Netflix series Below achieves global success

The Netflix horror series Below has become a global phenomenon, reaching the top of rankings in 83 countries and accumulating over 17 million views within its first week of release. The Canadian production, created by Jesse McKeown, follows a fisherman and a marine biologist as they encounter a mysterious, aggressive cephalopod nicknamed Mudder near Newfoundland.

To ensure scientific accuracy, the creator consulted Dr. Annie Mercier, a marine biologist at Memorial University of Newfoundland, who inspired the character Fonda. While the series features a giant squid-like creature, experts note that while giant squids do exist and can reach lengths of ten meters, the specific behaviors depicted in the fiction are tailored for the thriller genre.

The series has also drawn attention for the chemistry between its leads, Josh Hartnett and Charlie Heaton. Heaton noted that Hartnett’s decision to invite him to meet his family helped him better portray the on-screen father-son dynamic between their characters.