British thriller with ‘all ingredients for an irresistibly schlocky melodrama’ jumps up UK chart

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Looking for a fun, slightly cheesy British thriller to watch this bank holiday? Check out The Ex-Wife. It’s based on Jess Ryder’s novel and is currently a hit on a UK streaming service, quickly becoming one of their most popular shows.

This thriller centers on Tasha and Jack, a married couple with a young daughter, whose lives are disrupted when Jack’s former wife, Jen, unexpectedly appears.

The thriller series first launched on Paramount+ in 2022, and its second season came out last year. Now, you can watch all eight episodes – from both seasons – on Channel 5 in the UK.

The show is doing well on the UK streaming platform, currently ranking as its #2 most popular TV series. Only one show, the historical drama The Hardacres, has been more successful so far.

Joining the previously announced cast members are Jordan Stephens, Clare Foster, and Sam Hoare. Also, Katie McGrath, known for her roles in Merlin and Dracula, took over the role of Jen in the second season, replacing Montgomery.

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Critics generally liked the first season of the show, giving it an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews. A score isn’t yet available for the second season.

The first season had everything you’d expect from a delightfully over-the-top melodrama, according to The Scotsman. The Times observed that the show prioritized surprising plot twists over realistic characters, but admitted, “I’m enjoying it!”

Okay, so I just read a review of The Ex-Wife, and The Herald said it really gets straight to the point – things kick off fast! And Decider thought the actors Buckens and Montgomery were seriously good, giving really compelling performances.

The thriller was well-received by audiences, earning a 6.4/10 rating on IMDb based on over 2,900 user reviews. One viewer gave it a 7/10, highlighting how it successfully combined family drama with suspenseful psychological elements.

Looking for something to watch this bank holiday? You could check out Sam Claflin in The Count of Monte Cristo on U, or Keeley Hawes in Falling which is available on Channel 4.

The Ex-Wife is streaming on 5.

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The latest issue of Living Legends, a special collector’s edition about the royal family, is now available! You can purchase The Royals at newsstands or online.

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2026-05-25 13:20