The Five-Star Weekend Review: Jennifer Garner Leads Peacock’s Most Bingeable Summer Drama

Peacock is diving headfirst into beach-read territory with The Five-Star Weekend, its adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand's bestselling novel. On paper, it has everything you could want from a late-summer binge: an incredible cast, breathtaking Nantucket scenery, gorgeous homes most of us can only dream about, and enough emotional baggage to keep everyone busy for a long weekend.

It's the kind of show that's easy to settle into from the very first episode.

Jennifer Garner stars as Hollis Shaw, a wildly successful lifestyle influencer whose carefully curated world is turned upside down after the sudden loss of her husband. Looking for a way to reconnect with herself, Hollis invites four women from different chapters of her life to spend a weekend together at her Nantucket home. The idea sounds relaxing in theory, but old friendships, unresolved feelings, and long-buried secrets have a way of showing up right alongside the catered meals and waterfront sunsets.

One thing The Five-Star Weekend gets absolutely right is its presentation. Every frame looks like it belongs in a luxury lifestyle magazine. From sprawling oceanfront homes and perfectly designed kitchens to flowing summer dresses and beautifully prepared meals, Peacock makes Nantucket look like the vacation destination everyone wishes they had booked.

Thankfully, the performances are just as inviting. Garner brings her trademark warmth to Hollis, making it easy to root for a woman who's trying to hold herself together while quietly falling apart. Even when Hollis slips into planning mode instead of dealing with her emotions, Garner never lets the character lose her humanity.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Regina Hall adds humor and honesty whenever the conversations threaten to become too sentimental, while Chloë Sevigny gives the group a grounded presence that balances some of the bigger personalities. Then there's D'Arcy Carden, who delivers one of the series' strongest performances. She moves effortlessly between comedy and heartbreak, creating a character who feels authentic every step of the way.

As enjoyable as the cast is, the story occasionally takes the scenic route. The novel unfolds over one eventful weekend, but Peacock expands the material into eight episodes. That extra time allows viewers to spend more time with these characters, although a few of the added storylines don't feel quite as compelling as the central reunion itself. Hollis' filmmaker daughter receives a significant amount of attention, and while those scenes add another layer to the story, they sometimes pull focus from the friendships that make the premise so appealing.

Viewers expecting nonstop twists may also find themselves surprised by how restrained the series is. The show certainly explores grief, infidelity, fractured friendships, and public scrutiny, but it approaches those topics with a lighter touch than its premise initially suggests. Rather than leaning into explosive confrontations, The Five-Star Weekend prefers quieter conversations and emotional reflection.

That approach won't work for everyone, especially if you're expecting something in the vein of Little Fires Everywhere. But this series isn't trying to be a mystery or a thriller. It's much more interested in spending time with its characters and letting their relationships unfold naturally.

Even when the pacing slows, The Five-Star Weekend remains an incredibly easy watch. The combination of a talented ensemble, beautiful coastal scenery, and relatable themes makes it the kind of series that's perfect for a relaxing weekend binge. Sometimes that's exactly what you want from a summer drama.

If you're looking for a show filled with jaw-dropping twists and constant surprises, this may not completely satisfy those expectations. But if you're in the mood for an engaging character-driven story led by an outstanding cast and wrapped in one of television's most gorgeous settings, The Five-Star Weekend delivers an entertaining escape that's well worth adding to your watchlist.