Friends Like Her Review: Is the Netflix Drama Worth Watching

Friends Like Her turns a surrogacy pact gone wrong into a gripping psychological thriller set in post-earthquake New Zealand. This review breaks down whether it’s worth your time and where to watch it.

Year premiered: 2024 ·
Number of episodes: 6 (Season 1) ·
Streaming platform: Netflix (select regions), ThreeNow (NZ) ·
Main cast: Morgana O’Reilly, Tess Haubrich ·
Setting: Kaikōura, New Zealand ·
Genre: Psychological drama / thriller

Here are the key stats for Friends Like Her.

Key facts at a glance

The implication: A tight six-episode season with regional availability means commitment is low but access may be limited.

Is Friends Like Her worth watching?

Critical reception overview

• SpicyPulp calls it “the most addictive and shocking New Zealand set television series” to arrive in some time (SpicyPulp (NZ entertainment review site)).
• The Spinoff describes it as a “gripping new psychological drama” that is easy to watch but doesn’t reveal its hand too soon (The Spinoff (NZ culture & media outlet)).
• Flicks.com.au labels it “deliciously dark drama about a friendship rotting from the inside out” (Flicks (Australian streaming guide)).

What viewers say about the series

• Reddit reviewers highlight strong acting by Morgana O’Reilly and Tess Haubrich, and a dark atmospheric tone (Reddit user review on r/NetflixReview (community forum)).
• Some viewers note pacing as slow in the middle episodes (Reddit discussion (community forum)).

Who would enjoy this show

• Fans of psychological thrillers like “The Undoing” or “Dead to Me”.
• Viewers interested in New Zealand storytelling and post-disaster settings.
• Anyone who appreciates a slow-burn drama with a twisty surrogacy plot.

The pattern: Critics agree the show is gripping, but viewer patience varies. The trade-off: strong performances and atmospheric setting versus deliberate pacing.

What is the plot of Friends Like Her?

Premise: a surrogacy pact goes wrong

Best friends Tessa (Morgana O’Reilly) and Nicole (Tess Haubrich) agree to a surrogacy arrangement: Nicole will carry Tessa’s baby. But Nicole changes her mind after giving birth, deciding to keep the child. The betrayal fractures their friendship and sends shockwaves through their small coastal town (The Spinoff).

Setting: post-earthquake Kaikōura

The series takes place in Kaikōura, a real New Zealand town that suffered a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. The show is set one year after that disaster, using the physical and emotional aftershocks as a backdrop for the characters’ crumbling bond (SpicyPulp).

Key characters: Tessa and Nicole

• Tessa – the intended mother, desperate for a child.
• Nicole – the surrogate who reneges on the pact.
• Supporting characters include partners, friends, and townspeople who take sides.

The catch: The show doesn’t rush to reveal motivations, leaving viewers to ponder who is truly at fault.

Where to watch Friends Like Her season 1?

Streaming on ThreeNow in New Zealand

New Zealand viewers can stream all six episodes on ThreeNow, the official broadcaster (ThreeNow (official NZ broadcaster)).

Netflix availability (select regions)

Netflix carries the series in certain territories, though the exact list of regions is not fully documented. Viewers outside New Zealand should check their local Netflix catalogue.

Flicks.com.au guide for Australian viewers

For Australian audiences, Flicks.com.au lists streaming options, noting the show is available on Netflix in Australia as of early 2025 (Flicks).

The implication: Regional licensing means the show is easiest to watch in its home country.

How many episodes of Friends Like Her are on Netflix?

Season 1 episode count

Season 1 contains 6 episodes, each running approximately 45–50 minutes (SpicyPulp).

Average runtime per episode

Episodes are standard drama length (around 47 minutes each on average), allowing the story to develop slowly (IMDb episode list).

Any information on season 2

As of early 2025, there is no official announcement regarding season 2. The show has not been cancelled, but renewal status remains unclear (IMDb).

The catch: Fans hoping for a quick resolution may be left waiting.

Whose baby is it in Friends Like Her?

Surrogacy storyline explained

The baby is genetically the child of Tessa (the intended mother) but was carried by Nicole. After birth, Nicole decides to keep the baby, creating the central conflict (The Spinoff).

The baby’s biological parents

Biologically, the baby belongs to Tessa (and presumably her partner), but legally and emotionally the situation becomes messy when Nicole refuses to hand over the child (SpicyPulp).

Nicole’s decision to keep the baby

Nicole’s change of heart is the inciting incident. The series explores her motivations — fear, attachment, or something darker — without giving easy answers.

The pattern: Moral ambiguity is the show’s strength, avoiding clear hero and villain labels.

Pros and cons of watching Friends Like Her

“Deliciously dark drama about a friendship rotting from the inside out.”

— Flicks.com.au (Australian streaming guide)

“A gripping, fresh, radically new style of narrative-led television experience for New Zealand storytelling.”

— SpicyPulp (NZ entertainment review site)

“Easy to watch but doesn’t reveal its hand too soon.”

— The Spinoff (NZ culture & media outlet)

“The most addictive and shocking New Zealand set television series to arrive on screen in some time.”

— SpicyPulp (NZ entertainment review site)

The implication: Critics consistently praise the atmosphere and performances, while audience opinions on pacing vary.

Related reading: **The Wrong Missy: Reviews, Plot, Parents Guide & Verdict**

Frequently asked questions

For New Zealand viewers debating whether to stream it, the answer is clear: if you enjoy psychological thrillers with strong character work and a setting that feels both beautiful and broken, “Friends Like Her” delivers. For international viewers, the limited streaming access is the bigger barrier — but if it’s available on Netflix in your region, it’s a solid binge for a weekend. For fans of the thriller genre, check out our best thriller movies guide for more recommendations.