Ripple is an American television drama series created by Michele Giannusa. The eight-episode season premiered on Netflix on December 3, 2025, starring Ian Harding, Julia Chan, Sydney Agudong, Frankie Faison, Vanessa Smythe, and Robert Bazzochi.
Contents
Premise
Set in New York City, Ripple follows four strangers (Nate, Kris, Aria and Walter) whose lives become intertwined after several chance encounters with one another. Beyond the struggles of daily life, each character is grappling with their own personal issues, from poor health and career doubts to family loss, grief and more. After the characters come together, they lean on one another to get through their challenges.
Cast
Main
Ian Harding as Nate, the owner of a bar called 'Lumi West'
Julia Chan as Kris, a record executive
Sydney Agudong as Aria, an aspiring musician
Frankie Faison as Walter, a retired widower
Vanessa Smythe as Claire, Anna's mother and Nate's wife
Robert Bazzocchi as John, Aria's husband
Recurring
Sarah Swire as Ellis, a non-binary artist and employee at Lumi West
Marci T. House as Tara Martin, the leader of a grief support group
Hazel Lagrendeur as Anna Perry, Nate and Claire’s six-year-old daughter. Anna is deaf and primarily communicates using American Sign Language.
Isabella Astbury as Finn, a young cancer patient
Eden Broda as Rebecca, Ellis' partner
Lyra Xhoci as Nurse Angela
Nicola Correa-Damude as Sylvie
Kelly Fanson as Rose, Aria's mother
Tina Lifford as Brenda, Walter's late wife
LisaGay Hamilton as Georgia, Walter's admirer
Stephanie Moran as Desi
Christian de la Cortina as Davide, Finn's Father
Milton Barnes as Bill Fisher
Chantel Riley as Dr. Anderson, a therapist
Danny Waugh as Dr. Ross
Jasmine Ward as Carrie
Shanice Johnson as Celia, Walter's sister
Bayean Hoffman as young Walter
Roy Lewis as Pastor Michael
Production
Ripple was filmed primarily in Toronto and was directed by Melanie Orr, Lisa Soper, Scott Smith, and Amanda Tapping. Writers include Michele Giannusa, Eva Taylor, Joni Lefkowitz, Jerry Kontogiorgis, and Marquita Robinson.
The series was originally ordered by Hallmark Channel in 2024 for its planned streaming platform. Following changes to the project’s distribution plans, Ripple was released on Netflix in 2025.
Ripple includes a deaf character, Anna, portrayed by a deaf actor. Coverage of the series noted this casting choice within broader discussions of deaf representation in film and television. The actors who play Anna's parents and friends were taught by a dedicated team of teachers and staff as an intro to ASL and deaf culture to prepare them for their roles in the show.
Reception
Panashe Nyadundu of Elle (magazine) described Ripple as a "bingeable emotional drama," calling it "the wholesome series that your watch list has been waiting for."
Ian Harding discussed the series’ themes of fate, loss, and resilience in an interview with Binge News, describing the show as grounded and character-driven. He noted that the ensemble cast explored how individuals respond when long-held assumptions are disrupted, and praised the collaborative atmosphere on set.