Richard Gadd’s Netflix series has been an incredible success, so here’s what we know about Richard Gadd’s next project.
The new TV show stars Gadd (who also wrote and directed it) as Donny, an aspiring comedian and barman who takes pity on Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning), a skint “lawyer” who walks into his pub crying and alone. It ends up being the first of many mistakes, with Martha falling into a deep, sexually charged, and violent obsession with him that affects every aspect of his life.
While featuring fictional characters, it’s based on Gadd’s real-life stalking ordeal and experiences of abuse (not just at the hands of his stalker).
First told via his one-man play at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, Baby Reindeer became a monster hit on Netflix. So, will there be a second season?
Will there be a Baby Reindeer Season 2?
No, Baby Reindeer won’t return for Season 2. It’s a limited series, meaning it was never commissioned with another season in mind — and given the nature of the story, it’s highly unlikely Gadd would ever write new episodes.
Of course, with the fallout of the show, Fiona Harvey (the real Martha) has sparked plenty of discussion with her tweets to Richard and her appearance on Piers Morgan’s show. But, it’s very unlikely that side of things could turn into a second season of the original show, especially since Harvey filed a $170m lawsuit against Netflix in June.
Baby Reindeer won big at the 2024 Emmy Awards (taking home four awards), which has naturally sparked new theories that Season 2 will eventually come to life. However, based on Gadd’s acceptance speech, it seems as though he’s still intent on keeping it a one-off tale.
“I think if ‘Baby Reindeer’ has proved anything, it’s that there’s no set formula to this. That you don’t need big stars, proven IP, long-running series, catch-all storytelling to have a hit.”
What is Richard Gadd’s next project after Baby Reindeer?
Gadd is currently developing Lions, a new six-part BBC series with no connection to Baby Reindeer.
According to Screen Scotland, the series (once again written and created by Gadd) will follow two brothers, Niall and Ruben, after an “explosion of violence” at a wedding “catapults us back through their lives,” as per the official synopsis.
It’s said to span four decades, from the 1980s to the present day, and “cover the highs and lows of the brothers’ relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
Unlike Baby Reindeer, it doesn’t appear to be based on a true story. But Gadd is incredibly passionate about the project, describing it as “love at first sight.”
“It is a dream come true to be part of such a historic broadcaster with a reputation for bringing the best comedy and drama (and comedy-drama for that matter) to our screens. A dream which will likely wear off when it comes to tight writing deadlines and rainy shooting days on the streets of Glasgow. Just joking. I have never been happier to work on anything in my life,” he said.
Lions doesn’t have a release date right now, so it’s unclear if it’ll be released later in 2024 or if we could be waiting until 2025.
There has also been speculation that Gadd will bag a role in the upcoming Jurassic World sequel. Nothing is certain yet, but he has been mentioned to be involved in some capacity.
How did Baby Reindeer end?
Baby Reindeer ended with three major moments: Martha was arrested and put behind bars; Donny was offered a job by Darrien (clearly as means of compensation); and Donny ended the show alone, crying in a bar, unable to pay for a drink… just like Martha.
On the police’s advice, Donny bides his time and waits for Martha to send a threatening voicemail; not just angry or frightening, but one she could be charged for. Soon enough, she says she’s ready to stab him or his family, and she’s arrested the next day. As well as a five-year restraining order, she’s sentenced to nine months in prison.
Donny struggles to move on from his ordeal, turning his bedroom into a sprawling mind map of desperate reasoning, clues, and other details about Martha. His ex-girlfriend Keeley asks him to move back in with her mother, and he agrees. However, he finds his script for Hangman Harry, the comedy series he’d been developing with Darrien, the producer who groomed and raped him.
When he goes to his flat, Darrien calls his earlier viral breakdown video brave and asks Donny to come work with him again — but promises it “won’t be like last time.” Donny says he’d “love that”, before leaving and sobbing on the street.
In the final scene, he listens to Martha’s nicer voicemails, including one where she explains the meaning behind his Baby Reindeer nickname: she had a tough childhood, and her one comfort was a cuddly reindeer toy. He stops in a bar and orders a vodka and coke, before realizing he doesn’t have his wallet. The barman tells him it’s okay and gives it to him for free, echoing the opening scene of the series.
Baby Reindeer is streaming on Netflix now. In the meantime, you can check out the best TV shows of 2024 so far. If you need more of this kind of vibe, here are 10 shows to watch similar to Baby Reindeer. We can also tell you if Richard Gadd is in a relationship, and reveal the most shocking moments from Fiona Harvey’s appearance on Piers Morgan.
