Netflix’s Below sets record for a Canadian title, 17M views

Netflix’s Newfoundland-set thriller Below drew 17 million views in its first four days, the most-viewed debut ever for a Canadian title on the streaming service, Netflix said.

The six-episode limited series premiered Oct. 8, 2026, and debuted at No. 1 on Netflix’s global English-language TV list, reaching No. 1 in 53 countries and the top 10 in 90, Rolling Stone Canada reported on Oct. 14. Netflix said in its own account of the production that the shoot contributed more than $90 million to the Canadian economy, most of it to Newfoundland and Labrador’s GDP.

The Canadian Press reported the 17-million figure on Oct. 13. Netflix counts a view as the hours a title was watched divided by its running time, so the number reflects total viewing rather than the count of households.

The series follows a Newfoundland fishing community attacked by a sea creature. Josh Hartnett plays fisherman Calvin Penney, and Mackenzie Davis plays marine researcher Dr. Fonda Howander. Toronto-born filmmaker Jesse McKeown created it.

McKeown told The Canadian Press at the series’ premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival that the setting drew him in. “There are a number of reasons why I think I always wanted to make something there,” he said, as quoted by Rolling Stone Canada. He described the contrast between an “unforgiving and scary” landscape and a warm, welcoming community.

Netflix said the production shot for 75 days across the province, including St. John’s, Petty Harbour, Brigus South and Pouch Cove. It said it employed more than 700 primary cast and crew and worked with more than 650 vendors in areas such as construction, catering, transport, equipment rental and visual effects. In Pouch Cove, the production improved the Society of United Fishermen Lodge and used it as a key location.

Netflix also credited local partners. Baynoddy Knits and NONIA knitters made the wool sweaters, scarves and mittens used as wardrobe, and the Newfoundland groups Shanneyganock and Salt Beef Junkies scored key scenes. Dr. Annie Mercier, a marine biologist at Memorial University’s Ocean Sciences Centre, advised on the sea creature, while Toronto-based Mr. X created its visual effects. Netflix held a special screening at the Majestic Theatre in St. John’s.

NTV News in St. John’s reported on Oct. 14 that props from the show are drawing attention in the province.

Neither Netflix nor the reports reviewed name the title that held the previous record for a Canadian debut, and the viewing figures are Netflix’s own and have not been independently verified. None of the reports mentions a second season.

Netflix publishes its Top 10 lists weekly, and its next update will show whether Below holds its place in its second week.

Via The Canadian Press (CTV News), Rolling Stone Canada, Netflix and NTV News.

If you find reporting like this useful, consider supporting Canada News Media, an independent Canadian newsroom with no corporate parent.