Netflix’s “Hostage” Cast Sparks Divided Reception Among Viewers

August 26, 2025 - Netflix’s political thriller Hostage, led by Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy, continues to top the streaming charts this week, but its cast has become the center of a heated debate among audiences.

In its opening weekend after the August 21 premiere, Hostage secured the number one spot globally on Netflix thanks in large part to the headline performances of Jones as British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton and Delpy as French President Vivienne Toussaint. Critics have lauded the series for its gripping narrative and strong ensemble work, highlighting Corey Mylchreest, James Cosmo, Lucian Msamati, and Jehnny Beth for their supporting roles. However, viewer ratings tell a different story. While professional reviews average in the high 80s percentile, audience scores have dipped into the mid-60s, with many viewers expressing frustration over character development and pacing. Social media threads have evolved into impassioned discussions, with hashtags like #HostageCastDivide and #TeamDalton emerging overnight.

Key points of contention include:

• The portrayal of Matheo Lewis by Corey Mylchreest: praised by critics for nuance but criticized by some viewers as underwritten.
• James Cosmo’s turn as Max Dalton: hailed on Twitter for emotional depth, yet others feel his storyline is sidelined.
• Jehnny Beth’s role as Adrienne Pelletier: applauded for intensity but polarizing among fans of her musical career.

Despite the split, Hostage remains a cultural phenomenon, igniting conversations about the challenges of balancing political intrigue with character-driven drama. Netflix has not commented on the ratings disparity, but insiders suggest the platform is closely monitoring engagement ahead of any discussions for a potential second season.