In the UK and beyond, Baby Reindeer, the gripping and lightly fictionalized story of a comedian's encounter with a disturbing stalker, has become a cultural sensation. Created by Richard Gadd, the series has captivated both critics and viewers with its sharp dialogue and compelling narrative.

After its debut on Netflix, Baby Reindeer's popularity skyrocketed, solidifying its status as a sleeper hit. The drama, produced by Clerkenwell Films, saw its audience grow by an impressive 64% in its second week, attracting nearly 5 million viewers in the UK alone. The show's success continued on a global scale, as it climbed to the top of Netflix's English-language TV chart, accumulating a staggering 13.3 million views in the week leading up to April 21.

However, amidst the acclaim, Baby Reindeer has inadvertently spawned unwelcome consequences. As fans became engrossed in the story of Martha, portrayed by Jessica Gunning, and her eccentric interactions with Donny, played by Gadd, speculation surrounding their real-life identities began to circulate on social media. Unfortunately, this led to false accusations, including one wrongly implicating Gadd's friend, Sean Foley, an Olivier Award-winning actor, writer, and director, as a sexual predator named Darrien.

Both Gadd and Gunning have urged fans to stop speculating, emphasizing that the focus should be on the show's intended themes rather than personal conjecture. Criticizing Netflix's handling of the situation, journalist Julia Raeside argued in an op-ed for the i newspaper that the streaming platform and its newfound star must address the apparent lack of due diligence in protecting individuals involved.

Despite the controversy, Baby Reindeer appears to be a breakthrough for both Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning. Gadd's rise to prominence has drawn comparisons to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as the series originated from a one-person show at the Edinburgh Festival. Furthermore, the show has been likened to Michaela Coel's acclaimed drama, I May Destroy You, for its exploration of themes related to sexual violence.

Gadd's burgeoning success has also earned him representation in the United States, as he recently signed with talent agency UTA. Meanwhile, Gunning has joined the writers' room for the third season of the BBC/Amazon series, The Outlaws, in which she also stars. Her appearance at the Creative Cities Convention in the UK generated significant buzz, further solidifying her promising future.

As Baby Reindeer continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it serves as a testament to the talent of its creators and the power of thought-provoking storytelling. While controversy may have surrounded the series, it has undeniably propelled Gadd and Gunning into the spotlight, marking a turning point in their careers.

Contributors Jake Kanter and Max Goldbart provided valuable insights for this week's Insider report.