Benedict Cumberbatch returns to the small screen with the Netflix drama "Eric," premiering on May 30, 2024. The series is set in a gritty, dystopian 1980s New York and features Cumberbatch as Vincent, a troubled puppeteer whose nine-year-old son, Edgar (played by Ivan Howe), goes missing. The event sets off a complex narrative blending mystery and satire.
Vincent, the creator of a children's show marred by his personal turmoil, finds himself in a desperate search for Edgar, turning to self-medication and befriending a foul-mouthed imaginary puppet named Eric. The detective handling the case, portrayed by McKinley Belcher III, faces challenges in a bigoted police force, adding layers to the plot.
The series, created by Abi Morgan, explores themes of crime, corruption, and parental anguish while examining broader societal issues. Cumberbatch's portrayal of a father on the brink of collapse is both emotionally charged and multifaceted, as he navigates an increasingly sinister landscape in his quest to find his son.