The White Lotus Season 3 might be over, but if dark comedies centering on rich people doing shady things is your jam, Netflix has you covered with its new TV show Sirens.
This month is dominated by the big screen, with new movies Final Destination: Bloodlines, the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, the MCU’s Thunderbolts, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning all hitting cinemas within the space of a few weeks.
TV will get its moment to shine, with Netflix eyeing summer releases for the anticipated Wednesday Season 2 and Squid Game Season 3. Until then, it’s a little quiet on the streaming front.
However, it’s not a total drought. Netflix’s Sirens is stepping in to fill the gap, offering a stylish, biting look at privilege, power, and secrets – and the chaos that unfolds when these elements collide.
What is Sirens about?
Created by Maid writer Molly Smith Metzler, Sirens is a mini-series that takes place over one Labor Day weekend. It centers on rough-around-the-edges Devon as she tracks down her sister Simone at mysterious billionaire Michaela’s lavish island.
Simone is now working as Michaela’s assistant, but Devon quickly discovers that all is not what it seems – and her sister is like a stranger.
As per the official synopsis, “Devon thinks her sister Simone has a really creepy relationship with her new boss, the enigmatic socialite Michaela Kell.
“Michaela’s cultish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone, and Devon has decided it’s time for an intervention, but she has no idea what a formidable opponent Michaela will be.
“Told over the course of one explosive weekend at the Kells’ lavish beach estate, Sirens is an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class.”
Smith Metzler told Netflix, “This story has a lot of teeth. There are real moments of drama, and it’s going to make people uncomfortable. Operatic is a word I like to use to describe it. It’s a true dark comedy – and it’s got a Greek mythology vibe.”
Think of it as being like The White Lotus meets Nine Perfect Strangers meets The Perfect Couple. And if that weren’t exciting enough, it boasts a star-studded cast.
Sirens cast
The comparisons don’t end there, as the Sirens cast is led by The White Lotus Season 2 star Meghann Fahy, who takes on the role of Devon. What’s more, Oscar-winner Julianne Moore plays Michaela, while House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock plays Simone.
You can check out the full Sirens cast below:
- Julianne Moore as Michaela Kell, a philanthropist and animal activist who leads the island’s high society and is the wife of billionaire Peter Kell
- Meghann Fahy as Devon DeWitt, a funny, resilient, and fiercely protective woman whose life is on a downward spiral
- Milly Alcock as Simone DeWitt, Devon’s charming younger sister who is now working as a personal assistant to a billionaire
- Kevin Bacon as Peter Kell, an old money heir and Michaela’s husband
- Glenn Howerton as Ethan Corbin III, the Kells’ friend, a trust fund baby, and the bachelor neighbor next door
- Felix Solis as Jose, the lowkey manager of Cliff House and Peter’s right-hand man
- Bill Camp as Bruce DeWitt, Simone and Devon’s Navy veteran father who has recently been diagnosed with early-onset dementia but doesn’t want to be a burden to his daughters
- Josh Segarra as Raymond, a restaurant manager in Buffalo, New York, and Devon’s on-and-off toxic boyfriend
- Trevor Salter as Jordan, the rugged and handsome captain of Ethan’s yacht
- Britne Oldford as Missy, the Kells’ seasonal housekeeper
- Lauren Weedman as Patrice, the Kells’ longtime personal chef
NetflixOther cast and characters include Jenn Lyon as Cloe, Erin Neufer as Lisa, Emily Borromeo as Astrid. Together, they’re known as “The Fates,” three Michaela devotees who dress identically and only add to the cult-like atmosphere.
Speaking about Sirens’ lead, Smith Metzler said, “I like to talk about Devon as the metronome of the show. She sets the pace, and especially the comedy. Casting Meghann was a gift from the heavens.”
“Julianne’s just the dream for this role because she does feel ethereal,” she added. “She’s from another kingdom. She is not a normie.”
How many episodes are there?
NetflixAs a mini-series, Sirens consists of five one-hour-long episodes, making it the perfect show to binge-watch in one weekend.
This is fairly standard for a Netflix mini-series, which normally consist of four or five episodes. You can check out the episode titles and descriptions below:
- Episode 1 – ’Exile’
- Furious that her sister Simone won’t return her calls, Devon heads to an island enclave to find her – and into the clutches of her controlling boss.
- Episode 2 – ’Talons’
- Stymied by Michaela, Devon makes a bold move to remain in Simone’s orbit. Simone and Michaela’s bond is tested as secrets begin to surface.
- Episode 3 – ’Monster’
- Devon gains deeper insight into Michaela’s unique magnetism. With Ethan out of reach, Simone finds herself on Peter’s trail instead.
- Episode 4 – ’Persephone’
- The chaos Devon left behind in Buffalo catches up with her. Simone must decide her own future. Michaela investigates Peter’s phone.
- Episode 5 – ’Siren Song’
- As the gala kicks off, the conflict between Michaela and Simone comes to a head. Peter has a realization. Devon considers her options.
If you’re wondering about the Episode 4 title, Persephone is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known as the daughter of Demeter who was abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld.
Just like Persephone, characters in Sirens – particularly Simone – are drawn into an unfamiliar, seductive world (in this case, billionaire Michaela’s inner circle).
Is Sirens based on a book?
NetflixNo, but it is based on Smith Metzler’s play Elemeno Pea, which made its world premiere at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in March 2011.
The plot of the play is similar to Sirens, with the synopsis stating, “When Devon visits Simone for an end-of-summer sibs fest on Martha’s Vineyard, she finds her little sister changed beyond recognition.
“As personal assistant to wealthy and demanding trophy wife Michaela Kell, Simone enjoys a lavish beachfront lifestyle that these girls never could have imagined growing up in blue-collar Buffalo – but is all this luxury really free of cost?
“Worlds collide and sisters square off in this keenly-observed comedy about ambition, regret and the choices that shape who we become.”
Why it’s worth watching
NetflixWhile it’s too early for a Rotten Tomatoes score, Sirens has received positive reviews so far, with many praising its solid cast, aesthetic setting, and mystery plot.
The Guardian gave it the full five stars, describing the new TV show as an “utterly addictive cult drama” that is “preposterously fun.”
USA Today said in its review, “There is an addictive, delicious, all-encompassing quality to Netflix’s latest limited series.”
Elsewhere, The Telegraph gave it four stars, stating, “Netflix’s new drama starring Meghann Fahy, Julianne Moore, and Kevin Bacon is no Succession, but it’s still preposterously entertaining.”
Sirens is streaming on Netflix now. Find more TV shows to watch on Netflix this month, the best series coming to Hulu, and the full 2025 TV show release calendar.
Source link
