At Harlan Coben LazarusSam Claflin plays a psychologist named Joel “Laz” Lazarus who may or may not need a few therapy sessions himself. When his father dies suddenly, Laz is immersed in his family’s confusing history to learn more about his father’s death. In doing so, he discovers more mysterious deaths that could be linked to the name Lazarus.
CBR was able to talk to Claflin about the upcoming Prime Video series, on which he is also an executive producer, specifically about the psychological nature of the show’s twists and turns and how his character functions. For fans of Harlan Coben, this is a series you can expect: the classic cliffhangers, the unexpected turn of events and the breathtaking twists of the story. But Claflin also promises an “emotional journey” that will keep the serious ones lighthearted in the face of darkness.
CBR: There have been so many Harlan Coben stories that we’ve read on the page or seen on screen. How would you say this series appeals to what people love about its stories, while also bringing something different to the table?
Sam Claflin: If you like Harlan Coben’s stories, you’ll know that he is one of the masters of twists and cliffhangers. This one seems different in the sense that obviously there is a supernatural element. This is not a thriller with a single culprit. There are many murders and many situations. The kind of journey and emotional journey you take not only [Laz]but all the surrounding characters are one that seems deeper. What I also personally like is that, despite the subject matter being quite dark in places, there is a sort of lightness to the dynamic between [Laz] and his best friend, Seth, for example. Or it’s just some fun little beats that make it slightly lighter. We obviously always have the feeling that these things can become very heavy. There are a lot of deaths. It was a lot of fun to play with.
These lighter moments definitely keep the story grounded. You are also executive producer of the series. How did you find the balance between your role as an actor and that of executive producer?
I didn’t really put on the producer’s hat. I was lucky that there were people who took this role very seriously. I take it seriously and I obviously care a lot about the production and want what’s best for it. I would do that as an actor anyway. In a way, I feel like I’m still doing my role as an actor, but with a different credit. Not much is changing. You always want the best, not only for yourself, but for everyone. We were lucky to have an incredible cast and crew. Seeing the work everyone put in and some of the incredible sets and locations they came up with was just a true blessing to be a part of in any capacity. I can only hope we get the chance to do it again if people want it enough.
Speaking of your character, psychologists have a very specific behavior that I think you handle very well in the therapy scenes. How did you find the body language and mannerisms of a psychologist in these kinds of scenes?
I thought about myself, honestly. I brought a lot of myself into the character, and one of the things that I think not many people, maybe not in America anyway, will notice is that when Laz is talking to his father or his family members, like his sister or his patients, he has a sort of slightly more formal approach because he’s sort of on the defensive. Whereas when he speaks to Seth or his ex-wife, played by Karla [Crome]he speaks in a way with a slightly more urban and rougher accent. I do the same thing when I do interviews. I tend to talk a little posher than I normally would if I was at the pub with my friends. I think there was an element of constant hiding.
I feel like I’m on my best behavior for you right now, for example, rather than being who I am and swearing. I feel like I need to be on my best behavior. I am constantly aware. With Laz, because he’s so nervous around his patients or his dad, he kind of has to think about what he says. Whereas when he is with his friend, he speaks very freely. As a psychiatrist or psychologist, it’s very similar. You need to be constantly aware of yourself. I guess that kind of physicality and vocality came through and it’s something I focused on a lot.
This is very relevant as a journalist. I also feel like I’m behaving in the best way possible. Meanwhile, I have a pretty deep southern accent that isn’t really present at the moment.
I find that I’m always trying to appear smarter than I am, and I don’t know why. I don’t want people to think I’m stupid, you know? I come from a very popular neighborhood and family. We grew up with no money and all of a sudden I’m trying to use words I don’t really know the meaning of. I don’t know why I do this. It’s an interesting window into the soul.
Harlan Coben’s Lazarus premieres October 22 on Prime Video.
- Release date
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October 22, 2025
- Network
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Main video
- Directors
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Wayne Che Yip
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Bill Nighy
Doctor Lazare ‘Dr L’