"f**king stupid" - Internet slams Netflix's Hostage season 1 for not meeting the expectations

Hostage season 1 is Netflix's latest political thriller series, which was released on August 21, 2025. It brings the fictional story of British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, who is faced with one of her life's toughest situations, pushing her to choose between her personal life and her career. With the support of French President Vivienne Toussaint, Dalton embarks on a dangerous mission to establish balance amidst chaos.

However, after its release, Hostage season 1 became a topic of discussion among viewers on several social media platforms, with several viewers voicing their dissatisfaction with various aspects shown in the series.

"I enjoyed it for comedy value but my god it was f**king stupid. I must have said, 'oh f**k off!' out loud about a hundred times and that was only after watching the first episode. The lack of security detail bugged me so much. This is meant to be the Prime Minister of the UK not 'our Cheryl' who works at Tesco and her mate Sharon (the French President apparently) who lives two doors down. Jesus Christ," one Reddit user said about the flaws they found in the series.

A screenshot of the comment (Image via Reddit/@Lumpy_Flight3088)

Another netizen was also of the same opinion on Hostage season 1 and shared so on Reddit.

"Had high hopes but came to the same conclusion. So much promise but sloppy writing and execution. The actors just made it bearable," the Reddit user said.

Many on the internet pointed out their displeasure with elements like writing, security-related details, and more, further laying out all that they had expected Hostage season 1 to incorporate.

"I found the overall story was interesting, but it was just lazy writing as in so many shows. It starts of intriuging but than goes downhill very quick. The constant surprise vistis at Downing Street, the admission from the French president to the prime minister, why? The hostage escape. The police officer dress up. There is just so much that doesnt add up. In my opinion a good idea going to waste," a Reddit user shared.

"That was a waste of time. And I could not handle the daughter," another user commented.

"It is so turd. Why is the writing on Netflix shows bad ?" another user wondered.

"This show was a total hate-watch. Everything was predictable and telegraphed. As everyone has mentioned half of the plot didn't even make sense. The only thing that saved it from being completely unwatchable were the performances by Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy. The writers should be forced to stand trial for some of the most ridiculous television ever made," another user wrote.

Meanwhile, several viewers also shared some positive reactions while expressing their expectations for Hostage season 1.

"I liked it a lot, jyst wished it had more episodes and more plot development," a netizen shared.

"I think it was a fun show to watch. A bit predictable, but still kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat for 5 hours. Also thought the last song was fitting.. that's my opinion anyways," a user commented.

"I'm surprised at all of the negative reviews, although I do admit I found the accents intoxicating lol. Both women were great and I felt powerful in their roles as leaders of their respective countries.The only role I felt was off was the lead male terrorist, felt contrived at different points. Overall I enjoyed it, binged it in one night," another netizen stated.

Amidst all the ongoing discussions among viewers about Hostage season 1, the series is in the second position among Netflix's global top 10 shows as of the time of the publication of this article.

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What is Hostage season 1 all about?

A still from Hostage season 1 (Image via Netflix Tudum)

With family on one end and her duties as a Prime Minister on the other, British PM Abigail Dalton finds herself in between a rock and a hard place in Hostage season 1. As major health concerns loom over the country, Dalton's husband is held hostage by terrorists in French Guiana.

With few options left, Dalton seeks help on both matters from French President Vivienne Toussaint. However, new challenges emerge as Toussaint also receives a threat that has the potential to change her political fate forever. The series brings action-packed scenes and tense moments across its five-episode run.

The official description of Hostage season 1, as per Netflix, reads:

"The UK is in crisis, and it's up to the new prime minister to solve it. When her husband is kidnapped, will she make the right choice for her country?"

Written and created by Matt Charman, Hostage season 1 stars Suranne Jones as Abigail Dalton, Julie Delpy as Vivienne Toussaint, Corey Mylchreest as Matheo, Lucian Msamati as Kofi Adomako, and Isobel Akuwudike as Sylvie, among others.

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Watch Hostage season 1 on Netflix.