Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ Remains Its Most Controversial Binge-Watch To Date

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As a longtime movie and TV fan, I’ve definitely noticed Netflix isn’t afraid to take risks, but sometimes those risks really spark debate. They’ve had a few shows over the years that have caused quite a stir – I remember the backlash around 13 Reasons Why, with a lot of mental health experts raising concerns. And more recently, Ryan Murphy’s Monster series felt to some like it was leaning more into sensationalism than thoughtful storytelling. It’s clear Netflix isn’t shy about tackling tough subjects, but it doesn’t always land well with everyone.

Many shows like Stranger Things, The Witcher, 3 Body Problem, and Bridgerton have faced criticism and negative reviews – often sparked by disagreements over storylines, how they ended, who was cast, and how true they were to the source material. But one show has gone further than just online complaints, ending up in a legal battle and becoming Netflix’s most controversial series so far.

It’s Fiction vs. Reality in the ‘Baby Reindeer’ Case

Premiering in 2024, Baby Reindeer is a compelling seven-episode series you can watch in about four hours. Created by Richard Gadd – a Scottish actor, comedian, and writer – this dark comedy thriller is based on his real-life experiences with a stalker named Martha, played by Jessica Gunning. The series is adapted from his one-man show and is presented as a true story.

Unlike many shows claiming to be based on real life, Baby Reindeer has faced scrutiny. After the series became popular, people online tried to figure out who the character Martha was based on, and eventually identified Fiona Harvey. This led to Harvey receiving a flood of abusive messages and death threats online, severely disrupting her life. She has now decided to sue Netflix, claiming the show damaged her reputation.

What really bothers me about this whole situation is Harvey’s claim that Netflix didn’t bother to check the facts before presenting ‘American Nightmare’ as a true story. The show portrays her as someone who was actually convicted of stalking and did prison time, but she says that’s completely false – she’s never been convicted of a crime, let alone been to jail! She feels this misrepresentation has seriously damaged her reputation and caused her a lot of emotional pain, especially with all the negative reactions online. It’s a big deal when a streaming service labels something ‘true’ – they have a responsibility to get it right, don’t they?

Despite Netflix’s repeated attempts to get the lawsuit thrown out, they weren’t successful. The case will now go to trial on May 6th in California, where a jury will make the final decision. While Richard Gadd isn’t being sued himself, he provided a detailed statement describing the harassment he experienced from Harvey, hoping it would support Netflix’s defense.

Is ‘Baby Reindeer’ Even Worth Watching?

Given all the recent legal issues surrounding it, you might be asking if Baby Reindeer is worth the four-hour time commitment. The answer is likely yes: critics and audiences both love it. It’s “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with a 99% approval rating from critics and an 81% audience score. The show also received major recognition at the Emmys, earning 11 nominations and winning six awards, including for Best Limited Series, Lead Actor, and Writing.

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Winning awards and getting great reviews doesn’t always mean a show is actually good. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether to watch it, but be warned – it’s incredibly gripping, just like it was for everyone else. Baby Reindeer is a complex and powerfully acted story about trauma, feeling like a victim, and finding yourself, and it’s likely one of the best shows Netflix has to offer. Whether it’s truly ‘based on a true story’? That’s a question for the courts to decide.

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2026-02-24 18:33