Is Netflix’s Missing You story based on real people? Explained

Netflix’s Missing You, which debuted on January 1, 2025, has struck an emotional chord with viewers, captivating them with its raw exploration of love, loss, and healing. Starring Rosalind Eleazar as Detective Inspector Kat Donovan, the series delves into the mystery of a long-lost fiancé who reappears on a dating app over a decade after his mysterious disappearance.

This emotionally charged story has left fans wondering: Is Missing You based on a true story? The answer lies in its origins. The series is a fictional adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel and not based on real events but is it based on real people.

---

How real-life people and experiences shaped Missing You

Although Missing You is a fictional story, its emotional authenticity is grounded in real-life inspirations. As per Dexerto Harlan Coben, the author behind the novel, it often draws from personal encounters, news articles, and careful research to bring depth and realism to his narratives.

The idea for Missing You originated from a New York Times article about online dating. Intrigued by this modern phenomenon, Coben decided to delve deeper. To understand the nuances of online interactions, he created a fake dating profile, posing as a young woman seeking older women.

While he did not engage in conversations, his observations provided valuable insights into the online dating world.

“What’s kind of funny is everybody is the same when they’re online,” Coben noted. “I don’t know if it’s how we think we are or how we want to be, but all of us love adventure, we love travel, we want to go to museums.”

One example of Coben’s real-life inspirations is the character Win, who appears in several of his novels. Win is loosely based on Coben’s college roommate. On his website, Coben humorously admitted:

“Win is loosely based on my college roommate, though in real life, he is less, er, psychotic than his fictional counterpart.”

This blend of real personality traits with fictional elements helps make characters feel authentic and relatable. Coben’s knack for drawing from real life extends to other works as well.

For instance, Maya, the protagonist of Fool Me Once, was inspired by one of the first women to fly combat missions in the Middle East. Speaking about this encounter:

“I met one of the very first women who flew combat missions in the Middle East, and she was so cool, and I said, ‘Man, I want to base a character on that,’” Coben said.

Despite its emotional depth and relatability, Missing You remains a work of fiction. The series’ blend of imaginative storytelling with elements inspired by real-life experiences invites viewers to connect deeply with its narrative, reflecting on their own relationships and emotions.

---

What is Netflix's Missing You about?

Still from the series (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

This emotionally gripping series introduces viewers to Detective Kat Donovan, played by Rosalind Eleazar. Kat’s world is turned upside down when she stumbles upon her ex-fiancé’s profile on a dating app—over a decade after his unexplained disappearance.

The discovery reignites unresolved emotions and unanswered questions, propelling Kat into a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and danger. As she delves deeper, she uncovers secrets far darker than she imagined, leading to a web of lies, heartbreak, and threats.

At its core, Missing You explores themes of loss, trust, and the strength it takes to move forward.

Still from the series (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

While the story is fictional, its exploration of longing and unresolved relationships resonates deeply with viewers, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences. By blending imaginative storytelling with relatable themes and real-life inspirations, Missing You continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

---

Missing You is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Released on January 1, 2025, it stands out for its emotional depth, suspense, and engaging narrative.