Andrew Lincoln remains synonymous with his iconic role as Rick Grimes, a character that has captivated audiences worldwide for over 16 years. However, Lincoln has also built an impressive career beyond this role, notably with his memorable performance in “Love, Actually,” which was his hallmark project until “The Walking Dead” took center stage.
Following his departure from “The Walking Dead” in its ninth season, Lincoln reprised his role for the spinoff miniseries, “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” bringing closure to Grimes’ story. He has now taken on a new character in the thriller series “Coldwater,” which recently premiered on Paramount Plus after debuting in the UK on ITVX in September.
The initial reception for “Coldwater” has been mixed, with early feedback from viewers highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The show, which sees Lincoln portray John—a man who forges a darkly complex friendship with his neighbor—has garnered a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it in the “Fresh” category but needing to tread carefully to maintain that status.
Critics in the US generally responded more positively to “Coldwater.” For instance, Collider rated it 7 out of 10, appreciating the cast and the psychological thriller elements, though they noted some storytelling issues in the final episodes. On the other hand, UK critics have been less favorable, with publications like The Independent awarding it just 2 out of 5 stars, calling it “rushed and schlocky,” while The I Paper deemed it “simply dreadful.”
Despite the mixed critical reception, Lincoln’s performance has received noticeable acclaim across both markets. His ability to convey depth and emotion in his new role offers a glimmer of hope for fans looking to see him succeed outside of Rick Grimes. With discussions underway about possible future appearances of Lincoln in the “The Walking Dead” Universe, viewers can remain optimistic about his return in an upcoming crossover or spinoff, keeping the excitement around his future endeavors alive.
“Coldwater” is now available for streaming in the US on Paramount+ and in the UK on ITVX, providing fans a chance to see Lincoln’s latest work as he continues to evolve in his acting career.