#TheUndoing: Twisty Thriller
HBO’s murder mystery limited series starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant became pandemic appointment viewing—a glossy, twist-filled thriller that divided critics but captivated audiences.
The Premise
The Undoing premiered October 2020, following therapist Grace Fraser (Kidman) whose perfect life collapses when her husband Jonathan (Grant) becomes murder suspect. The six-episode series explored privilege, denial, and how well we know those closest to us.
Director Susanne Bier created suspenseful atmosphere, though some critics felt the show prioritized twists over depth.
Hugh Grant’s Reinvention
Grant’s performance as potentially murderous charmer Jonathan showcased his late-career renaissance. After years of romantic comedies, Grant embraced darker, more complex roles—making Jonathan sympathetic and suspicious simultaneously.
Kidman continued her HBO limited series dominance (Big Little Lies, The Undoing, Nine Perfect Strangers), becoming the network’s go-to prestige star.
The Whodunit
The series kept audiences guessing about Jonathan’s guilt through expertly deployed red herrings. Social media buzzed with theories weekly—was he guilty? Was Grace complicit? The finale’s resolution satisfied some while disappointing others expecting bigger twists.
The show’s depiction of wealth and privilege—private schools, Manhattan penthouses, lavish lifestyles—provided escapism during pandemic lockdowns.
The Ratings
The Undoing averaged 10.7 million viewers per episode—HBO’s biggest limited series since Big Little Lies. The finale drew 15+ million, demonstrating audiences still craved appointment viewing.
The show’s success proved Nicole Kidman’s star power in prestige TV and audiences’ appetite for well-crafted mystery thrillers.
The Critical Divide
Critics were mixed—praising performances while questioning whether the show had anything meaningful to say beyond “rich people problems.” The series was entertaining but not particularly deep.
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