The search for a missing boy reveals the heavy weight of maternal guilt in Peacock’s addictive new thriller.
When Marissa Irvine arrives to pick up her son from a simple playdate, she expects nothing more than to hear about the games he played and the snacks he ate. Instead, she is met with every parent’s worst nightmare: the woman at the door has never heard of her son, the playdate never existed, and her child is gone. This is the chilling premise of All Her Fault, Peacock’s gripping new miniseries that will keep you guessing until its final moments.
Led by an Emmy-winning force and featuring a stellar ensemble cast, this eight-part mystery does more than just track a disappearance—it dissects the very nature of blame, particularly the disproportionate weight placed on mothers when tragedy strikes.
The Story: A Playdate Gone Wrong
All Her Fault follows the frantic search for five-year-old Milo Irvine, who vanishes after school under mysterious circumstances. The series introduces us to Marissa Irvine (Sarah Snook), a successful wealth manager, and her husband Peter (Jake Lacy), as their world shatters in an instant.
The investigation, led by Detective Alcaras (Michael Peña), quickly reveals that nothing is as straightforward as it seems. As suspects multiply and secrets surface, the series expands beyond a simple missing-person case to explore the complex dynamics within both the Irvine family and their community.
The narrative is adapted from Andrea Mara’s bestselling 2021 novel and was developed for television by creator Megan Gallagher. What begins as a parent’s worst fear soon spirals into “a complex and frightening web of deception and lies” that ensnares multiple families.
What Makes It Work: Performance and Social Commentary
Sarah Snook’s Powerful Anchor
Fresh off her Succession triumph, Sarah Snook delivers a raw, emotionally charged performance as Marissa. She masterfully portrays a mother oscillating between determined strength and overwhelming despair. Critics note Snook’s ability to convey “tremulous and overwhelming feeling without ever seeming hammy or phony,” anchoring the series in authenticity even as the plot takes increasingly dramatic turns.
The Standout Supporting Cast
- Dakota Fanning as Jenny Kaminski: Fanning plays a fellow school mom who forms an unlikely alliance with Marissa. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, with their characters’ friendship emerging as “one of the story’s most mature and healthy relationships”.
- Jake Lacy as Peter Irvine: Lacy continues his run of complex roles, skillfully blurring the line between supportive husband and potential suspect.
- Michael Peña as Detective Alcaras: Peña brings gravitas to the investigating officer, though some critics found his personal storyline somewhat extraneous to the main plot.
Sharp Social Observations
Where All Her Fault truly excels is in its examination of societal expectations placed on mothers. The series consistently highlights how Marissa and Jenny, both working professionals, face scrutiny and judgment that their husbands escape entirely.
“The most nuanced story that All Her Fault tells is about how Marissa and Jenny are both capable, intelligent, and loving moms stuck in marriages and a society that does not value their worth as breadwinners, only their value as mothers,” observes one review. This thematic depth elevates the series beyond a standard thriller into a more thoughtful commentary on modern parenthood.
Potential Shortcomings: An Overstuffed Narrative
Despite its many strengths, All Her Fault isn’t without flaws. Some critics found the series “overflowing with characters and stories, to its detriment”. With an eight-episode run, the narrative sometimes struggles to balance its large ensemble, leaving some compelling characters—like Peter’s siblings—underdeveloped.
Additionally, while the mystery generally satisfies, some reviewers noted the final reveal “comes out of nowhere, with very little foreshadowing”. The series occasionally prioritizes shock value over careful groundwork, which may frustrate viewers who prefer meticulously planted clues.
Critical Reception and Where to Watch
All Her Fault has garnered generally positive reviews since its debut. The series currently holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it Sarah Snook’s second-highest-rated TV show after Succession. Critics have praised its “extraordinarily tight” plotting and the powerful performances of its leads.
The complete eight-episode season is available to stream exclusively on Peacock as of November 6, 2025. All episodes were released at once, perfect for viewers who prefer to binge-watch their mysteries.
The Final Verdict
All Her Fault successfully combines the tension of a child-in-peril thriller with sharp observations about parental guilt and societal judgment. While it occasionally buckles under the weight of its ambitious narrative, Sarah Snook’s powerhouse performance and the series’ thoughtful exploration of maternal pressure make it a compelling watch.
As The Guardian’s review perfectly summarizes: “You come for the terrifying premise and stay for the absolute pleasure”.
Is All Her Fault worth your time?
- For mystery lovers: Yes, provided you don’t mind some narrative conveniences.
- For Sarah Snook fans: Absolutely—her performance alone makes the series worthwhile.
- For parents: Approach with caution, as the premise may hit too close to home.
- For those seeking substance with their suspense: Definitely—the social commentary adds meaningful depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in All Her Fault?
All Her Fault is an eight-episode limited series, with each episode running between 46-56 minutes.
Is All Her Fault based on a book?
Yes, the series is adapted from the 2021 bestselling novel of the same name by Andrea Mara.
Who is in the cast of All Her Fault?
The series stars Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning, Jake Lacy, Michael Peña, Sophia Lillis, Abby Elliott, and Jay Ellis.
Where can I watch All Her Fault?
All Her Fault is available exclusively on Peacock. All eight episodes were released on November 6, 2025.
How does All Her Fault handle its sensitive subject matter?
The series approaches its difficult premise with care, focusing more on the emotional fallout and societal commentary than exploitative thriller elements. However, parents of young children may find the initial setup particularly distressing.
Whether you’re drawn in by its terrifying premise or Sarah Snook’s captivating performance, All Her Fault delivers a binge-worthy experience that will have you questioning who to trust at every turn. The mystery of Milo’s disappearance is solved over eight tense episodes, but the questions the series raises about blame, responsibility, and motherhood may linger long after the credits roll.
Have you watched All Her Fault? Share your thoughts on the series finale and who you suspected throughout the journey.
