There have been several Ozark replacements on Netflix since the celebrated Emmy-winning series concluded in 2022. None of them comes quite as close to Netflix’s brand new crime thriller series, starring Marty Byrde actor himself, Jason Bateman.
This new Netflix series was released in full last Thursday, dishing up 8 electrifying episodes that are seared with gripping tension and fantastic chemistry between Bateman and his co-star, Jude Law. Bateman, an Emmy-winning director, also returns to direct in this series along with Ozark alums Laura Linney and Ben Semanoff.
The end result is not only an undeniable Ozark replacement series, but a true successor. Although this new series only has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 64%, the mixed critical reception does not capture the inherent quality of the series, which is currently the number one most-viewed show on Netflix.
Don’t Believe The Mixed Reviews – Black Rabbit Is A Can’t-Miss Thrill Ride
I’m perplexed by Black Rabbit’s mixed critical reception – I thought it would have been Netflix’s first critically acclaimed miniseries of the 2026 Emmy pool and potentially the streamer’s early front-runner to follow up Adolescence’s recent Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series win.
If anything, Black Rabbit is wildly, almost concerningly, bingeable, propelled by a near-lethal combination of adrenaline and gasoline. Bateman and Law make a fantastic onscreen pair and are convincing as dysfunctional brothers whose toxic loyalty is their collective Achilles heel. The show is also technically brilliant, with sharp handheld and voyeuristic cinematography that makes both the luxurious and underground shadows of New York City its own character in the story.
Screen Rant gave Black Rabbit 9/10 stars, noting, “There hasn’t been this strong a bond between two dysfunctional yet devoted adult brothers in a Netflix series since John and Danny Rayburn in Bloodline.” We also contended that Black Rabbit “is the type of show that, if you look away for one scene, you’ll lose your place, and you won’t want to miss a second of Netflix’s next big thing.”
Black Rabbit Is More Entertaining Than Ozark – Here’s Why
The main difference between Black Rabbit and Ozark is pace. Black Rabbit is frantic and chaotic, on the same level as The Safdie Brothers’ celebrated film Uncut Gems, a crime thriller which was also notably set in New York City.
Ozark has great character development and arcs that are worth the lengthier investment of viewers’ time and attention over the course of four seasons and 44 episodes. Ozark is a very polished and, at times, slow-burning series, whereas Black Rabbit grabs you by the arms and doesn’t let go until its final episode.
If we’re talking about thrill factor alone, then Black Rabbit has more entertainment value jam-packed into its eight episodes than Ozark’s first season. I personally found Bateman and Law’s chemistry more riveting than his with Linney in Ozark, and on the same level as his dynamic with Julia Garner’s Ruth.
