Ripple cast: Here's where you have seen the stars of the latest Netflix drama before 

Ripple (Image via Youtube / LionsgateTV )
Ripple (Image via Youtube / LionsgateTV )

Ripple is a real-life Netflix drama that started airing on December 3, 2025, and yes, you certainly have watched the main actors before in different films or series.

To be exact, the Ripple cast comprises both seasoned actors and those who are just starting their careers, whose characters have been portrayed in top-rated performances and films, thus making the group very familiar to a lot of the audience right away.

The plot revolves around four New Yorkers, Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria, whose individual worlds, though separate, collide in surprising ways, showing that even the minutest of decisions can bring about the most important connections.

The interconnected storylines, often linked with ensemble dramas that highlight the interconnectedness of human emotions, are shaped by both the concept itself and the cast, who possess considerable television and movie credits that blend easily on screen.


Frankie Faison – Walter

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Frankie Faison is most likely an actor you have seen featured in some of the most popular and acclaimed movies and series. Ripple features him as Walter, a widower whose boring and monotonous life turns around as he interacts with others.

Faison’s impressive career includes a host of films and television series, most notably his role as Commissioner Ervin Burrell in The Wire. His involvement in The Silence of the Lambs series cast him as Barney Matthews. His credits also include Coming to America, Do the Right Thing, and Banshee, among others.


Julia Chan – Kris

Julia Chan plays Kris, a character who, after years of difficult management, has finally decided to quit her job as a record-label executive in Ripple, leading to a complete shift in her professional and personal life.

Chan first became known as Dr. Maggie Lin in the medical drama Saving Hope. She also played Pepper Smith in Katy Keene and co-hosted The Great Canadian Baking Show for a few seasons. Her work spans both television and film, and Ripple marks another milestone in her career.


Ian Harding – Nate

Ian Harding takes on the role of Nate in Ripple, one of the four main characters whose decisions cause emotional and narrative ripples throughout the series.

Harding is primarily associated with his long-running portrayal of Ezra Fitz in Pretty Little Liars, the teen drama that attracted a large audience. His other credits include Chicago Med, Long Slow Exhale, Adventureland, and Ford v Ferrari.

With the character of Nate in Ripple, Harding expresses the depth and subtlety of emotion he has developed through a varied career.


Sydney Agudong – Aria

Sydney Agudong plays Aria in Ripple, portraying a would-be musician whose life slowly becomes connected to those of the other main characters.

Agudong gained wider recognition for playing Nani Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch (2025). She has also made guest appearances in acclaimed television series such as On My Block and NCIS, and appeared in the films West Michigan and At Her Feet. Ripple is set to be a stepping stone in her steadily growing on-screen career.


Main supporting cast members

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The show also features a strong supporting cast with notable credits across television and film:

Nicola Correia-Damude, playing Sylvie, got famous thanks to Shadowhunters.

Sarah Swire as Ellis, known from The Boys and Murdoch Mysteries, where she had minor roles.

Vanessa Smythe, as Claire, appeared in The Expanse and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Marci T. House, as Tara Martin, among her credits is Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Robert Bazzocchi as John, his work includes Gen V.

These less prominent but still important cast members have their own unique qualities which are, nevertheless, the same as the main cast members in that they all come from veteran and some of the best shows of the genre.


Production and premiere details

Michele Giannusa developed Ripple, which was produced by Lionsgate Television and Lionsgate Canada. Initially made for Hallmark+, the series was ultimately picked up by Netflix, which planned a worldwide release on December 3, 2025.

The first batch of episodes, counting eight of them, tells the story of an insignificant choice on a character’s part, leading to gradual and meaningful connections with the others. The setting, New York City, is a perfect backdrop for related narratives embracing the themes of resilience, hope, personal struggle, and connection to one another.


Why the cast feels familiar

The impression of the cast being so familiar is not just a matter of luck. The series unites actors with established careers in both television and film with rising talents.

This connection gives the group a natural history and complexity, which in turn helps the audience relate their previous roles to the performances, thus making the experience more engaging.


Since the show tells its story through interwoven plots, the audience’s recognition of the cast from previous works can heighten their appreciation of the actors, narrative choices, and emotional beats.

It doesn’t matter if you are watching one of these actors for the first time or the tenth; the Ripple series provides the opportunity to see well-known faces in new, character-driven contexts.

Also read: Netflix’s Ripple becomes a surprise hit, climbing charts with viewers glued to the series - Here's all about it

Edited by Ritika Pal