Netflix's 'Below' trades deep-sea dread for Newfoundland charm and accents

Key points

• The series premiered on October 8, 2026, and is set in the fictional town of Snook’s Arm in Newfoundland.
• Josh Hartnett plays Calvin Penny, a fisherman haunted by his father's death 40 years ago, while Charlie Heaton plays his son, Wade.
• Mackenzie Davis stars as Dr. Fonda Howander, a marine scientist who identifies the threat as a giant squid emerging from melting ice.
• The show is a limited series created by Jesse McKeown, with a runtime of approximately four hours across six episodes.
• Critics have given the series a 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its 'Spielbergian warmth' and performances.

Background

Our earlier coverage noted that 'Below' launched on October 8, 2026, blending creature horror with family drama and climate themes. The series was initially described as a thriller focusing on a fisherman in a dying Newfoundland town, with mixed but generally positive reviews for its pacing and performances.

How outlets are covering it

IndieWire critic Ben Travers gave the series a C+, praising the 'magnificent' Newfoundland accents and scenery but criticizing the lack of sufficient squid appearances and the show's retreat into 'safer, heartwarming confines.' The Guardian's Sarah Dempster called it 'hunky sea-fun' that is 'very enjoyable,' noting its 'old-fashioned tale of sea monsters' vibe, while also questioning the show's 'virtually inaudible' eco theme. BGR highlighted the show's 81% Rotten Tomatoes score and compared it to Apple TV's 'Widow's Bay,' noting that creator Jesse McKeown had a 'brief oh s**t moment' upon learning of the similar premise but was reassured by the differences. The Hollywood Reporter focused on Charlie Heaton's transition from 'Stranger Things' to 'Below,' noting his praise for the show's 'Spielbergian warmth' and the rich Newfoundland culture that informed his performance.

Why it matters

The mixed reception of 'Below' highlights the challenge of balancing creature horror with social and environmental themes in a limited series. The show's success, despite mixed reviews, suggests that audiences and critics are receptive to authentic regional storytelling and strong performances, even when the central premise is not fully realized. The comparison to 'Widow's Bay' also underscores the competitive landscape for supernatural thrillers on streaming platforms.

What to watch

The series is available now on Netflix. Charlie Heaton is set to lead an upcoming 'Peaky Blinders' sequel series, and the 'Below' team may expand the limited series into an ongoing series if needed.