Top 5 Things To Know About Shelter

The series follows teenager Mickey Bolitar after his father is killed and mother psychologically shaken in a tragic accident. He now lives with his Aunt Shira in the supposedly quiet Kasselton, New Jersey. What seems like a sleepy, little town, however, turns out to be anything but when Mickey’s new crush Ashley goes missing. As Mickey and his new friends Spoon and Ema investigate, they begin to uncover a decades-spanning mystery that seems to revolve around a reclusive old woman who claims that Mickey’s father is still alive. With intrigue and danger around every corner, the trio will uncover secrets that change not only the town’s history, but the Bolitar family history, as well.

It would be one thing if “Shelter” was crafting this captivating of a mystery from scratch, but you’ll be glad to know that there’s a whole acclaimed book series backing it up. The series comes from the novel of the same name, written by esteemed author Harlan Coben. Coben rose to prominence with his mystery-thriller series on flagship character Myron Bolitar. In 2011, he began releasing a spinoff series with a YA slant about Myron’s nephew Mickey, for which he received similar praise. As of the “Shelter” TV show, there are three books in the Mickey Bolitar series.

Kasselton, New Jersey may be a fictional place, but to Harlan Coben, the Garden State is everything. The prolific author was born and raised there, so it’s unsurprising that so much of his work is set there as well, including the Mickey Bolitar series. Not only did the “Shelter” production film on location for authenticity, but the setting really goes hand in hand with the mood and intrigue of the show. Kasselton is deftly portrayed as a quiet yet restless town, but one with some truly sinister secrets that threaten to upend the seemingly idyllic lifestyles. This is shrewdly captured through the depiction of quaint suburbia, but with a town that’s not far from the seedy underbellies of big cities.

“Shelter” has a seriously well-rounded cast that will appeal to viewers of all ages. The uber talented Jaden Michael stars as Mickey, one of TV’s few Afro-Latino leads. Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Abby Corrigan and Adrian Greensmith round out the trio of friends by bringing some serious levity to the proceedings. We could go on about how solid the young cast is, but it’s when you get some veteran talent that you know things are clicking behind the scenes. Playing Mickey’s aunt Shira is TV mainstay Constance Zimmer, who plays alongside legendary character actor Missi Pyle as another Kasselton adult. Then there’s the Bat Lady, who’s brought to life by the always captivating Tovah Feldshuh. And that’s to say nothing of the iconic Didi Conn.

“Shelter” will be hitting Prime Video on August 18th, 2023. But you’ll be happy to know that the first three episodes will be dropping all at once. That’ll give plenty of time to steep yourself into its world and mystery, after which time we’re sure you’ll be obsessed. From there, the eight-episode season will be coming out weekly, making the rest basically appointment viewing. Whether you’ve read the book, are going in blind, or are trying to cram it in before the premiere, “Shelter” will be sure to hook you.