadcaster’s streaming platform (name redacted); schedule subject to change.

The Stolen Girl cast: where you've seen the stars before

Leading the central family is Elisa Blix, played by Denise Gough. Elisa is portrayed as a mother and a cabin manager on private jets who agrees to her nine-year-old daughter Lucia’s first sleepover after meeting the host family. Lucia, keen on the experience, goes to her new friend Josie’s home, but Elisa harbours reservations initially.

Jim Sturgess plays Fred Blix, Elisa’s husband and a criminal barrister whose world is turned upside when Lucia goes missing. Holliday Grainger is Rebecca, Josie’s seemingly sweet and charming mother who, after welcoming Elisa, is central to the disappearance. Ambika Mod appears as Selma Desai, a determined journalist at Dash Voice who, feeling the police aren’t moving fast enough, leads her own investigation. DI Shona Sinclair is named as the lead investigator on Lucia’s case and Bronagh Waugh is part of the cast in that role set-up.

Other cast notes included in the coverage: Marcus Turner is introduced as a hotelier and Elisa’s former lover who is currently serving time in prison. Xavier Samuel is listed among the cast with a range of film and TV credits; the provided context includes several of his past titles but a final credit entry is unclear in the provided context.

Plot beats and a few key moments

The opening set-up is simple and sharp: nine-year-old Lucia wants a first sleepover at her friend Josie’s house. Elisa’s initial hesitation fades after meeting Rebecca and seeing the family’s attractive home, and she consents. When Elisa and Fred arrive the following day to collect Lucia, Rebecca, Josie and Lucia have vanished without a trace. The house is found empty except for a cleaner who tells the devastated couple that "no one lives here. " That central disappearance drives the narrative tension and the competing investigations — official and journalistic.

Viewer reaction, credentials and what to expect

Early online reactions quoted in the provided context call the show "very suspenseful" and encourage one-sitting viewing, with some viewers labelling it "binge-worthy" and praising performances, direction and production values. Denise Gough’s casting is highlighted alongside her notable screen roles, and Jim Sturgess and Ambika Mod are noted as part of a reunited ensemble that viewers may recognise from prior work. Holliday Grainger’s past credits include a lead role on a returning drama that is scheduled to have its next season this March, and other cast members bring credits spanning several well-known titles.

• Premiere: Wednesday, February 25 at 9pm (UK broadcaster).
• Episodes: Five-part drama; remaining instalments air weekly.
• Source material: Adapted from Alex Dahl’s novel Playdate.
• Availability: Complete boxset available to stream on the broadcaster’s streaming platform (name redacted).

What's easy to miss is how compact the package is: five episodes make this approachable for both a single-night binge or a short weekly commitment. The real test will be whether the series sustains viewers beyond the initial hook.

If you’re planning to tune in tonight, expect a tight, suspense-led premiere and familiar faces in the cast whose prior credits are listed above — all elements that have contributed to the show's "binge-worthy" label in early viewer reactions.