Baby Reindeer: Cast, how to watch and plot of the Netflix drama-thriller inspired by true crime events

NETFLIX fans can’t stop talking about new miniseries Baby Reindeer.

With it’s harrowing narrative and shocking plot, the show has already been dubbed “a true masterpiece” by viewers.

Ed Miller/Netflix

Comedian Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer is based on his own experiences of being stalked[/caption]

What is Baby Reindeer about?

Baby Reindeer follows struggling comedian Donny who works in a pub to support himself.

His life takes a shocking turn when he offers a woman named Martha a free cup of tea, and she becomes obsessed with him.

Donny initially appreciates the attention he’s getting from Martha and flirts with her.

However, she soon crosses the boundary from friend to stalker, which brings to light Donny’s past trauma of sexual abuse.

Who stars in Baby Reindeer?

Richard Gaad as Donny

Ed Miller/Netflix

Richard Gaad wrote Baby Reindeer and plays a fictional version of himself[/caption]

Baby Reindeer is based on the critically acclaimed play of the same name by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd.

While the Netflix series is his biggest role yet, he has has starred in a handful of other shows including Tripped and Peacock’s Code 404.

Richard is also known for writing hit show Sex Education

Jessica Gunning as Martha

Ed Miller/Netflix

Outlaws star Jessica Gunning plays stalker Martha[/caption]

Hailing from West Yorkshire, actress Jessica Gunning plays Martha who stalks Donny.

The star made her TV debut when she starred in an episode of Doctor Who in 2008.

However, she is best known for playing Angela Law & Order: UK.

Fans will also recognise for starring opposite Stephen Merchant in The Outlaws.

Nava Mau as Teri

Courtesy of Netflix

Nava Mau plays Donny’s love interest Teri[/caption]

Born in Mexico, Nava Mau got her big break playing Ana in the HBO Max dramedy Generation.

The talented star is also a director and producer and is known for shows like Hidden Canyons.

She was also on the production team for Netflix’s documentary Disclosure.

In Baby Reindeer, her character Teri comes into Donny’s life when they meet on a dating app.

They begin a relationship that is complicated by his ongoing stalking nightmare.

Ed Miller/Netflix

Fans have already raved about how good Baby Reindeer is[/caption]

Other actors who also star in Baby Reindeer are:

Tom Goodman-Hill as Darrien – In Baby Reindeer the actor plays a TV writer who Donny meets at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Away from Baby Reindeer and Tom is also known playing Frank Crawley in Netflix’s remake of Rebecca.

Michael Wildman as Greggsy – The actor plays Greggsy, who is the manager of a pub where Donny works.

The TV star is known for playing Al Chapman in Emmerdale but has also had small roles in action movies such as Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and The Bourne Ultimatum.

Danny Kirrane as Gino – Actor Danny plays the manager of a different pub where Donny also works.

The TV star has also had small roles in Poldark, Game of Thrones, The Serpent Queen, and The Sandman.

Ed Miller/Netflix

Baby Reindeer tells a gripping true story about stalking[/caption]

Is Baby Reindeer based on a true story?

The harrowing plot is based on writer and leading star Richard Gaad’s real-life experience of having a female stalker.

The unnamed woman would show up at his house and place of work, while sending him thousands of emails and voicemails. 

I was physically scared because I didn’t know how far she could take it. She could have a knife, but I did think how terrifying it would be if she was a tall, scary man.

Richard Gaad on being stalked in real life

Ultimately, it became a harassment case that spanned over five years. 

By writing Baby Reindeer, Richard wanted to drive home how terrifying this was for him.

“When a man gets stalked, it can be portrayed in films and television as a sexy thing. Like a femme fatale who gradually becomes more sinister,” he told The Times. 

He continued: “It doesn’t carry as much threat of physical violence, is less common and can be trivialised. 

“I was physically scared because I didn’t know how far she could take it. She could have a knife, but I did think how terrifying it would be if she was a tall, scary man.”

The real-life Martha – who’s name Richard has never disclosed – is now required by law not to approach him or any of his friends or family.

How to watch Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix now.

The seven-part miniseries dropped on April 11, 2024 and already boasts 100% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Netflix fans have raved about the gripping show with many dubbing it “a true masterpiece.”

Those who have binge-watched the series took to X, formerly Twitter, to discuss their thoughts. 

One fan said: “Binged all of Baby Reindeer on Netflix yesterday and it’s just completely incredible.”

“Richard Gadd is brilliant in Baby Reindeer! If you haven’t seen it on Netflix, you have too!!!! It’s absolutely mind blowing!” praised another.

A third commented: “It goes from funny, weird & creepy, all the way to being genuinely harrowing. not an easy watch, but feels like a really important one.”

“My Goodness Baby Reindeer on Netflix is bleak but brilliant. Black humour and so much more than a stalking story,” a fourth viewer said. 

Other viewers agreed that the miniseries tells an important story. 

One said: “A powerful study into trauma, abuse & mental health. Incredible writing, performances and production. Not an easy watch at times, but utterly gripping.”