The Madness premiered on Netflix on November 28.
By Elazar Abrahams
A late contender for one of the best television series of 2024 has arrived in Netflix’s The Madness. The eight-episode miniseries is a masterclass in suspense, delivering one of the most thrilling streaming shows in recent memory in an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride through a labyrinth of a uniquely American conspiracy. Anchored by an outstanding performance from Colman Domingo, The Madness is a must-watch for fans of intense drama and murder mystery.
Domingo stars as Muncie Daniels, a CNN pundit who is caught in a whirlwind of betrayal and danger after stumbling upon a dead body while vacationing in the Poconos. Colman is nothing short of mesmerizing, blending strength and steadfast determination with moments of vulnerability. He exudes a unique masculine energy that grounds Muncie while allowing for an emotional complexity that becomes the heartbeat of a series focused on survival and resilience.
The narrative is chockful of twists and turns, with a layered conspiracy that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. See, Muncie has been framed by nefarious forces for the murder he accidentally came across, and the victim happens to be a prominent neo-Nazi. Angry Black liberal commentator slays far-right demagogue is a headline that the media is all too happy to run with.
Tone-wise, the writers have hit the perfect note of gripping and relentless, and I was hooked by the end of the first episode. Yet amidst the tension, the series finds time to cultivate moments of emotional depth in Muncie’s interactions with his family. These quieter but just as pressing scenes add richness to the story and deepen the stakes so that when the high-octane moments of assassins and stunt work kick in, they hit even harder.
Kudos to the pacing here, because that’s what really seals the deal on The Madness’ watchability. Not a second across eight episodes is wasted — every scene serves a purpose. The result is a tightly constructed story that most will want to finish in a night or two. The arch is immensely rewarding, with a satisfying conclusion that begs for discussion and speculation, lingering in your mind long after the credits roll.
I give The Madness an A.
TV and City 