The romantic film People We Meet on Vacation has soared to the number one spot on Netflix's UK movie charts, yet a significant portion of its audience has voiced a consistent complaint about its format.
Audience Calls for a Miniseries Adaptation
Adapted from Emily Henry's bestselling 2021 novel, the film stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex, two friends whose complex relationship unfolds over a series of yearly holidays. Despite its chart-topping success, the cinematic rendition has sparked debate on social media, with many viewers contending the story would have been better served as a limited series.
Fans have drawn direct comparisons to Netflix's acclaimed 2024 adaptation of One Day, suggesting a similar episodic format would have allowed for deeper character development. "This should’ve been a miniseries like One Day (2024) and I will die on this hill," declared one viewer on X, formerly Twitter.
Another comment read, "I’m sorry but People We Meet On Vacation was sooo boring... maybe it would’ve worked better as a miniseries." The sentiment was widespread, with others noting the film felt "disjointed and fell flat emotionally," potentially due to editing or directorial choices that condensed the source material too severely.
Chart Success Amidst Criticism
Despite the criticism, the film's popularity is undeniable. As of Monday 12 January 2026, it holds the top position, outperforming other notable titles like The Life of Chuck and the enduring animated hit KPop Demon Hunters.
KPop Demon Hunters itself has been a record-breaking phenomenon for Netflix, having remained in the charts for over half a year since its release and even surpassing the viewership of Squid Game to become the platform's most-watched series ever. It also holds the title of Netflix's highest-grossing theatrical release.
A Divided Verdict from Fans
The reaction to People We Meet on Vacation presents a fascinating split. Even some who enjoyed the film conceded the miniseries argument. One social media user encapsulated this view, writing, "People We Meet on Vacation was everything I wanted it to be. Even though I still maintain it was more fitting to have be a TV miniseries."
This highlights a growing trend where audiences, particularly for beloved literary properties, are increasingly favouring long-form storytelling over feature-length adaptations, seeking a more comprehensive and emotionally resonant experience that a series can provide.
