The Better Sister Cast Revealed: Meet The Stars Behind Prime Video's #1 Thriller Series

The Better Sister has captivated audiences since its premiere, quickly becoming one of Prime Video's most talked-about limited series of the year. As of this deep dive on December 10, 2025, the eight-episode thriller, based on Alafair Burke's bestselling 2019 novel, is generating massive buzz not only for its twisty, dark plot but also for its powerhouse, A-list cast, led by two of Hollywood's most versatile actresses. The show's success hinges on the raw, complex performances of its ensemble, who bring the story of two estranged sisters and a shocking murder investigation to life with gripping intensity.

The series masterfully explores themes of sibling rivalry, deep-seated resentment, and the secrets that can tear a family apart, all set against a high-stakes New York backdrop. From the two leads to the crucial supporting roles, every character is a piece of the intricate puzzle. If you're wondering who plays the sophisticated magazine executive, the down-on-her-luck former sister-in-law, or the sharp detective, look no further: here is the definitive guide to the full cast and the complex characters they portray in this must-watch crime drama.

The Star-Studded Cast of *The Better Sister* and Their Characters

The success of this psychological thriller rests squarely on the shoulders of its main cast, who deliver performances that are both nuanced and electric. The central conflict between the two sisters, Chloe and Nicky, is the emotional core of the series, brilliantly executed by Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks.

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• Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor (née Macintosh)

  Biography & Role: Biel plays Chloe, the seemingly "better sister." She is a highly successful and polished magazine executive living an enviable life in New York City with her husband, Adam, and their son. Her world is shattered when a violent crime occurs, forcing her to confront the past and the sister she left behind. Biel perfectly captures Chloe’s tightly controlled exterior and her deep, hidden vulnerabilities.

• Elizabeth Banks as Nicky Macintosh

  Biography & Role: Banks steps into the role of Nicky, the estranged sister. A former addict and perpetual black sheep of the family, Nicky's life is a stark contrast to Chloe's. She is Adam’s ex-wife and a struggling single mother. The murder investigation pulls her back into Chloe’s orbit, igniting old resentments and creating a tense, unpredictable dynamic. Banks delivers a raw, layered performance as the complicated and often misunderstood Nicky.

• Corey Stoll as Adam Macintosh

  Biography & Role: Stoll plays Adam, Chloe's husband and Nicky's ex-husband. A prominent and successful lawyer, Adam is the victim whose sudden death sets the entire plot in motion. His character is central to the mystery, as the investigation into his murder uncovers a web of secrets that ties both sisters to him and the crime.

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• Kim Dickens as Detective Nancy 'Nan' Guidry

  Biography & Role: Dickens portrays Detective Guidry, the sharp, seasoned investigator assigned to Adam's murder case. She is a relentless and focused detective who quickly realizes that the case is far more complicated than a simple home invasion. Her character serves as the audience’s guide through the twists and turns of the investigation.

• Maxwell Acee Donovan as Ethan Macintosh

  Biography & Role: Donovan plays Ethan, the son of Chloe and Adam. His character represents the innocent party caught in the middle of the family's dark drama and the ensuing media frenzy. His perspective adds an emotional layer to the tragedy.

• Gabriel Sloyer as Jake Rodriguez

  Biography & Role: Sloyer plays Jake Rodriguez, a figure connected to Nicky's past and the investigation. His role is crucial in unraveling the full scope of Nicky's life and her relationship with Adam before the murder.

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The Dark, Twisty Plot That Made It a Prime Video Sensation

The Better Sister is much more than a simple murder mystery; it’s a deep dive into the corrosive effects of family secrets and the unbreakable, yet volatile, bond between siblings. The narrative is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel by Alafair Burke, a master of the legal thriller genre.

The story begins with the shocking murder of Adam Macintosh, a high-powered defense attorney, in the opulent New York home he shares with his wife, Chloe Taylor. The immediate aftermath forces Chloe to reach out to her estranged sister, Nicky Macintosh, who also happens to be Adam’s ex-wife. This premise immediately sets the stage for a tense, emotional collision.

As Detective Guidry begins her investigation, the focus shifts between the two sisters, Chloe and Nicky, who are forced to cooperate despite a lifetime of rivalry, jealousy, and unspoken pain. The series employs a non-linear narrative, gradually peeling back the layers of the sisters' shared history and their individual relationships with the victim, Adam. The secrets unveiled suggest that everyone—from the grieving widow to the troubled ex-wife—has a motive, and the line between the "good" sister and the "bad" sister becomes increasingly blurred.

The show's success is rooted in its ability to maintain a high level of suspense, with every episode ending on a cliffhanger that constantly shifts the audience's suspicion. This narrative technique, combined with the powerful performances, is what propelled the series to the coveted #1 spot on Prime Video shortly after its May 29, 2025, premiere.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team and Critical Reception

A thriller of this caliber requires a top-tier creative team, and The Better Sister delivered. The limited series was brought to the screen by creators and showrunners Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado. Their vision ensured the adaptation remained faithful to the spirit of Alafair Burke’s novel while translating its complexities effectively for a modern television audience. The show’s polished, cinematic feel is also a testament to the work of executive producer and director Craig Gillespie, known for his distinctive visual style in projects like I, Tonya and Pam & Tommy.

The Topical Authority and LSI Keywords

The series has been a critical darling, often cited as a prime example of a successful book-to-screen adaptation. Critics have praised the show for its glossy production and the compelling chemistry between the two leads. The show's high-stakes drama and exploration of the dark side of sisterhood have resonated deeply with viewers who enjoy domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. The ensemble cast, including veteran actors like Kim Dickens, further grounds the drama in realism, elevating it beyond typical streaming fare. The New York setting, a crucial element in Burke’s novel, is used to perfection, adding a sense of cold, high-society isolation to the murder investigation.

Upon its release, the series garnered positive reviews, with a strong audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reinforcing its status as a must-watch limited series. The central question of "Will there be a Season 2 of *The Better Sister*?" has been a popular search query, but given its format as an eight-episode limited series, showrunners have indicated that the finale twist honors all previous episodes and works as a satisfying series ending, suggesting the story is complete.

Ultimately, The Better Sister is a triumph of casting and adaptation. The combined star power of Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, the intricate plotting from Alafair Burke's source material, and the skillful direction of Craig Gillespie create a binge-worthy experience. The series not only satisfies the craving for a twisty, suspenseful crime drama but also delivers a powerful character study of two women bound by blood and tragedy.

If you haven't yet delved into the dark secrets of the Macintosh family, all eight episodes are currently streaming exclusively on Prime Video, offering a complete, gripping narrative that is perfect for a weekend binge.