This Jason Bateman show you’ve (probably) never seen is a must-watch Stephen King thriller — and it’s streaming on HBO Max

Jason Bateman as Terry Maitland in "The Outsider" on HBO Max

(Image credit: HBO Max)

Netflix clearly ranks as a top streaming service for several reasons, including its ability to release new originals every month. Tomorrow (September 18), an anticipated show called “Black Rabbit” drops, featuring Jason Bateman and Jude Law as brothers whose lives spiral into New York’s criminal underworld under mounting debts.

While this gritty thriller is already on my watchlist, it reminded me of “The Outsider,” a darker series that was underrated and remains one of Bateman’s most overlooked projects. It’s a shame, because not only was it canceled by HBO Max after one season, but it also rarely gets mentioned among the strongest Stephen King adaptations.

“The Outsider” is one show that made me emotionally and physically uneasy. But despite feeling on edge every second, I felt compelled to binge the entire series back in 2020. That’s mainly due to its haunting premise of a supernatural-related murder, but also the impressive performances from Jason Bateman and Ben Mendelsohn.

If you’re excited for “Black Rabbit” (or are reading this after its release and need something thrilling to watch), I highly recommend checking out “The Outsider” on HBO Max. Here’s why it should be next on your watchlist.

What is ‘The Outsider’ about?

The Outsider: Official Trailer | HBO - YouTube

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“The Outsider” opens with the brutal murder of 11-year-old Frank Peterson in Cherokee City, Georgia. Local detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) quickly pins the crime on Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman), a beloved Little League coach, backed by multiple eyewitnesses and security footage.

Yet as the case unfolds, conflicting evidence emerges (proof that Terry was in another city during the murder) throwing the investigation into chaos.

Determined to uncover the truth, Ralph enlists the help of unconventional private investigator Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo), whose insight exposes strange and unsettling phenomena surrounding the murders.

‘The Outsider’ didn’t get nearly the attention it deserved

Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo in "The Outsider" on HBO Max — (Image credit: Bob Mahoney / HBO Max)

Even though “The Outsider” was canceled after one season and didn’t get picked up by another streamer, the season concludes in a somewhat satisfying way. It provides answers while still leaving some loose threads open to interpretation. There’s also enough juicy drama to make it a genuinely thrilling one-season watch.

Based on the Stephen King novel, “The Outsider” has pretty much everything you want in a dark thriller. There’s a gripping mystery at its core, a supernatural edge, and characters wrestling with their own demons. While the slow burn story may not appeal to everyone, the show remains compelling thanks to excellent performances from Bateman, Mendelsohn, and Erivo.

Projects like “The Gift” and “Ozark” have already revealed Bateman’s darker acting chops, but “The Outsider” takes it even further. Here, he fully embodies a man who believes he’s innocent while the world points fingers. On top of that, Bateman steps behind the camera, directing episodes of this King adaptation with clear confidence and skill. If you still think of him as just a comedic actor, this dark thriller is undeniable proof of his range.

Yul Vazquez in "The Outsider" on HBO Max — (Image credit: Bob Mahoney / HBO Max)

The show really shines in depicting the ripple effect of grief and devastation on a tight-knit community. As the story peels back the layers of this town, we see how the central tragedy has upended the lives of the families caught in its wake. “The Outsider” also introduces an unsettling supernatural presence in the background, keeping you guessing about where the story might go next.

I also have to warn you that it’s truly dark. There are moments of gore and a constant fear that more children could fall victim to the mysterious perpetrator in the town. Combined with the characters’ own dark backstories, “The Outsider” is emotionally heavy, but the journey to each twist is worth it.

I’m far from the only one who thinks “The Outsider” is a solid show. This dark thriller series holds an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics consensus reading: “Though The Outsider’s slow burn isn't always satisfying, it remains watchable thanks to its excellent performances, especially series standout Cynthia Erivo.”

In the end, “The Outsider” stands out as a well-crafted thriller with plenty of mystery and deeply human emotion. Despite being underrated and cut short after just one season, it’s a show that will probably linger in your mind for quite some time. It's well worth a watch, especially if you’re looking for something to binge after Netflix’s “Black Rabbit.”

Stream "The Outsider" on HBO Max.

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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