Netflix viewers are binge-watching an ‘addictive’ thriller series – but not for the reasons you’d expect.

Netflix viewers’ latest binge-watch is not for the reasons you’d think… Credit: SimpleImages / Getty

Departure originally aired from 2019 to 2022 but has found new life on the streaming service, quickly climbing the ranks to become one of 2025’s most-watched shows.

The conspiracy thriller series stars the late Christopher Plummer and The Good Wife star Archie Panjabi and revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Flight 716 and the 256 passengers on board.

Accident investigator Kendra Malley (played by Panjabi) races to uncover whether terrorism, pilot error, or something even more ominous is behind the catastrophe.

Watch the trailer below:

Despite its binge-worthy nature, the show has sparked mixed reactions online, with many fans questioning the acting performances.

Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, with opinions ranging from praise to brutal critiques.

“#DEPARTURE on #netflix is rather good,” one user applauded, while another wrote: “Departure series on Netflix has some of the worst Irish accents I’ve heard in a while.”

A third said: “Anyone watched Departure on Netflix? Is it good? Feels a bit dramatic,” and a fourth added: “This Departure show on Netflix is crazy.”

However, others quipped: “Am watching #Departure on #Netflix and honestly don’t know if to laugh or cry! It is the WORST series I’ve seen in ages. Super poor acting, nonsensical plot.”

“Watching Departure on Netflix and genuinely don’t think I’ve seen worse acting even in a kids’ school play. It’s addictive. And such terrible takes in the storyline,” one more remarked.

Christopher Plummer starred in The Departure. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty

Departure is Plummer in his final role. The legendary actor, whose career spanned seven decades, portrays Howard Lawson, the senior manager of the Transport Safety and Investigations Bureau.

In an emotional scene from season two, Lawson shares a moving moment with Kendra Malley, revealing he is secretly battling an illness.

He tells her: “When you’re close to the end, things you thought were important turn out to be not important in the least. In the end, all that matters are the people that you’d care for, the lives you affected,” cited by Daily Mail.

Plummer starred in many iconic roles, including The Sound of Music, The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, Knives Out and Up.

He passed away in 2021 at the age of 91, making his performance in Departure an especially touching farewell for fans.