Below

Below is an upcoming Canadian supernatural mystery and creature-feature thriller limited television series created and written by showrunner Jesse McKeown. Commissioned by Netflix and produced in partnership with Pacesetter Productions, the six-episode serialized drama is set against the rugged, atmospheric backdrop of a small, remote fishing village in Newfoundland and Labrador. Blending grounded human drama with psychological suspense and maritime folklore, the narrative explores the delicate ecosystem of a tight-knit coastal community thrust into crisis when an unidentified menace emerges from the cold depths of the North Atlantic Ocean. The show tackles complex themes of familial grief, economic insecurity in maritime industries, ecological mystery, and community solidarity, weaving a dark narrative around long-held local legends and personal secrets that threaten to tear the isolated settlement apart.

At the center of the series is Calvin Penney, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, a hard-bitten, big-hearted, and fiercely stubborn local fisherman who acts as a key figure within his village. Still carrying the emotional weight of his father's mysterious and unexplained disappearance decades earlier, Calvin strives to maintain his vanishing way of life while keeping his family safe. His son, Wade Penney, played by Charlie Heaton, struggles with his own place in the community, feeling torn between carrying on the family tradition aboard the fishing boats or departing the island for new opportunities. Mackenzie Davis stars as Fonda Howander, a visiting marine biologist whose independent research into unusual oceanographic activity brings her into direct contact with Calvin. Together, Calvin and Fonda form an unlikely partnership to investigate the strange aquatic occurrences before panic destroys the town. The main ensemble cast also features Natasha Henstridge as Jan, Rohan Campbell as Jay Penney, Ruby Stokes as Mary Penney, Joshua Close as Officer Jaxon Noseworthy, Willow Kean as Ruth Penney, and Kaleb Horn as Noah.

The production of Below stands out for its immersive approach to location shooting and realistic maritime craftsmanship. Filmed on location across various coastal regions of Newfoundland and Labrador between July and October 2025, the production team prioritized authentic settings over studio green screens. Under the direction of Jamie Childs, Helen Shaver, and Stephen Dunn, the series utilized real working fishing vessels, local harbour facilities, and genuine ocean environments, frequently collaborating with regional maritime authorities and the Coast Guard to capture the true hazard and isolation of North Atlantic waters. Creator Jesse McKeown, whose previous writing and producing credits include high-profile series such as The Umbrella Academy, The Sinner, and Letterkenny, drew heavy inspiration from the distinct cultural heritage, sharp humor, and communal warmth of eastern Canada. The executive producing team includes McKeown, Josh Hartnett, Jamie Childs, Jessica Rhoades, Chris Hatcher, Louise Sutton, and Sharon Hall.

The central dramatic arc of Below follows the progressive disruption of life in the quiet Newfoundland harbour as mysterious aquatic phenomena escalate from missing gear and erratic marine animal behavior to frightening sightings along the rocky coastline. As fear spreads throughout the island, Calvin Penney finds himself thrust into a leadership position to defend his community and family from an elusive predator. His collaboration with Fonda Howander introduces a clash between traditional seafaring intuition and modern scientific inquiry, yet both perspectives prove vital as they attempt to identify the creature's origin and nature. As the threat intensifies, the crisis forces the townspeople to confront unresolved history, shifting industry pressures, and buried municipal secrets, demonstrating how environmental adversity impacts the social fabric of an isolated rural enclave.

As of September 2026, Below has not yet released any broadcast seasons, with its initial six-episode limited series officially scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on October 8, 2026. Because the series has not yet aired its episodes to the general public as of September 2026, no released season blocks or historical episode recaps exist. However, early promotional reveals, official teasers released in July 2026, and premiere festival coverage—including inclusion in prestigious television showcases such as the Toronto International Film Festival—have generated substantial excitement among audiences and critics alike. Grounded in strong lead performances from Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, and Charlie Heaton, alongside its stark cinematography and monster-thriller premise, Below enters its official streaming debut as one of the most eagerly anticipated television projects of the autumn season.