“This could be the thriller everyone’s about to obsess over.” The buzz is building for Imperfect Women, Hulu’s upcoming 8-part psychological nightmare from the producer of Desperate Housewives, Marc Cherry. Announced in May 2025, this dark, twist-laden series follows three lifelong friends whose seemingly perfect lives unravel after a single devastating crime shatters their bond. Led by Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara—three of television’s most intense and acclaimed thriller stars—the show promises gripping secrets, emotional devastation, and performances that will leave audiences breathless. With filming wrapped in London and a premiere slated for early 2026, Imperfect Women is shaping up to be one of the most addictive limited series on the horizon.

Adapted from Araminta Hall’s 2020 novel, the story centers on Nancy Hennessy (Moss), Eleanor Heywood (Washington), and Mary Faulkner (Mara)—women whose friendship dates back to university. On the surface, they have it all: successful careers, families, stability. But when one is found dead in suspicious circumstances, the surviving duo grapples with grief, guilt, and revelations that expose cracks in their “perfect” facades. The crime isn’t just a plot device; it’s a catalyst peeling back layers of jealousy, betrayal, and long-buried trauma. Cherry, known for Desperate Housewives‘ suburban satire and Why Women Kill‘s dark humor, infuses the narrative with his signature blend of wit and wickedness, but here the tone is unrelentingly bleak—a psychological descent where friendship becomes both lifeline and noose.

Moss, fresh from The Handmaid’s Tale‘s dystopian intensity, plays the unraveling Nancy with her trademark coiled ferocity. Washington, Scandal‘s crisis queen, brings layered vulnerability to Eleanor, a character hiding professional and personal fractures. Mara, House of Cards‘ ruthless operator, embodies Mary’s quiet desperation. Their chemistry—forged in shared history—is the series’ beating heart, making the erosion of trust all the more devastating. Supporting players like Max Minghella and Elizabeth Marvel add intrigue, but the trio dominates.

Cherry’s involvement elevates expectations. “I love women who appear perfect but are gloriously imperfect,” he told Variety. The script probes female friendship’s complexities—support versus competition, loyalty versus self-preservation—in a post-#MeToo lens. Early screenings praise its “slow-burn mastery,” with twists that “gut-punch without gimmicks.”

Hulu’s push positions it against Big Little Lies and The Undoing, betting on star power and emotional depth. Trailers tease rain-soaked confrontations, fractured flashbacks, and a score that pulses with dread. Critics previewing episodes call it “unflinching,” Moss’s performance “career-defining.”

In a crowded thriller market, Imperfect Women stands out for daring to make imperfection the hero—or villain. As friendships fracture on screen, viewers will question their own. This isn’t escapism; it’s confrontation. Hulu’s next obsession? All signs point to yes.