Harlan Coben Recommends Netflix’s ‘The Stranger’ to Pair with Prime Video’s ‘Lazarus’

Harlan Coben wants viewers to watch two of his shows back-to-back. The bestselling thriller author recommends pairing Netflix’s “The Stranger” with Prime Video’s new series “Lazarus” for what he calls the perfect double bill.

According to TechRadar, Coben specifically emphasized watching “The Stranger” immediately after finishing “Lazarus.” Both series adapt his novels and share thematic DNA that makes them natural companions.

Why These Two Shows Work Together

“The Stranger” originally premiered on Netflix in 2020, starring Richard Armitage as a man whose life unravels when a mysterious woman reveals a devastating secret about his wife. The eight-episode series became one of Netflix’s most-watched thrillers that year, though the streaming service doesn’t release specific viewership numbers for older titles.

“Lazarus” takes a different approach but explores similar territory. The Prime Video series (which dropped earlier this year) follows a man who appears to return from the dead, forcing those around him to question what they thought they knew about their lives. Both shows pivot on secrets that destroy families and revelations that rewrite personal histories.

The connection isn’t just thematic. Coben’s adaptation style creates a specific tone across his streaming projects—tightly plotted mysteries that blend domestic drama with genuine menace. Characters in both series navigate suburban settings that hide dark truths, and neither show offers easy answers.

The Streaming Double Feature Trend

Creators recommending their own work as companion pieces isn’t new, but it’s become more common as streaming libraries expand. Ryan Murphy has suggested viewing orders for his interconnected “American Horror Story” seasons. Shonda Rhimes has pointed viewers toward thematic links between “Bridgerton” and “Queen Charlotte.”

But Coben’s recommendation carries practical weight. His shows exist on competing platforms, which means he’s not just cross-promoting within a single service. Viewers need both a Netflix subscription and Prime Video access to follow his suggested viewing order.

The approach reflects how audiences actually watch content now. Binge-watching one series often creates demand for similar shows, and viewers frequently ask for recommendations before they’ve even finished the credits. Coben’s essentially providing that recommendation himself.

What Critics and Audiences Said

“The Stranger” earned mixed-to-positive reviews when it launched. Critics praised Armitage’s performance and the show’s ability to maintain tension across eight episodes, though some found the plot twists excessive. Audience response was stronger—the series trended globally on Netflix for weeks after release.

“Lazarus” is newer and still finding its audience. Early viewer reactions on social media suggest the series delivers on Coben’s signature style—multiple mysteries that converge in unexpected ways. The show hasn’t generated the same cultural buzz as “The Stranger” did at launch, but Prime Video’s algorithm seems to be pushing it heavily to subscribers who’ve watched other Coben adaptations.

Both series benefit from strong ensemble casts and production values that elevate pulpy material. They’re not prestige dramas, but they don’t pretend to be. Instead, they deliver exactly what Coben readers expect: propulsive plotting and shocking reveals.

How to Actually Watch This Double Bill

Coben’s recommendation creates a practical challenge. “Lazarus” runs six episodes, while “The Stranger” spans eight. That’s 14 hours of television, which most viewers won’t knock out in a single weekend.

The better approach: finish “Lazarus” first (as Coben suggests), then start “The Stranger” while the themes are fresh. Both shows end on definitive notes rather than cliffhangers, so there’s no rush to binge. And watching them close together does highlight the parallels—the way both series use anonymous antagonists and buried secrets as narrative engines.

One detail worth knowing: “The Stranger” was filmed in the UK but set in a deliberately vague location that could be anywhere in suburban England. “Lazarus” takes a similar approach with its setting. This geographic ambiguity is a Coben trademark—it makes the stories feel universal rather than tied to specific places.

Netflix hasn’t announced whether it’ll produce more Coben adaptations following “The Stranger,” but the author has multiple projects in development at various streamers. Prime Video seems committed to his work, with “Lazarus” joining earlier adaptations like “Shelter.” So viewers who follow Coben’s double-bill recommendation might find themselves with even more options soon.