Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Negative: 1 out of 8

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Tilly Pearce
    Oct 2, 2025
    80
    There’s certainly some gripes to have with Coldwater, every now and again doing something so wild it throws you out of the realistic world that’s been created, and sometimes edging over the thrilling-ridiculous line in the wrong direction. But it does pull itself back when it needs to, creating a show that is all too easy to want more of.
  2. Reviewed by: Anita Singh
    Oct 2, 2025
    80
    It follows the beats of a straightforward drama but there are overtones of horror and moments of off-kilter comedy that give Coldwater an unsettling tone.
  3. Reviewed by: Ben Dowell
    Oct 2, 2025
    80
    Later episodes the sheer craziness occasionally threatens to overwhelm the dramatic structure. But the taut way in which Ireland mixes believable domesticity with moments of almost grand guignol horror, alongside the excellent ensemble performances, mean the reins are held tightly enough to make this bold and ballsy show just about work.
  4. Reviewed by: Jasneet Singh
    Jan 9, 2026
    70
    Coldwater may not be breaking any new ground, but its six episodes are still time well spent. Between the characters and the atmosphere, it's hard not to get sucked into the creepy whirlwind of murder and mayhem that resides in this seemingly quaint town.
  5. Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Jan 9, 2026
    60
    There’s a lot of entertaining weirdness going on in Coldwater, so much so that the problems we have with the characters and plotting might end up being overridden by it. So, even if the show isn’t all that good, it might still be fun to watch.
  6. Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Oct 2, 2025
    60
    It’s quality hokum.
  7. Reviewed by: Nick Hilton
    Oct 2, 2025
    40
    Despite some interest in examining the issue of violence against women through the prism of the psychological thriller, Coldwater ends up rushed and schlocky, like so much that is carelessly put out on British TV.
  8. Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Oct 2, 2025
    20
    It takes the serious subjects of PTSD and anger management and twists them into grim parody.