The Innocent

Mateo "Mat" Vidal appears to put a terrible mistake behind him, but the past refuses to stay quiet. After prison and a careful attempt to rebuild a normal life, he falls in love and starts to feel free again. Then a single phone call drags him back into a maze of secrets, lies and sudden violence. As Mat chases answers, old relationships fray, new alliances form and every discovery makes the truth harder to trust. The story keeps its focus on shifting loyalties and the way a single event can ripple through many lives, without revealing the twists that follow.

Released on Netflix in 2021, The Innocent was created by Oriol Paulo, Jordi Vallejo and Harlan Coben. The series adapts Coben's novel to a Spanish setting and was produced for an international streaming audience, showcasing familiar crime drama beats with a local cast.

The series did not sweep major international awards, but it attracted attention in Spain and among streaming viewers worldwide. It raised the profile of several cast members and prompted discussion in TV circles about the strength of Spanish thrillers on global platforms, even if it didn't translate into high-profile trophies.

The Innocent helped reinforce the trend of Harlan Coben adaptations reaching international audiences, and it played a part in growing interest in Spanish-language crime shows on Netflix. Mario Casas' portrayal of Mat got a lot of attention, and the series sparked social media debates about guilt, accountability and how far people will go to protect those they love.

On review platforms the show sits at about 7.7 out of 10 based on audience votes, with many critics and viewers praising strong performances and the layered mystery, while some noted uneven pacing in later episodes. The series leans on themes of guilt, secrecy, justice and identity, asking how past actions shape who we are and who we might become.