Netflix‘s 6-part crime thriller series with a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is one of the streamer’s best shows, based on a bestselling novel. With a total runtime of just 4 hours and 48 minutes, this Netflix series is perfect for a one-night or weekend binge, and has the universal critical acclaim to back it up. While this series did not receive the same level of awards buzz that Netflix shows like Adolescence and Baby Reindeer did, it is still undoubtedly one of Netflix’s top-rated shows of all time.

Released in 2023, this Netflix crime thriller is still worth watching today due to its prestige quality. Its remarkable story is based on the 2019 German novel of the same name (also titled Liebes Kind) written by Romy Hausmann,​​​​​​ and follows an unsolved missing persons case that is reopened after a mysterious woman suddenly reappears. If you consider yourself a fan of dark thrillers that are full of intrigue, suspense, and plenty of plot twists, then Netflix’s Dear Child is a 6-part series you absolutely need to binge.

Netflix’s 6-Part Crime Thriller Is Based On A Bestselling Novel

Netflix’s 6-part crime thriller Dear Child is based on a bestselling novel and is one of the streamer’s most worthwhile and quick binges. While the Netflix adaptation is a faithful retelling of the source material, there are a few key additions and alterations, including a brand new detective character named Aida Kurt, played by Haley Louise-Jones, who becomes an integral part of the story. In fact, Hausmann told Netflix that Aida’s character “really excited me because she lives the complete opposite of the perpetrator’s imagination. It’s subtle and incredibly well told,” asking, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Hausmann’s 2019 novel became an international bestseller and remains her most widely-read published work. Based on the unanimous acclaim of the Netflix series, it’s easy to see why, as it possesses all the components of a fascinating crime thriller: a thorough police investigation, a dark and secretive mystery, and a relentless pursuit to bring a monstrous criminal to justice. The Netflix series delivers a sharp pace to this already well-crafted story, making it a winning combination and a must-see viewing experience.

Dear Child begins with an unknown woman running for her life, only to be struck by a car and left for dead. It’s soon revealed that the woman, named Lena (Keanne Goursaud), may be connected to a missing persons case from 13 years ago, and the truth could be hidden within Lena’s young daughter, Hannah (Nalia Schuberth), and son, Jonathan (Sammy Schrein). This sparks an investigation into where Lena and her children came from, pointing to a captivity situation and a manhunt for a dangerous, militant man.

Dear Child Is One Of Netflix’s Highest-Rated Shows Of All Time

With its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, Dear Child is one of Netflix’s highest-rated shows of all time, even though it is not as popular as some of the streamer’s biggest franchises, like Stranger Things and Squid Game. Nevertheless, one of the key reasons why Dear Child is so critically acclaimed is its surprisingly deep story, especially because on the surface, it may seem like any standard crime thriller without much substance. That is certainly not the case, as Dear Child makes the most out of its 6-episode format.

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Compared to other binge-worthy Netflix thrillers like Black Rabbit and Messiah, Dear Child’s tone is arguably the most tense due to its near-claustrophobic psychological nature. The story is as much about being held in physical captivity as it is mental and emotional imprisonment, diving into the long-standing internalized trauma of the characters with thoughtful precision.

Dear Child is also concerned with the human condition and psyche, which gives it a more prestigious feel, and its story is somewhat told in reverse, making it fascinating to follow along and piece the puzzle together. These reasons make it one of Netflix’s best shows to binge and one of its top-rated shows of all time, based on a bestselling novel that laid the foundation.