Entertainment

Apple TV’s Forgotten 2-Part Mystery Is Quietly One of Its Most Binge-Worthy Shows

Published

1 day ago

5 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Apple TV has become one of the most impressive streamers, offering a slew of fantastic television shows. Its tentpole series, such as Severance and Ted Lasso, have inspired the biggest fan followings, but there are also the shows that tend to fly under the radar. Series like Bad Sisters and Pachinko are every bit as worthy of a binge-watch, even if they didn’t receive as much fanfare when they were airing. Alongside these high-quality titles is a mystery series that may not have drummed up a lot of buzz, but should be added to your must-watch list now.

What Is ‘Home Before Dark’ About?

Home Before Dark, executive produced by Wicked director Jon M. Chu, is a two-season drama that aired on Apple TV from 2020 to 2021. Over 20 episodes of twisty storytelling, the show follows a nine-year-old girl named Hilde Lisko (Brooklynn Prince) who moves from New York City to her father’s hometown of Erie Harbor, Washington. With her quirky, unique personality, Hilde struggles to fit in at school, while her older sister, Izzy (Kylie Rogers), seems much more likely to be accepted by the popular kids. Hilde is also seen as different from her classmates because she thinks of herself as a journalist, even at her young age, and tends to get in trouble for her inquisitive tendencies.

Jon M. Chu & Dana Fox on ‘Home Before Dark’s Universal Appeal & Season 2 Plans

Plus, the pair open up about series star Brooklynn Prince’s talent and Chu details how this show let him go in some new creative directions.

Shortly after arriving in Erie Harbor, Hilde starts a self-published newspaper called The Magic Hour Chronicle. During her reporting, she stumbles upon a mystery that has haunted the town for decades. Hilde starts investigating the kidnapping of a young boy named Richie Fife, but quickly discovers that there’s a mysterious cover-up connected to his disappearance. In Season 2, even more of the sinister cover-up is exposed, and Hilde makes some powerful enemies. Each episode is full of complex puzzles that unfold as Hilde investigates the mystery further.

‘Home Before Dark’ Will Draw You In With Its Intriguing Mystery

One of the great things about Home Before Dark is that it’s family-friendly, since its protagonist is a young girl, but the series is just as watchable for adults. The storytelling is suspenseful, and Hilde’s storyline doesn’t feel schmaltzy or too juvenile. Instead, the show captures the pangs of growing as well as the beauty of searching for truth and justice. Hilde’s journey is inspiring because she doesn’t let her age or any obstacles stand in the way of her goal. Home Before Dark‘s mystical cinematography and setting are another reason to watch, with the town’s eerie fog acting as a haunting veil that further masks its darkest secrets.

Home Before Dark could have run the risk of feeling unsophisticated, but by casting Prince in the lead, the series morphs into a moving, deeply emotional story. Prince was first discovered in her breakout role as a small child in The Florida Project, and she continues to show her range and immense gifts here. Jibrail Nantambu and Deric McCabe play fantastic sidekicks to Hilde, without being cloying or silly. The adult actors also serve as grounding presences; Jim Sturgess, who plays Hilde’s supportive father, and Joelle Carter, as Hilde’s embattled school principal, are particularly compelling.

Home Before Dark was never officially cancelled, but no new episodes were ordered after Season 2 was completed. Much of the reason it flew under the radar is likely because it aired right in the middle of the pandemic, which also briefly halted the production of the second season. There might be flashier shows on Apple TV to binge, but this drama is quietly unique, with an eerie setting and a mix of thrilling mysteries and heartwarming coming-of-age themes.