Prime Video has unleashed The Girlfriend, a six-episode psychological thriller adapted from Michelle Frances’s bestselling novel. Released on September 10, 2025, the show explores the tense relationship between a protective mother and her son’s mysterious new partner.
With Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke leading the cast, the show balances suspense and intimacy, constantly shifting perspective to leave viewers wondering whose version of events can be trusted. Early reviews highlight its tense atmosphere, layered performances, and binge-ready pacing.
Here is everything you need to know about The Girlfriend – from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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The Girlfriend – all the key details
- Title: The Girlfriend
- Format: Miniseries (TV show)
- Runtime: 1 season, 6 episodes
- Genre: Psychological thriller
- Original language: English
- Release date: September 10, 2025
- Director / Creator: Andrea Harkin, Robin Wright
- Main cast: Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson, Waleed Zuaiter
- Produced by: Amazon Studios, World Productions
What The Girlfriend is about
Laura Sanderson seems to have the perfect life – a respected career, a stable home, and a devoted son, Daniel. Everything changes when Daniel introduces Cherry, a new girlfriend who instantly unsettles Laura.
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At first, Laura’s unease appears irrational, fueled by jealousy and fear of losing her son. But as Cherry becomes more deeply entwined in their lives, Laura becomes convinced she is hiding something dangerous. The series transforms a seemingly ordinary domestic drama into a high-stakes psychological battle, exploring themes of trust, obsession, and blurred morality.
The Girlfriend cast: the main characters
Leading The Girlfriend is Robin Wright as Laura Sanderson, a mother whose protective instincts soon turn into obsession. Wright, celebrated for House of Cards, brings both gravitas and intensity to the role. Olivia Cooke stars as Cherry Laine, the mysterious girlfriend with unclear intentions. Known for House of the Dragon and Sound of Metal, Cooke skillfully blends charm with an undercurrent of menace.
Laurie Davidson portrays Daniel Sanderson, Laura’s son, torn between love and loyalty. Previously seen in Cats and Will, Davidson captures Daniel’s vulnerability and uncertainty. Waleed Zuaiter completes the main cast as Howard Sanderson, Daniel’s father, heightening the tension within the family.
Is The Girlfriend based on a true story?
The Girlfriend is not based on real events. The show is an original story created for Prime Video, though it builds on familiar psychological thriller themes such as obsession, control, and fractured families. In fact, the creators wanted to explore what happens when meeting the parents turns into a full psychological war, turning a universal moment into a nightmare scenario.
What reviews say about The Girlfriend
The Girlfriend excels in building psychological tension, blending sleek production with intimate, character-driven storytelling. Robin Wright delivers a commanding presence, while Olivia Cooke adds an edge of unpredictability, making every interaction feel charged. The show balances suspense with emotional depth, exploring themes of trust, control, and human vulnerability.
Early reviews highlight the show’s ability to maintain suspense while avoiding clichés. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a critic score of around 80%, with particular praise for Robin Wright’s commanding performance and Olivia Cooke’s unsettling duality.
Glamour described it as “a thriller that keeps you second-guessing every scene,” while The Guardian noted its “taut writing and unpredictable shifts of perspective.”
Where was The Girlfriend filmed?
The Girlfriend was filmed primarily in London and surrounding areas in the United Kingdom, with suburban homes and urban landscapes chosen to heighten the claustrophobic, domestic tension of the story. The production deliberately avoided glamorous backdrops, preferring realistic interiors and familiar streets that make the unsettling story feel uncomfortably close to home.
The Girlfriend: behind the scenes
The creators worked closely with a psychological consultant to make sure the portrayal of paranoia and manipulation felt authentic. Meanwhile, Olivia Cooke reportedly stayed in character even between takes, helping to maintain Cherry’s unsettling and unpredictable presence throughout the series.
Why watch The Girlfriend
If you enjoyed shows like The Undoing, Behind Her Eyes, or You, The Girlfriend should be on your watchlist. It combines psychological tension with family drama, exploring how fear and obsession can destroy even the closest relationships. With stellar performances and a storyline full of unsettling twists, it’s the kind of show you’ll want to binge in one sitting – and then immediately discuss with friends.
The Girlfriend release date on streaming
Available now! The Girlfriend premiered on Prime Video on September 10, 2025, and all six episodes are available to stream worldwide.Watch The Girlfriend on Prime Video
Watch the trailer
Here’s the trailer for The Girlfriend – a chilling preview of Prime Video’s latest psychological thriller.