Netflix's hit drama thriller series, Fool Me Once, based on the novel by Harlan Coben, has reached a significant milestone in viewership. The British show, consisting of eight gripping episodes, tells the story of intertwined murder cases where the victims may not be as deceased as they initially appeared. Adapted by talented writer Danny Brocklehurst, the series boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Michelle Keegan, Dino Fetscher, Richard Armitage, Joanna Lumley, Adeel Akhtar, Emmett J. Scanlan, and Marcus Garvey.
According to TVLine, Fool Me Once has claimed the top spot on Netflix's streaming chart for the week of January 1, surpassing other popular shows with over 3 billion minutes viewed. This achievement marks the first time since the release of The Night Agent, a Netflix action-thriller series from March 2023, that an original title has surpassed the 3 billion milestone.
Given the immense success of Fool Me Once, it is not surprising that Netflix may be considering a continuation of the series beyond its initial storyline. This scenario has happened before, where shows originally intended as limited series or miniseries were expanded due to their overwhelming popularity, both on traditional television networks and streaming platforms. Examples include CBS' Under the Dome and Prime Video's Good Omens.
Good Omens, for instance, adapted Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's novel in its first season, and subsequent seasons have presented new original stories set within the same universe. While a Fool Me Once continuation may seem unlikely, as Netflix has already secured rights to Coben's next two adaptations, Missing You and Run Away, both British series, and both involving Fool Me Once writer Danny Brocklehurst, it is possible that these upcoming projects could have connections or references to Fool Me Once.
Since Fool Me Once has already adapted the entire novel upon which it was based, a direct continuation may not be necessary. However, if Missing You and Run Away fail to achieve the same level of success, Netflix might be more inclined to pursue a direct sequel to Fool Me Once as a means to keep viewers engaged. This potential follow-up, which could potentially be titled Fool Me Twice, would likely be an enticing prospect for fans of the series.
Netflix has previously released several adaptations of Coben's work that did not generate the same level of cultural impact as Fool Me Once, such as The Stranger in 2020 and Stay Close in 2021, both of which also involved Brocklehurst. If the upcoming projects fail to captivate audiences, it increases the possibility of a direct sequel to Fool Me Once in order to maintain momentum and capitalize on the show's success.
In conclusion, Fool Me Once has surpassed a remarkable viewership milestone on Netflix, proving its wide appeal and popularity. While a direct continuation may not be immediately on the horizon, the success of the series opens up possibilities for future projects within Harlan Coben's captivating universe. Fans eagerly anticipate what comes next from this talented team of creators.
