Ripple has just arrived on Netflix and the cast of the eight-episode drama has gone down a hit with fans
Katherine Palmer Senior TV Reporter for Screen Time
09:51, 08 Dec 2025
Nate is played by Ian Harding(Image: HALLMARK MEDIA)
Ripple has landed on Netflix, with the eight-episode series taking audiences on an emotionally charged journey. The drama, joining Netflix’s roster of compelling shows, centres on four New Yorkers whose lives become unexpectedly entwined as they face devastating personal struggles.
Enthusiasts of masterpiece shows like this are already speculating about a potential second season, praising the show as “perfect”, with some viewers devouring all episodes in a single sitting. The official synopsis states: “The series follows four strangers -Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria- who have unknowingly crossed paths many times but never met.
“As they each face life’s challenges, their actions create a ripple effect that ultimately connects them. Ripple delivers a powerful message of hope: the best things often come after the storm, and no one is truly alone.” Here is all you need to know about the cast, which includes a Pretty Little Liars star and Hannibal Lecter regular.
READ MORE: Stranger Things season 5 table read shows cast reacting to series’ biggest twistREAD MORE: ‘Masterpiece’ Netflix film leaves fans emotionally ‘wrecked’ with heartbreaking endingWalter is played by Frankie Faison (Image: HALLMARK MEDIA)
Walter – Frankie Faison
Frankie Faison, the 76 year old American performer, gained widespread recognition portraying Commissioner Ervin Burrell in HBO’s The Wire. Audiences might also recall him as Barney Matthews from the Hannibal Lecter film series, or his role as Sugar Bates in Cinemax’s Banshee. He shares his life with wife Samantha Jupiter Faison, and has three children.
Kris – Julia Chan
Julia Chan, the 42 year old English performer and host, rose to prominence playing Dr Maggie Lin in Saving Hope. Her credits also include Pepper Smith in The CW’s Katy Keene, whilst she presented the opening two series of The Great Canadian Baking Show. The actress was previously wed to Erik Ratensperger between 2011 and 2019.
Kris is played by Julia Chan(Image: NETFLIX)
Nate – Ian Harding
Ian Harding, a 39 year old American actor, is best known for his role as Ezra Fitz in Pretty Little Liars from 2010 to 2017. His other television roles include appearances in Chicago Med, Long Slow Exhale and The Magic of Lemon Drops. He tied the knot with Sophie Hart in 2019 and they welcomed a son in 2022.
Aria – Sydney Agudong
Sydney Agudong, a 25 year old American actress and singer, gained recognition for her portrayal of Nani Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch. Hailing from Hawaii, she and her younger sister Siena Agudong, also an actress, started attending acting auditions in LA from a young age. Sydney’s acting credits include On My Block, NCIS and Find Millie Martin.
Aria is played by Sydney Agudong(Image: HALLMARK MEDIA)
Other cast includes Marci T House, a 53 year old American-Canadian actress and executive producer, who has a diverse background in film, TV and theatre. She plays Tara Martin in the series but audiences may recognise her as Dr Angela Clyburn from Murder in a Small Town or Joyce in Happy Face. Ellis actress Sarah Swire, who performs under the name Sister Swire, is a stage, screen and TV actress and singer-songwriter. She is most recognised for her role as Jenna Briggs in The Last Frontier and has appeared in various episodes of Murdoch Mysteries.
Claire actress Vanessa Smythe is renowned for her role as Michio in The Expanse and has also featured in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. For her latest role, she had to learn American Sign Language, a journey she shared on Instagram. She shared: “I play Claire who loves Nate and Anna. The rest you’ll have to just (possibly) see. Beyond this being one of those lifetime/all time impeccable assemblies of people – from the cast to the crew to the legs on the ground – something that made this extra special for me was getting to learn some ASL with the help of ice fisher extraordinaire @amandaricher , @cdesloges , @tslisto @jenrl_xoxo , and multiple other interpreters who joined us on set.
Ripple is on Netflix(Image: HALLMARK MEDIA)
“I have much more to learn but I was honoured to get to engage with members of the deaf community, most of all my TV daughter Hazel whose eyes and heart pierce my soul, and who even granted me my own sign name on our very last block.”
John is portrayed by Robert Bazzochi, an Italian-Canadian actor who initially trained as a dancer for ten years before transitioning into acting. Despite studying Robotics Engineering at university, he found his true calling in the arts after graduation. His acting portfolio includes roles in Gen V, Ruby and the Well, Macy Murdoch and Reacher.
The series also features Isabella Astbury as Finn, Lyra Xhoci as Nurse Angela, Hazel Lagrendeur as Anna Perry and Eden Broda as Rebecca, among others. Guest appearances include Nicola Correia-Damude, Kelly Fanson, Tina Lifford, LisaGay Hamilton, Stephanie Moran and Christian de la Cortina.
Ripple is available to stream on Netflix.
