The Best New Show With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score: What to Know About ‘The Last Anniversary’

The Hulu limited series The Last Anniversary has garnered significant critical attention, currently holding a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on Liane Moriarty’s 2020 novel of the same name, the six-part series explores complex family dynamics and long-buried secrets on an Australian island. The show premiered on Hulu in the United States and on Binge in Australia, marking the latest collaboration between production house Made Up Stories and the streaming platforms.

What Is The Last Anniversary About?

The series centers on the fictional Scribbly Gum Island, a location famous for a mysterious event where a baby was found abandoned in a house while the parents had vanished. Decades later, the descendants of the original inhabitants still reside on the island, managing the fallout of the community’s history. According to the Hulu official synopsis, the plot kicks off when Sophie Honeywell inherits a cottage from her late great-aunt, Connie, drawing her into a web of family secrets that surface during a summer gathering. The narrative shifts between the past and the present, a structural hallmark of Moriarty’s storytelling style, previously seen in adaptations like Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers.

Why Critics Are Praising the Series

The 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects a consensus among critics regarding the series’ tonal balance and ensemble cast. Reviewers, including those from Variety, have highlighted the show’s ability to blend dark comedy with mystery, noting that it avoids the common pitfalls of “prestige” adaptations by maintaining a brisk, engaging pace. The cast features Teresa Palmer, Miranda Richardson, and Danielle Macdonald, who have received particular acclaim for portraying the multi-generational tensions inherent to the story. Unlike many recent mystery dramas that lean heavily into grim aesthetics, The Last Anniversary utilizes the picturesque, isolated setting of the Australian coast to create a distinct visual identity.

How Does It Compare to Other Moriarty Adaptations?

Liane Moriarty’s work has become a staple of the streaming era, often characterized by high-profile casts and suburban intrigue. The following table contrasts The Last Anniversary with previous major adaptations:

While Big Little Lies focused on the competitive nature of wealthy parents, The Last Anniversary shifts the focus toward the endurance of family myths and the specific pressures of life in a small, insular community. Industry analysts suggest that this shift toward “cozy mystery” elements—where the stakes feel personal rather than life-or-death—has helped the show resonate with audiences looking for lighter, character-driven dramas.

Key Details for Viewers

• Episodes: The series consists of six episodes.
• Availability: It is currently streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Binge in Australia.
• Source Material: The show is a direct adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s 2020 novel.
• Creative Team: Produced by Made Up Stories, the same team behind the successful The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

As the series continues to gain traction, its performance on streaming charts will likely influence future greenlights for Australian-produced content on international platforms. For viewers who enjoy character-heavy ensemble pieces, The Last Anniversary offers a complete, self-contained story that resolves its central mystery within the six-episode run.