After a decade since its cancellation, The Red Road, a crime thriller starring Jason Momoa, has unexpectedly re-emerged as a streaming sensation on Netflix. The series, which originally aired from 2014 to 2015 on the Sundance Channel, entered the platform’s global top 10 charts during the final weekend of December 2025, following its release on December 26. Currently, it ranks #8 on Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 list and #5 on the global chart.
Exploring the Plot and Appeal of The Red Road
The Red Road is a gritty, psychological crime drama that follows the life of Phillip Kopus, portrayed by Momoa, an ex-convict reintegrating into life on an Indigenous settlement in the Ramapo Mountains of New York. The series unfolds as NYPD officer Harold Jenson investigates the mysterious disappearance of an NYU student in the area, intertwining the fates of both characters.
Despite its initial cancellation after just two six-episode seasons, the series has garnered renewed interest on Netflix. Prior to its arrival on the platform, viewers could only access it through the niche streaming service, AMC+. The resurgence of The Red Road adds to a growing trend of older titles from AMC Networks finding new life on streaming platforms, similar to 61st Street, another crime series that recently debuted on Netflix.
Why Viewers Are Choosing to Binge The Red Road
One of the key attractions of The Red Road is its concise format. With only 12 episodes, each lasting under 45 minutes, it offers an ideal opportunity for binge-watching. While the series may be a decade old, it feels fresh to many new viewers who are just discovering it. The show is particularly appealing to fans of intense crime dramas, featuring strong performances from notable actors such as Julianne Nicholson and the late Tom Sizemore.
Created by Aaron Guzikowski, who is known for his work on Prisoners and Raised by Wolves, the show has received positive feedback from audiences. It holds an impressive 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many fans have expressed disappointment over its cancellation and have called for a potential third season, praising the series for its compelling narrative and strong character development.
For those in search of a captivating crime thriller that combines entertainment with depth, The Red Road stands out as one of the best options currently available on Netflix. Its dramatic storytelling and complex characters make it a worthy investment for any binge-watching session.
