Netflix's new supernatural thriller Below has claimed the top spot on the platform's English-language charts.. Set in Newfoundland, the series drew 17 million viewers during its debut week, marking a historic milestone for Canadian-produced content.
17 million viewers and a historic Canadian debut
The supernatural miniseries Below has achieved an unprecedented milestone for Canadian-produced content on Netflix. According to the platform's official charts for the week of October 5 through October 11, the series secured the No. 1 position on the Top 10 most-watched English-language series list.
The debut of Below was particularly impactful due to its limited release window during the measured period. The report notes that the series was only available for four of the seven days analyzed, yet it still managed to accumulate a massive 69.3 million viewing hours. This performance establishes it as the largest first-week viewership in history for a Netflix original produced in Canada.
Josh Hartnett leads a Lovecraftian battle in Snook's Arm
Set against the eerie backdrop of Snook's Arm, Newfoundland, Below follows the struggle of fisherman Calvin Penney, played by Josh Hartnett. The narrative centers on Penney's attempt to protect his family and community from a mysterious creature emerging from the ocean.
Creator Jesse McKeown has received significant critical acclaim for the series' atmospheric tension, which currently holds an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have frequently compared the show's tone to the works of Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. The ensemble cast features several high-profile actrs, including Charlie Heaton of Stranger Things, Mackenzie Davis of Halt and Catch Fire, and Ruby Stokes of Bridgerton.
Outperforming Disney+ and Paramount+ heavywegihts
The success of Below occurred despite intense competition from major streaming rivals during its launch week. As the source reported, the series topped the charts even with the presence of major titles like Disney+'s Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Paramount+'s Mayor of Kingstown.
Below also managed to edge out several establihed Netflix original series that were already seeing significant traction. These included the John Steinbeck miniseries East of Eden, the Ryan Murphy true crime installment Monster, and the recent reboot of A Different World. This ability to dominate the Top 10 suggests a massive viewer appetite for the specific brand of supernatural thriller offered by McKeown's production.
Will the October 15 slate end the reign of 'Below'?
The long-term dominance of Below on the global charts remains an open question as new content arrives. The series faces a formidable lineup of upcoming releases scheduled for October 15, including the fourth season of The Diplomat and the Victorious spinoff, Hollywood Arts.
Industry observers are watching to see if Below can replicate the trajectory of the Canadian series Crew Girl, which saw its viewership double in its second week and subsequently secured a season 2 renewal. If the series maintains its current momentum, a second season appears highly likely, even if it eventually slips from the top of the charts.
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