Prime Video just dropped one of its newest shows, The Better Sister, and if you are looking for a dark thriller, this eight-episode series might be exactly what you need. All the episodes are ready to stream, so it is easy to get hooked. The show follows estranged sisters Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor and Elizabeth Banks as Nicky Macintosh. They are forced to reconnect after Chloe's husband is murdered. The tricky part is that Chloe's husband, Adam, was first with Nicky and had a child with her. This story is a murder mystery from beginning to end. It is full of suspenseful family drama and secrets coming out in a very messy family. The Better Sister certainly deserves a spot on your watch list.

A lot of the credit for how good this series is goes to its great cast. It includes big names like Corey Stoll, Kim Dickens, Matthew Modine, and more. This group of actors really sells the complex relationships and the dark plot. They make the characters feel real, even when the situations are wild. It is not just the lead actresses who shine. The whole ensemble makes the show worth watching. They help create a world where secrets are everywhere, and everyone has something to hide. It is the kind of show that makes you want to keep watching to figure out what happened.

Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks Take Center Stage As Estranged Sisters Unravel a Murder

Understanding the Complex Dynamic Between Chloe Taylor and Nicky Macintosh

At the heart of the story are Chloe Taylor, played by Jessica Biel, and Nicky Macintosh, played by Elizabeth Banks. Chloe appears to have a perfect life. She is the editor-in-chief of The Real Thing magazine. She is married to Adam, a rich lawyer, and they have an amazing son, Ethan, from Adam's first marriage. The only problem is that Adam's previous wife was Chloe's own sister, Nicky. Yes, it is very strange, and Chloe tries to keep this quiet so people do not find out. But when Adam is suddenly murdered in his home, all those secrets start to spill out.

Nicky, on the other hand, is Chloe's sister who has always struggled more. She has trouble settling down or even keeping a job. She also battles with a substance problem which has caused many issues in her life. After Adam's death, she shows up at her sister's fancy New York City penthouse apartment. The sisters try to stick together to stop their family from totally falling apart. This puts them in some tough spots, bringing up old feelings and past hurts. It is clear from the start that their relationship has a lot of history, making their forced reunion even more tense.

The acting by Biel and Banks really helps sell this tricky relationship. They show how different these sisters are, but also how they are still connected by their shared past and family ties. Their performances make you feel for both characters, even when they are making questionable choices. You can see the tension and unspoken history between them, which adds a lot to the show's overall suspense. It is a credit to their work that the core relationship feels so believable and drives much of the story.

The Intriguing Supporting Characters Who Shape The Murder Investigation And Family Drama

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From The Deceased Adam Macintosh To The Detectives And Concerned Family Members

The man at the center of the mystery is Adam Macintosh, played by Corey Stoll. Adam was Nicky's ex-husband and later started a relationship with Chloe. His murder in the first episode sets everything in motion. Corey Stoll, known for roles in House of Cards and Ant-Man, brings a presence that makes Adam's death a significant event. Adam is a powerful lawyer in New York City. However, he does not fit into the high-society world as easily as his wife, Chloe. He worries about how their wealth affects their son, Ethan, which adds another layer to his character before his untimely death.

The murder investigation itself is led by Detective Nancy Guidry, played by Kim Dickens. Nancy is a sharp detective who notices every small detail. She is not afraid to say what she thinks, even if it hurts someone's feelings. Kim Dickens, who many know from Fear the Walking Dead, brings a strong and direct energy to the role. Nancy immediately suspects Chloe and her son. She also mentors her younger partner, Matt Bowen, played by Bobby Naderi. Matt takes a less direct approach, trying to get people to open up by being non-threatening. This contrast between the two detectives makes their scenes engaging.

Then there is Ethan Macintosh, played by Maxwell Acee Donovan. Ethan is Nicky and Adam's biological son but Chloe's nephew and stepson. Yes, it is still weird. He is 17 and gets along well with Chloe but has a more complicated relationship with his dad. Things get much worse when the police make Ethan their main suspect for his dad's murder. Donovan, a newer actor known for That '90s Show, plays the troubled teenager caught in the middle of this family crisis. His situation adds a lot of emotional weight to the story. Other family members, like Chloe's high-society friend Bill Braddock (Matthew Modine) and her boss Catherine Lancaster (Lorraine Toussaint), also get pulled into the drama, showing how far Adam's death impacts everyone around him.

The Real Lives of The Better Sister Cast Members Away From The Show's Drama

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A Look At The Relationships Of The Actors Who Bring These Complex Characters To Life

While The Better Sister is full of hidden family secrets and dark truths, many of the lead actors live drama-free lives when the cameras are not rolling. In the show, Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks' characters were both married to the same man, but in real life, things are different. Jessica Biel is married to pop superstar Justin Timberlake. They have been together since 2007, marrying in 2012, and have two sons. Biel has said that having a partner who understands the entertainment industry is very important for her and their relationship. She told InStyle in 2025 that Timberlake is her best friend.

Elizabeth Banks has been married to her college sweetheart Max Handelman since 2003. They met back in 1992 at the University of Pennsylvania. Banks shared during her 2025 commencement speech at the university that she found the love of her life there. She said he is her "true safety net" and gives her the confidence to do everything scared. They also work together on their production company. Corey Stoll, who plays the murdered Adam, is married to actress Nadia Bowers. They got engaged in 2014 and married the following year. They have a son and have even worked together on stage, which Stoll said brings unexpected things when a real couple works together.

Kim Dickens, who plays Detective Nancy Guidry, is in a relationship with actress Leisha Hailey, known from The L Word. They often share photos of their travels and time at sports games. Maxwell Acee Donovan, the youngest main actor, keeps his private life mostly out of the public eye. Lorraine Toussaint, who plays Catherine Lancaster, is a single mother by design and has been quiet about her dating history over her career. Matthew Modine, who plays Bill Braddock, has been married to Caridad Rivera since 1980. They met when he was a chef and she came in for takeout. It was love at first sight for him. They have two children who are also in the entertainment business.

Why The Better Sister Is Getting So Much Attention And Why You Should Watch It Now

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The Show's Strong Storytelling And Engaging Characters Are Drawing In Viewers

The quick release of The Better Sister on Prime Video means it has become a hot topic fast. It is based on a book with the same name, which often helps bring in readers who loved the original story. The show's focus on estranged sisters, a shared ex-husband, and a sudden murder creates a compelling hook. It dives into the idea that family connections can be messy and full of secrets, making it something many people can relate to. The show does not shy away from the dark side of family dynamics, making it feel real and intense.

The combination of big-name actors and a gripping storyline makes The Better Sister a standout. The performances add layers to the characters, making them more than just names in a murder plot. You get to see their struggles, their pasts, and their attempts to navigate a truly shocking event. This show does a good job of keeping you guessing about who did it while also making you care about what happens to these complicated people. It is the kind of series that makes you want to watch just "one more episode" late into the night. It is a good choice if you enjoy thrillers that also look at human relationships deeply.