Netflix’s CEO has revealed the secret behind the phenomenal global success of hit stalker series Baby Reindeer.
When Baby Reindeer premiered in April, the British show immediately captivated viewers around the world and became a widely discussed cultural phenomenon.
The series, which dramatizes the true story of how comedian Richard Gadd was stalked after he gave a woman called ‘Martha’ a free cup of tea, is now on track to become one of the most popular series of all time on the platform .
But when recently asked about the show’s massive fame, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos didn’t emphasize the shocking story, clever script or impressive acting.
Instead, he credited Netflix’s “algorithm.” New York Times that after the show launched in Britain, it was the platform’s formula that made it popular in other countries, ultimately making it a global success.
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos (seen) has revealed that he believes Baby Reindeer’s immense success is all down to the streaming service’s ‘algorithm’
When Baby Reindeer premiered in April, the British show immediately captivated viewers around the world and became a widely discussed cultural phenomenon
The show, which dramatizes the true story of how comedian Richard Gadd was stalked by a woman, is now on track to become one of the most popular series of all time on the platform.
“When you see something like Baby Reindeer, there was a time when something like Baby Reindeer wasn’t even seen in the United States,” says the 59-year-old mogul.
“And if it did, it would appear on PBS at some point. It’s very, very big in Britain, and the way Netflix does it, it gets picked up in the algorithm and it’s presented more and more.
‘If something becomes so big in one country, there is probably a big audience for it outside that country. And it’s a huge hit all over the world.’
Ted explained that he believes we are “entering a new era” where “content and great stories can come from almost anywhere in the world.”
The businessman added that writers are learning that they “don’t have to adapt their stories to America to work” thanks to Netflix’s algorithm, which leads to more “authentic” stories.
“What drives it is: You don’t have to adapt your stories to America for it to work,” he explained.
‘If your film, if your film works, if your TV series works in its home country, it has to be very authentic.
‘And I think the international audience notices that authenticity. When you try to think of something to travel about, it doesn’t really appeal to anyone.
But when recently asked about the show’s massive fame, Netflix CEO Ted didn’t emphasize the shocking story, clever script or impressive acting.
Instead, he credited Netflix’s “algorithm,” telling the New York Times that after the show launched in Britain, it was the platform’s formula that allowed it to expand to screens in other countries.
“I can’t think of anything we’ve done that’s designed to travel that has actually traveled.”
He said it has “made the world a safer place” by “exposing” people to other “cultures,” which in turn makes them “more understanding and empathetic.”
“I think it’s been great for the culture… In a strange way, I think it’s been great for making the world a safer place,” he continued.
“I think you’re exposed to cultures around the world in a way that makes you more understanding and empathetic.
‘I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the movie A Separation from Iran? It’s a story about a couple getting divorced in Iran, and when you watch it you realize how much we have in common.”
Ted also told the publication that he believes the blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer would have been “just as big” if they had premiered on Netflix instead of in theaters.
“Both films would be great for Netflix. They certainly would have enjoyed an equally large audience on Netflix,” he said.
‘I don’t think there’s any reason to believe that certain types of films will or won’t work [on streaming].
‘There is no reason to believe that the film itself is better for all people on every screen size.
Ted also told the publication that he believes the blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer would have been “just as big” if they had premiered on Netflix instead of in theaters.
Baby Reindeer starred Richard, who also wrote the series, as Donny Dunn, a fictionalized version of himself, and Jessica Gunning as his stalker, Martha Scott.
A woman named Fiona Harvey (seen) has come forward and said the stalker depicted in the show is based on her
‘My son is an editor. He is 28 years old and he looked [1962 adventure drama] Lawrence of Arabia on his phone.’
Baby Reindeer starred Richard, who also wrote the series, as Donny Dunn, a fictionalized version of himself, and Jessica Gunning as his stalker, Martha Scott.
The show was viewed almost 60 million times in just one month Deadline.
Richard told me earlier Tudum on his decision to turn what he had endured into a show: “In a strange way, the whole ordeal itself was the first time I got the feeling that this could be a good story.
‘It was one of the most intense times listening to these voicemails. I went to sleep at night and these voicemails – her words bouncing around my eyelids.
“I remember thinking, ‘God, if I ever spoke about this on stage, I would shoot the words around. Put the voicemails in a big cacophony and fire.’ That is how [it] was born.’
A woman named Fiona Harvey has since come forward and said the stalker depicted in the show is based on her.