Kaley Cuoco's New Thriller Series, 'Vanished,' Receives Mixed Reviews
Kaley Cuoco's latest venture into the world of thrillers, 'Vanished,' is set to premiere on MGM+ on February 1, 2026. The series, which stars Cuoco alongside Sam Claflin, Karin Viard, Matthias Schweighöfer, Simon Abkarian, and Dar Zuzovsky, has been met with a range of reactions from critics and audiences alike.
The show's premise revolves around Alice Monroe, whose peaceful French getaway takes a dark turn when her boyfriend goes missing. While some reviews have praised Cuoco's performance as the lead, others have been less favorable, criticizing the plot and character development.
Here's a breakdown of what critics are saying about 'Vanished':
Paste Magazine's Saloni Gajjar noted the show's similarities to Cuoco's previous series, 'The Flight Attendant,' and described 'Vanished' as 'a rather shallow thriller with a noticeable sepia filter effect when depicting Middle Eastern countries.' Despite this, Gajjar acknowledged Cuoco and Sam Claflin's individual performances but criticized their on-screen chemistry, suggesting they didn't fully convey the intensity of their characters' relationship.
ScreenRant's El Kuiper labeled 'Vanished' as a 'fast-paced thrill ride' but found it unsatisfying. Kuiper pointed out the lack of a compelling villain and criticized the four-episode format, which they felt limited the exploration of characters and their backstories. However, they praised Cuoco and Karin Viard's performances, calling their relationship the most impactful in the show.
Comic Book Resources' Martin Carr was critical of the series' formulaic approach to thriller storytelling, suggesting it had the potential to be exceptional but ultimately fell short. Carr described it as a 'halfway house' that rarely lived up to its potential.
Collider's Jasneet Singh had a mixed opinion, praising the series for being 'intriguing and fun' but criticizing the last 10 minutes, which they felt undermined the overall quality. Singh concluded that the series is still 'worth watching' despite its flaws.
The Los Angeles Times' Robert Lloyd was less impressed, stating that 'Vanished' lacked 'spark and suspense.' Lloyd also took issue with Cuoco's performance, suggesting she felt out of place in the series. He attributed this to the 'pedestrian direction and dialogue,' which didn't enhance her portrayal of the character.
Despite the mixed reviews, 'Vanished' continues to intrigue audiences, leaving them curious about the fate of Alice Monroe and the mysteries that unfold. Will the series live up to the expectations of its viewers? Only time will tell, and it's a discussion that many are eager to engage in.
