How a psychological thriller became HBO's most successful show of 2020
In short: The Undoing, a mystery miniseries starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, achieved a rare feat by growing its audience every single week. While critics debated its narrative depth and character development, the show shattered viewership records, proving that star power and high-end production design can captivate a global audience.
Adapted from the 2014 book You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the series was brought to life by writer David E. Kelley and director Susanne Bier. The production journey began in March 2018, though the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay from its original May 2020 premiere to October 25, 2020. Filming took place across New York City and Kingston, with North Fork serving as a stand-in for Shelter Island after local residents blocked the production.
The show’s reception was a study in contrasts. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 75% approval rating, with critics frequently praising the visual aesthetic and the lead performances. However, some reviewers found the writing formulaic. Roxana Hadadi of Vulture argued that the series lacked the introspective quality of Kelley’s earlier work, Big Little Lies, suggesting that the protagonist, Grace Fraser, felt hollow compared to Kidman’s previous roles. Other critics, such as Eve Gerber, raised concerns that the show’s focus on high-fashion production values distracted from the serious nature of the domestic violence themes depicted.
Despite these critiques, the show was a commercial juggernaut. It became the most-watched HBO series of 2020, even surpassing the audience numbers for Big Little Lies. Its reach extended internationally, where it set a new record as the largest American series launch on Sky in the United Kingdom, successfully dethroning the long-standing viewership record previously held by Game of Thrones. This steady climb in weekly viewership marked a historic milestone for the network, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Undoing
- Also: Wikidata — The Undoing · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — The Undoing · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-the-undoing.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in TV series · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
