Ripple Episode 1 Review: Full Recap of Netflix’s New Series
Welcome to our Ripple Episode 1 review, where your favorite Hallmark movie podcasters take a surprising detour into Netflix territory. Why? Because Ripple was originally developed for Hallmark before finding its home on Netflix – and we couldn’t resist following its journey. In this episode, we break down the premiere, talk through the twists, and share why this darker, character-driven series immediately grabbed our attention.
All eight episodes of the new series Ripple are now streaming on Netflix. Add Girls Gone Hallmark to your podcast feed to catch our episode-by-episode reviews dropping every Wednesday.
Listen to Girls Gone Hallmark’s Review of Ripple Episode 1: A Stone’s Throw
Summary of Ripple Season 1, Episode 1
A Stone’s Throw (Episode 1): A grieving man, a music exec, a father in crisis, a conflicted woman – and a pebble that causes a ripple effect connecting the lives of our four strangers.
About Ripple Episode 1 (Season 1 – Netflix, 2025)
- The creator of Ripple is Michele Giannusa. She has just one previous writing and producing credit: The Dead Girls Detective Agency.
- Episode 1 was directed by Amanda Tapping. Amanda has 56 directing credits and includes series like The 100, Anne with an E, Motherland: Fort Salem and Murder in a Small Town.
- The writers for Episode 1 are: Michelle Giannusa, Eva Taylor, and Jerry Kontorgiorgis.
- Eva Taylor also has just one additional writing credit for the television show Good Trouble.
- This is Jerry Kontorgiorgis’ first writing credit.
- Frankie Faison plays Walter, bringing decades of television and film experience to the role. His credits include The Wire, Banshee, and Coming to America, as well as powerful work in The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain.
- Julia Chan plays Kris. With 29 previous acting credits, Julia has been seen in projects like Brilliant Minds, Will Trent, Archive 81, and Katy Keene.
- Ian Harding plays Nate. Ian is well known for his role as Ezra Fitz on Pretty Little Liars. He has since appeared in Ford v Ferrari, Hallmark’s The Magic of Lemon Drops, and the limited series Holidazed.
- Sydney Agudong plays Aria. Though early in her career, she has already shown impressive screen presence in the live-action feature Lilo & Stitch.
- Marci T. House appears as Tara. Marci has 126 acting credits with recent roles in Murder in a Small Town, Happy Face, Family Law, Wild Cards, and Tracker.
- Sarah Swire appears as Ellis. Sarah has 25 acting credits and is known for roles in The Last Frontier and Murdock Mysteries.
- Vanessa Smythe plays Nate’s estranged wife Claire. Vanessa has 33 acting credits with work seen in The Expanse, Less Than Kosher, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
- Robert Bazzocchi plays Aria’s husband John. Robert has 34 acting credits with appearances in Reacher and the Hallmark original movie To Have and to Holiday.
- Tina Lifford plays Walter’s wife. Tina has 115 acting credits with roles in Scandal, The Rookie, and Parenthood. She’s also appeared on Hallmark in several movies.
- Hazel Lagrandeur appears as Nate and Claire’s daughter, Anna. This appears to be her first big acting project.
Review of Ripple (Episode by Episode)
- A Stone’s Throw (Episode 1)
- Drip, Drip, Drip (Episode 2)
- The Twenty (Episode 3)
- The Storm (Episode 4)
- The Flyer (Episode 5)
- The White Coat (Episode 6)
- The Gift (Episode 7)
We’re Your New Hallmark Besties
Hey there! We’re Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan’s a longtime Hallmark movie fan, while Wendy – well, she used to be a Hallmark hater. Now, we’ve teamed up to share our (often very different!) takes on these films. Get ready for some lively, fun-filled conversations!
Check out the library of Hallmark movies we’ve reviewed!
