Comedian Richard Gadd’s Stalking Ordeal Unveiled in New Netflix Series ‘Baby Reindeer’

A new limited series on Netflix, titled ‘Baby Reindeer’, sheds light on the real-life experience of Scottish writer and comedian Richard Gadd, who grappled with being stalked.

The seven-episode series, adapted from Gadd’s one-man stage play of the same name, showcases the struggles of comedian Donny Dunn, played by Gadd, as he navigates a suffocating obsession sparked by a single act of kindness towards a woman named Martha, played by Jessica Gunning.

The series delves into Gadd’s own traumatic past, including experiences of being groomed and sexually assaulted, which he previously shared in his show ‘Monkey See Monkey Do‘.

Gadd’s real-life stalker, who remains unnamed, bombarded him with over 40,000 emails, 740 tweets, 350 hours of voicemail, and various other forms of harassment over the years.

On screen, Martha’s obsession with Dunn unfolds, leading to a stream of intrusive messages and disturbing encounters.

Richard Gadd’s character, Donny Dunn, dreams of a successful career in comedy but finds himself stuck in a loop of struggling to make it in the industry while dealing with personal challenges.

Gadd’s portrayal of the layers of stalking in the series aims to humanize the issue and shed light on the complexities of mental illness underlying such behaviors.

Through ‘Baby Reindeer’, Gadd hopes to unravel the dynamics of attachment and co-dependency between a stalker and their victim, offering a unique perspective on the psychological implications of such experiences.

Despite the immense trauma he endured, Gadd found solace in crafting the series, using his ordeal as a source of inspiration for storytelling.

The real-life Martha has since been legally restrained from approaching Gadd or anyone associated with him, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in Gadd’s life.

With his acclaimed stage background, Gadd’s transition to television with ‘Baby Reindeer’ marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility as a writer and actor.