Overview
- The six-episode series debuted on October 8 and quickly climbed Netflix rankings worldwide, reaching number one in 70 countries within a day and peaking at 83 countries the next day before still leading in about 81 countries on October 15, according to Flixpatrol data reported across outlets.
- Deadline and Netflix data reported 17 million views in the show's first weekend and 69.3 million watched hours in its opening week window, marking the strongest initial performance for a Canadian Netflix production to date.
- Professional reviewers have been broadly positive, with Rotten Tomatoes showing about 87 percent of critic reviews favorable, while general viewers rate the show far lower at roughly 55 percent and Letterboxd averages near 3.1 out of 5.
- Below is set in a remote Newfoundland coastal town and blends mystery, family drama and a dangerous sea-creature element without revealing plot twists; the series stars Josh Hartnett with Mackenzie Davis and Charlie Heaton in key roles.
- The fast start gives the show major industry visibility and could boost investment in Canadian-location projects, but the clear split between reach and audience response raises questions about the series' staying power and whether high launch numbers will translate into long-term popularity.