Everything You Need to Know About Paramount+'s New Thriller Series 'Little Disasters'

Paramount+ introduces Little Disasters, a psychological thriller adapted from Sarah Vaughan’s novel. The six-part series delves into the complexities of motherhood and friendship. Set in the UK, it follows four women whose decade-long bond is tested when one faces a crisis involving her infant daughter. The narrative explores themes of maternal mental health, societal judgment, and the fragility of personal relationships. With a cast led by Diane Kruger and Jo Joyner, the series offers a gripping portrayal of the challenges faced by modern mothers.

About the Show

Little Disasters centers on Jess Carrisford, a mother of three, who brings her baby to the hospital with an unexplained head injury. Her friend, Dr. Liz Burgess, is the attending physician and must decide whether to report the incident to social services. This decision sets off a chain of events that strain their friendship and affect their families. The series examines the pressures of motherhood and the impact of mental health issues on personal relationships.

Cast and Characters of Little Disasters:

Diane Kruger as Jess Carrisford: Known for roles in Inglourious Basterds and Troy, Kruger portrays Jess, a mother grappling with personal challenges. Diane Kruger was drawn to the role of Jess due to the character’s complexity and the exploration of maternal guilt. As a mother herself, Kruger found the themes resonant and appreciated the opportunity to portray a multifaceted character navigating personal turmoil.
Jo Joyner as Dr. Liz Burgess: Joyner, recognized from EastEnders, plays Liz, a doctor facing a moral dilemma involving her friend.
Shelley Conn as Charlotte Hinman: Conn, seen in Bridgerton and Gen V, portrays Charlotte, one of the four friends.
Emily Taaffe as Mel Quinn: Taaffe, known for War & Peace, plays Mel, another member of the close-knit group.
JJ Feild as Ed Carrisford: Feild, from New Amsterdam, appears as Jess’s husband.
Ben Bailey Smith as Nick Davis: Bailey Smith, featured in The Split, plays Nick, a supporting character.
Stephen Campbell Moore as Rob Baird: Moore, seen in Masters of the Air, portrays Rob, connected to the central characters.
Patrick Baladi as Andrew Hinman: Baladi, from The Office, plays Andrew, adding depth to the ensemble.

About the Book

Sarah Vaughan’s novel Little Disasters delves into the psychological aspects of motherhood. Inspired by Vaughan’s own experiences with perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, the book offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by new mothers. It addresses themes of mental health, societal expectations, and the complexities of female friendships.

Episode Details:

The series comprises six episodes, each unraveling layers of the central mystery. Little Disasters premiered on May 22, 2025, and is available for streaming on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland.

Themes Explored in ‘Little Disasters’

Little Disasters unpacks complex emotional and social themes through the lens of motherhood and friendship. At its core, the series is a psychological exploration of how women navigate personal crises under public scrutiny. One of its central themes is maternal mental health. Jess’s internal struggles reflect conditions like postpartum anxiety and perinatal OCD, showing how easily emotional distress can be hidden behind a composed exterior. The show portrays the difficulty many mothers face in seeking help, especially when societal norms expect perfection.

Friendship and loyalty are tested when personal bonds clash with moral responsibility. Liz’s decision to report her friend sparks a conflict that raises questions about trust, betrayal, and doing what’s right. The series also explores societal judgment, particularly toward mothers. It critiques how women are pressured to perform motherhood flawlessly and how deviation invites harsh judgment—from peers, systems, and even loved ones. Through its four central characters, the show reflects on identity and motherhood, showing how becoming a parent reshapes a woman’s sense of self in ways that are often isolating. Finally, it touches on perception and privilege—how truth is subjective, and how class and social status influence the way institutions respond to maternal crises.