Netflix has brought Absentia back into the spotlight, and it’s quickly winning over audiences. Stana Katic stars as Emily Byrne, an FBI agent who disappeared and was presumed dead. Now, she’s back—but nothing is the same. Her family has moved on, her memory is gone, and new violent mysteries are emerging. Each episode blends tension, suspense, and emotional stakes that keep viewers on edge. With its mix of crime, psychological drama, and personal turmoil, Absentia is currently the third most-watched show on Netflix US. Here is everything you need to know about Absentia – from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
Absentia: all the key details
- Original title: Absentia
- Format: TV show
- Length / Runtime: 3 seasons, 30 episodes
- Genre: Psychological thriller, Crime
- Country of production: USA
- Original language: English
- Release date: 2017 (original), 2025 (Netflix international release)
- Director / Creator: Oded Ruskin; writers: Gaia Violo, Matt Cirulnick
- Lead cast: Stana Katic, Patrick Heusinger, Cara Theobold
- Produced by: Sony Pictures Television, Masha Productions, Media Brat Productions, Bizu Productions
What Absentia is about
Absentia follows Emily Byrne, an FBI agent who vanished while attempting to capture a serial killer and was presumed dead. Six years later, she is found alive in the forest—but with complete memory loss. Returning home, she discovers her husband has rebuilt his life and that their son has been raised by another woman. Emily faces a torrent of questions, guilt, and confusion. Beyond repairing fractured family ties, she is drawn into a new wave of violent crimes that suggest her past holds darker secrets than she could imagine. Each episode layers suspense, psychological tension, and moral ambiguity, keeping viewers on edge as Emily navigates betrayal, identity, and danger.
Absentia cast: the main characters
Stana Katic leads as Emily Byrne, delivering a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with determination. In addition to starring, Katic also serves as an executive producer. Patrick Heusinger plays her husband, whose choices after her disappearance complicate the family dynamic. Cara Theobold appears as a key supporting character, adding depth to the story’s emotional and investigative layers. In the third season, director Kasia Adamik brings a fresh perspective that heightens tension and intensifies the narrative stakes.
Is Absentia based on a true story?
Absentia is entirely fictional. The series was conceived with a clear three-season arc in mind, allowing the story to develop fully and conclude without feeling rushed.
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What reviews say about Absentia
Audiences have responded positively: IMDb currently rates the series 7.2 out of 10. Critics highlight the show’s careful pacing and cohesive story arc, noting that the three-season structure allows for a satisfying and coherent conclusion. The mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and family tension makes it compelling for fans of thrillers who enjoy layered, character-driven drama. Netflix’s new availability gives both new viewers and genre enthusiasts a chance to experience the full narrative from start to finish.
Where was Absentia filmed?
Absentia was primarily filmed in Bulgaria, which provided versatile locations to represent the story’s US settings.
Why watch Absentia
If you enjoyed The Fall or Mindhunter, this is the right series for you. Absentia blends psychological suspense with crime investigation, delivering a story of identity, betrayal, and relentless tension that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Absentia release date on streaming
Available now. Absentia is streaming on Netflix.
Watch the trailer
Here’s the trailer to get a first taste.
