Netflix viewers left baffled by plot twist in newly added British thriller that can be binged in a few hours

Netflix has set a cat among the pigeons with a new addition to the streaming platform, as viewers have been left baffled by the series' bizarre plot twist.

So if you fancy arguing the toss about the surprise turn of events in The Cuckoo with your designated binge-watching buddy, you had better clear your evening.

There's only four episode of the dark thriller which features beloved Brit stars such as Jill Halfpenny, Lee Ingleby, Claire Goose and Freya Hannan-Mills, which only adds to its allure as you can be done and dusted with it within a few hours.

Take a look at the trailer for The Cuckoo here:

The chilling series first aired on Channel 5 back in April this year and it has now got a new lease of life after being picked up by Netflix - yet it's still just as divisive six months on from its debut.

The Cuckoo landed on the streaming platform on 12 October and has quickly rose through the ranks to earn a spot in the UK's top 10 TV programmes.

The four-part thriller follows artist Sian (Halfpenny) as she moves in with parents Nick (Ingleby) and Jessica (Goose) Hayes and their 14-year-old daughter Alice (Hannan-Mills), but the lodger quickly stirs up some trouble.

The couple are feeling the pinch financially and believe that letting a charming lodger move in with them could be the solution to their money troubles, however, their tenant isn't exactly who she claims to be.

The Cuckoo's plot has left viewers divided (Channel 5)

The family end up in a frantic fight for survival as they uncover the truth about Sian's past in tense scenes which left viewers on the edge of their seats - but not everyone was a fan of the plot.

The Cuckoo received a mixed reception when it first aired earlier this year and it seems Netflix users hold series on the streaming platform to an even higher account, as these lot haven't held back when sharing their opinions of it.

Taking to X, one social media user explained they were left 'disappointed' by the storyline despite it having a lot of potential, as they believed the 'unexpected ending' missed the mark.

"Was looking forward to this but was disappointed...slow and could have been condensed," the viewer said.

Another added: "Started off with such promise but unfortunately it was way too predictable and knew what was going to happen. Such a shame as Jill is a fantastic actress."

Jill Halfpenny stars in the four-part thriller (Channel 5)

A third commented: "The Cuckoo on Netflix has the worst plot and acting I’ve seen in a longtime."

A fourth said the series 'makes no sense' and was riddled with 'plot issues' - however, there were also a legion of viewers who said they loved every minute of the show.

"Brilliant. 2nd series, please," one fan said.

A second chimed in: "I never screamed at my TV so loud at the final episode. What a gripping drama!"

A third wrote: "Excellent drama, good ending, well acted all round."

And a fourth added: "Well I loved it from start to finish, well done to all involved."

It sounds like The Cuckoo is like Marmite, you're either going to love it or hate it - but we will let you make your own minds up about which side of the fence you're on.

You can catch The Cuckoo on Netflix or stream the series on My5.