Netflix executed a masterstroke by casting Henry Cavill in The Witcher. This decision ensured that, despite Cavill's later departure, The Witcher remains one of Netflix's most impactful series. However, with Netflix's expanding lineup, The Witcher's stellar debut is now overshadowed by the recent release of Baby Reindeer. 

Baby Reindeer's arrival not only makes The Witcher's milestone seem like a fleeting dream but also showcases Netflix’s exceptional production team, which continues to make history with its innovative releases.

Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer has landed on Netflix’s Top 10 Most Popular Series (English) list on number 10, unexpectedly surpassing the Henry Cavill-led first season of The Witcher. Since its release on April 11, Gadd’s portrayal of his real-life ordeal with a stalker has attracted 84.5 million views. Given Netflix's 91-day cut-off for this list, the series is likely to continue climbing in the coming days. The miniseries consists of seven episodes and is based on Gadd's one-man play.

The show follows a fictionalized version of the author who met Martha, the stalker in a pub where he worked. As per reports, if Baby Reindeer reaches the number nine spot, it will push Bridgerton’s second season to the bottom of the list. Furthermore, the series has recently received five Television Critics Association Award nominations for 2024, highlighting its critical acclaim. Despite minimal advertising, Baby Reindeer has frequently appeared on the streamer’s most-watched weekly lists in several countries.

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The awarding reception of the series however has not saved Baby Reindeer from falling under legal confrontations over defamation allegations.

Fiona Harvey has asserted that she served as the inspiration for the character Martha, the stalker, in the popular Netflix series Baby Reindeer. According to reports, Harvey is suing the streaming platform for $170 million in damages, citing defamation, emotional distress, negligence, and violation of her right of publicity in a lawsuit filed in the California federal court. While the British black comedy claims to be based on a true story in its opening episode, the lawsuit refers to this assertion as the "biggest lie in television history." 

Despite the legal challenges, Netflix has not remained silent. In response to the lawsuit, Netflix has stated its intention to "defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story." Consequently, the reception of the series has not only brought attention to Gadd’s narrative but also elevated it to a position once held by The Witcher in season 1, underscoring the far-and-wide reach Baby Reindeer has fixated on.

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What do you think of Netflix's Baby Reindeer surpassing the Henry Cavill-led The Witcher's season 1's viewership? Let us know in the comments below!