A gripping British thriller has taken Netflix by storm, seizing the coveted top spot as the streamer's most-watched series. 'Captivated', originally titled 'Too Good To Be True', first aired on Channel 5 last year but has found a massive new audience since its recent debut on the global platform.
A Star-Studded Cast Drives the Suspense
The four-part series weaves a tense tale around single mother Rachel, whose life is upended when she accepts a cleaning job from a wealthy businessman. The show's success is powered by a formidable ensemble of familiar British acting talent.
Rachel is portrayed by Kara Tointon, an actress best known for her long-running role as Dawn Swann in BBC's EastEnders. Tointon, who also triumphed in the tenth season of Strictly Come Dancing, has further showcased her range in series like Mr Selfridge and The Halcyon.
Playing the enigmatic millionaire Elliot is Allen Leech, whose performance as Tom Branson in the global phenomenon Downton Abbey made him a household name. Leech brings a chilling, controlling demeanour to the role, having also appeared in major films like Bohemian Rhapsody and The Imitation Game.
From Line of Duty to Dune: The Supporting Ensemble
The intrigue deepens with a strong supporting cast. Taj Atwal, recognised for her role as PC Tatleen Sohota in the hit BBC drama Line of Duty, appears as Jasmine, Rachel's friend and co-worker at the cleaning company.
Rachel's young son, Liam, who becomes curiously entwined in Elliot's lavish world, is played by the promising Charlie Hodson-Prior. Despite being only 13, the actor already boasts credits in Matilda: The Musical and the Netflix series The Witcher.
Further rounding out the cast are seasoned performers Sara Powell as Elliot's personal assistant Simone, and John Thomson, famed for Cold Feet and Coronation Street, as Geoff, Rachel's former business partner.
A Second Wave of Success on Streaming
The show's rapid ascent to the number one position on Netflix UK demonstrates the powerful second life that terrestrial dramas can find on streaming services. Originally broadcast in December 2023 on Channel 5, the series has been rediscovered by a much broader, international subscriber base hungry for suspenseful, character-driven stories.
For viewers, the central question remains: is Elliot's interest in Rachel and her son genuine, or does he harbour much darker secrets? All four episodes of this addictive thriller are available to stream now, offering a perfect binge-watch for fans of psychological drama.
