Star-Studded ‘Apples Never Fall’ Debuts on BBC

The latest adaptation of Liane Moriarty‘s work, “Apples Never Fall,” has premiered on BBC One, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Annette Bening, Sam Neill, and Alison Brie. The series revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Joy Delaney, portrayed by Bening, who recently retired from the tennis academy she managed with her husband, Stan, played by Neill. The plot thickens as their four children become embroiled in the intrigue and start to question family dynamics.

The storyline of “Apples Never Fall” is characterized by its twists and dramatic tension, recurring themes in Moriarty’s adaptations. “Each episode follows a different Delaney as they navigate both the family dynamics and the resurfacing of long-buried secrets,” notes one critic. The series, however, receives mixed reviews, with some commentators believing it to be a derivative rendition of previous works, such as “Big Little Lies,” another famed Moriarty adaptation.

Despite being set in Florida, the series retains its Australian filming location, lending a distinctive visual backdrop. Critics have pointed out the show’s “hazy hues and elitist characters,” drawing comparisons to other series like “The White Lotus.” The nostalgic feel of the series spurred comparisons with earlier Moriarty adaptations, while questions about creativity and originality emerged from viewers and critics alike.

“We’ve seen Brie, Neill and Lacy play these roles before,” remarked a viewer familiar with the actors’ prior work. This familiarity, while comforting to some, left others desiring more innovative storytelling. Nonetheless, the appeal of such a star-studded cast provides a draw for audiences seeking a continuation of the genre’s themes.

Several new faces, including Georgia Flood who plays Savannah—a mysterious young woman whose arrival complicates matters further—strive to bring fresh perspectives to the series. “Savannah’s character remains one of the most intriguing, albeit half-drawn,” a critic observed, underscoring the difficulty of presenting new angles within a well-trodden plot structure.