Move over, summer blockbusters—Netflix's latest horror sensation is making waves. Below, a six-part supernatural thriller starring Josh Hartnett, has officially taken the streaming world by storm, securing the No. 1 spot on Netflix's global English-language TV chart for the second consecutive week. With a staggering 86.4 million hours watched during the week of October 12–18, the series has proven that audiences can't get enough of coastal terror.
The show, which premiered on October 8, has already amassed 38.2 million total views in just two weeks, with 21.2 million views in its sophomore frame. It's a meteoric rise that echoes the success of other Netflix horror hits, and it's clear that the streaming giant has found another winner in the genre.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Premise
For those who loved the eerie vibes of Widow's Bay, Below offers a similar thrill: a picturesque coastal town hiding a dark, watery secret. The series follows Calvin Penney (Hartnett), a stubborn but big-hearted fisherman in a small Newfoundland community, still haunted by his father's mysterious death years ago. When an unidentified sea creature starts terrorizing the town, Calvin must rally his neighbors and team up with a visiting marine researcher to uncover the island's buried secrets—before it's too late.
The ensemble cast is a who's who of genre favorites, including Mackenzie Davis (Station Eleven), Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things), Ruby Stokes (Lockwood & Co.), and Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends). Together, they bring authenticity to the close-knit fishing community, making the horror hit even harder.
Critical Acclaim and Comparisons
Critics have been quick to praise Below for elevating the Jaws-inspired formula. Collider's Carly Lane highlighted Hartnett's performance as the show's anchor, noting he's "more than up to the task." The review also lauded the first half of the season as "unquestionably where the show is at its strongest and scariest," pointing to a harrowing late-night boat trip and a tense submersible sequence as standout moments.
However, the six-episode format means some supporting characters don't get as much development as they might in a longer series—a minor quibble in an otherwise gripping narrative.
A Streaming Powerhouse
Below's success is a testament to Netflix's ability to turn original horror into global events. It joins a lineup of recent hits that have kept subscribers glued to their screens, from cult favorites struggling to break through to renewed anthology series. The show's performance also underscores the enduring appeal of creature features and small-town mysteries, a niche that continues to thrive in the streaming era.
With all six episodes now available exclusively on Netflix, Below is poised to remain a talking point for weeks to come. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just love a good underdog story, this is one series that's worth diving into.
