Netflix has scored a sleeper success with The Hunting Wives, the sultry psychological thriller, which premiered on the platform in July 2025. After launching quietly with little formal promotional campaign, the series became a fixture on Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 for six weeks, including time at the number one spot.

From Starz Castoff to Netflix Phenomenon

The show has an unusual backstory—produced initially for Starz, The Hunting Wives found itself without a home when the network split from Lionsgate Television. Netflix licensed the U.S. rights for one year, and the gamble paid off handsomely when the series premiered on July 21, 2025.

Created by Rebecca Perry Cutter (Hightown) and based on May Cobb’s bestselling 2021 novel, the eight-episode series follows Sophie O’Neil (Brittany Snow), who relocates with her husband Graham from Massachusetts to the fictional East Texas town of Maple Brook. There, she becomes entangled with Margo Banks (Malin Akerman), a charismatic socialite who leads an exclusive circle known as the “Hunting Wives”.

A Dangerous Web of Secrets

Sophie’s darker past—she killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Cambridge—adds another layer to her desperation to fit into this new world. As she grows closer to Margo, Sophie becomes consumed by obsession and seduction, eventually finding herself caught up in the murder investigation of a teenage girl found dead in the woods where the Hunting Wives gather.

The ensemble cast includes Dermot Mulroney as Jed Banks, Margo’s oil tycoon husband; Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, and Katie Lowes as members of the elite social circle; and Evan Jonigkeit as Sophie’s husband.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

The series earned a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 25 critic reviews. NPR praised the show’s pacing, noting that while it employs a familiar murder mystery structure, relevant facts emerge gradually rather than forcing viewers to wait until the finale for answers.

Viewers have been surprised by the show’s explicit content, which features considerably more nudity and sex than typical Netflix fare—a legacy of its Starz origins. In an interview with Vulture, Akerman revealed the creative team used Melania Trump as a reference for her portrayal of Margo Banks.

The show’s success extended beyond the screen. The week following the premiere, Cobb’s original novel saw a staggering 5,000% increase in sales across all formats compared to the previous year.

Season 2 on the Horizon

Netflix renewed the series for a second season in September 2025 as a global Netflix original rather than a U.S.-only license. The eight-episode second season will continue the original storyline from the Season 1 finale, with the main cast returning.

According to the Season 2 logline, Sophie and Margo begin at odds, but old secrets and new adversaries force them back together, raising the question: are they the hunters or the hunted?

The Hunting Wives demonstrates that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to success. What began as a discarded Starz project transformed into one of Netflix’s standout dramas of 2025, proving that compelling storytelling—even when wrapped in Texas glamour and scandal—always finds its audience.

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Black Rabbit

Fans of Jason Bateman’s work in Ozark won’t be disappointed with his latest Netflix venture, the crime thriller miniseries Black Rabbit. Released on September 18, 2025, the show, which Bateman also executive produced and directed two episodes of, pairs him with actor Jude Law in a dark and gritty exploration of brotherhood, crime, and ambition.

The Premise: A Brother’s Return

The story revolves around two brothers, Jake (Jude Law) and Vince Friedken (Jason Bateman), who have a complicated and trauma-filled past. Jake is a successful restaurateur in New York City, poised to make his restaurant and VIP lounge, the titular Black Rabbit, a hotspot. His carefully constructed life is upended when his estranged, ne’er-do-well brother, Vince, returns to the city. Vince, a troubled individual with a gambling addiction and a host of enemies, quickly drags Jake back into the criminal underworld. The series starts with a robbery at the Black Rabbit, then flashes back one month to reveal the chain of events that led to the chaos.

The Cast and Characters

Black Rabbit features a strong ensemble cast alongside its two leads. Jude Law plays Jake, the seemingly put-together but deeply flawed restaurateur who is addicted to trying to save his brother. Jason Bateman’s Vince is the unkempt, self-destructive, and often frustrating source of all the trouble. Other notable cast members include Troy Kotsur as a terrifying loan shark, Cleopatra Coleman as an interior designer, and Sope Dirisu as a successful recording artist and investor in the restaurant. The series is at its best when it focuses on the dynamic between Bateman and Law, who have a palpable, brotherly chemistry.

The Downward Spiral

The show is a fast-paced descent into a world of deceit and violence. As Vince’s six-figure debt to a mobster comes to light, Jake is forced to get involved, and the brothers find themselves caught in a dangerous web of schemes and lies. Black Rabbit explores how the brothers’ codependent relationship, rooted in their shared childhood trauma, fuels a cycle of self-destruction. The constant bickering and palpable tension between the two leads make for a compelling watch, even if the subplots and side characters are sometimes underdeveloped.

Is it Worth the Watch?

For those who enjoy a dark, character-driven thriller, Black Rabbit delivers a tense and entertaining ride. While some critics have pointed out a few flaws, such as a predictable plot and a messy narrative, the strong performances from Jason Bateman and Jude Law elevate the series. Their nuanced portrayals of two brothers struggling to escape their past make the show an engaging look at how love and loyalty can become a dangerous force.

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Peter Santenello

In an era saturated with travel vlogs and digital content, Peter Santenello’s YouTube channel stands out as a beacon of authentic, insightful, and often thought-provoking storytelling. For anyone seeking to understand the nuances of cultures and communities often overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream media, Santenello offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective.

More Than Just Travel: A Focus on Human Stories

While Santenello’s channel is undoubtedly about travel, it transcends the typical tourist-centric vlog. His primary focus isn’t on showcasing picturesque landscapes or popular attractions, but rather on the people who inhabit these places. He delves into communities, both within the United States and across the globe, that are frequently misunderstood or simply unknown to a wider audience. From the remote corners of Appalachia and the intricate lives within Native American reservations to the bustling streets of Pakistan, the unique cultures of Hasidic Jewish communities, or the complexities of inner-city America, Santenello consistently seeks out the untold stories.

The Art of Connection: How He Engages and Entertains

What makes Santenello’s show so incredibly entertaining and compelling is his genuine ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Armed with a simple GoPro, he eschews elaborate camera setups, fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable opening up and sharing their experiences. This minimalistic approach allows for raw, unfiltered conversations that reveal the true spirit and challenges of the communities he visits.

His interviewing style is characterized by curiosity and a respectful demeanor. He asks questions that encourage locals to articulate their realities, often challenging preconceived notions and offering viewers a chance to see the world through a different lens. Whether he’s discussing the impact of economic shifts in former industrial towns, the daily routines of an Amish family, or the resilience of individuals living in challenging urban environments, Santenello consistently brings a sense of empathy and a desire to understand.

Global Reach, Local Depth

Santenello’s travels are extensive and diverse. He has taken his audience to:

• Across the United States: Appalachia, Native American reservations, the US-Mexico border, inner-city neighborhoods (e.g., Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix), rural Pennsylvania, the Deep South (Louisiana), Alaska, and communities like the Amish and Hasidic Jews.
• International Destinations: Ukraine (including living with a displaced family), Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Mexico, and Georgia.

Each journey is more than just a visual tour; it’s an immersive experience that provides deep insights into the local culture, history, and socio-economic realities. He highlights the humanity that exists in every corner of the world, often revealing common threads that bind us, despite our apparent differences.

Why Peter Santenello is a Must-Watch

For viewers of TheTechReview.net, Peter Santenello’s channel offers a unique blend of documentary-style journalism and engaging travel content. It’s entertaining not just for the novelty of the destinations, but for the profound human connections he facilitates. His videos are a powerful reminder that there are countless stories waiting to be heard, and that understanding diverse perspectives is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. If you’re looking for content that educates, inspires, and entertains in equal measure, Peter Santenello’s YouTube channel is an absolute must-subscribe.