Ted Sarandos Proudly Supports Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer Amid Netflix Lawsuit
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos stands by Richard Gadd, the creator of the popular show Baby Reindeer amidst ongoing legal battles. The show, which follows Donny (played by Gadd) being stalked by a disturbed woman named Martha (played by Jessica Gunning), has faced numerous lawsuits despite its immense success. It is rumored to be based on a true story.
The real-life Martha, identified by internet users, sued Netflix for $50 million (£39 million) on various charges including defamation and emotional distress. Sarandos, in an interview with The Times of London, expressed his pride in the show and commended Richard for his handling of the story, despite the legal challenges.
While the stalker in the show faced consequences, the real culprit did not face any conviction, which contradicted the show’s claim of being based on a true story. Sarandos acknowledged the improper use of the label ‘true story’ and defended it as “Richard’s true story.”
He emphasized that certain elements of the show were fictionalized and dramatized, given that it was a television production. Sarandos expressed surprise at the ongoing debate surrounding the show.
In the same interview, Sarandos confirmed Netflix’s commitment to producing original content like The Gentlemen and Bridgerton in the UK. When asked about his favorite non-Netflix show, he mentioned The Bear, an Emmy-winning series on Disney+ starring Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebri. The show focuses on the challenges faced by a young chef as an aspiring entrepreneur, setting a high standard for television content.
Baby Reindeer received a nomination in the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category at the Emmy Awards 2024, a prestigious recognition in the television industry. Gadd also earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a limited series or movie. The show is available for streaming on Netflix.