'Nine Perfect Strangers' – Here's A Recap Of What Happened In Season One

With a new prestige series hitting screens daily, it can be hard to keep track of what happened in the latest episode of your favourite, never mind a previous series. So as Nine Perfect Strangers season two premieres, we thought we'd offer a helping hand with a recap of what happened in season one of the Nicole Kidman-fronted show.

The first series of Nine Perfect Strangers aired in August 2021, so we're almost four years down the line in the real world, so you'd be forgiven for forgetting what happened in the show. The plot of the show closely followed that of Liane Moriarty's source material, which was published in 2018.

What happened in Nine Perfect Strangers season one?

Remember lots of things that seemed wildly illegal and can't quite remember how Kidman's character Masha didn't end up in jail? We've got you.

Who were the nine perfect strangers in season one?

Frances Welty, played by Melissa McCarthy, is a novelist who has writer's block and is looking for love.
Tony Hogburn, played by Bobby Cannavale, is a former American football star who has struggled with drug addiction.
Napoleon Marconi, played by Michael Shannon, is a grieving father, seeking to heal from the death of his son.
Heather Marconi, played by Asher Keddie, is his wife, struggling to keep the family together.
Zoe Marconi, played by Grace Van Patten, is their daughter — and the twin of Zach, who died by suicide.
Lars Lee, played by Luke Evans, is searching for something — but has a hidden agenda.
Ben Chandler, played by Melvin, Gregg is a newly minted lottery winner.
Jessica Chandler, played by Samara Weaving, is his wife and a budding social media influencer.
Carmel Schneider, played by Regina Hall, is a mother trying to heal after her husband left her for a younger woman.

What happened at the end of Nine Perfect Strangers season one?

Throughout the series it's revealed that Masha lived a very different life as a high-powered executive before her time running the retreat (she was shot and almost died in her previous life.) Towards the end of the series, we discover that Masha was shot by Carmel, because she was having an affair with her husband. After a tense confrontation, Masha forgives Carmel, rather than seeking retribution or justice.

We also learn that Masha had a daughter, Tatiana, who died. Once the group know they've been drugged, Masha encourages the Marconi family to use the hallucinogenics again as a family to try and see their lost son and brother. During the experience, Masha also takes the drugs, and is led away by Zoe, eventually 'finding' Tatiana, and sitting with her 'in the snow' for hours.

During this drama-filled final episode, the 'strangers' are locked inside a room by Masha and her staff, with a fire set outside. Believing they are having a near-death experience, all the guests experience moments of clarity and healing, before escaping.

Though the police have been called by Delilah (Tiffany Boone), a disgruntled member of staff, the patients/strangers all cover for Masha leading to her being free to leave (and star in season two).

A series of flash-forwards reveal the various people doing well — Ben and Jessica (who were struggling with meaning thanks to their riches) have taken over the retreat. Lars (who had attended the retreat to write an exposé piece about Masha) has realised his dream of becoming a father — and written a very favourable piece about his experience. Tony and Carmel are a couple, and her writer's block is remedied, leading her to write a book based on the experience at the retreat.

We see Masha, driving the Chandler's Lamborghini, happy and with Tatiana at her side.

ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.