Baby Reindeer

What’s it about?

Struggling comedian and performer Donny tries to get into the comedy scene but soon finds himself in trouble when he becomes the target of a convicted stalker. Feeling trapped, Donny is forced to face not only the situation at hand but past trauma.

The facts

• Created by Richard Gadd
• English language
• Runtime: 7 Episodes, about 35 minutes each
• A Netflix original
• An adaptation of Gadd's autobiographical stage show of the same name, the series is based on Gadd's real life experience

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Rape and sexual assault

In several episodes and scenes the lead character is sexually assaulted and raped. These happen in a public place at the hands of the stalker, and also after he is given drugs by another character and is in varying states of consciousness. While the assault is often either covered by clothing or implied, we do see some of the perpetrators’ actions and the victim’s reactions. This narrative is impactful not only from the scenes themselves but also the aftermath and anticipation of the scenes to follow. The storyline demonstrates a realistic experience of sexual violence, and this could be shocking and upsetting for viewers who have experienced or know someone who has experienced sexual violence.

If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen, please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk, please scroll down to see some helplines you can contact.

Grooming

The lead character becomes dependent on a perpetrator and struggles to break free of their control. This could be upsetting for viewers who have experienced or know someone who has been groomed, or been in an unsafe relationship, built on manipulation and control.

Mental illness

A character stalks, threatens and harasses different people. She is often seen committing violent acts and shouting offensive and hurtful things. At times, she is catatonic. It’s clear she is mentally unwell and needs help.

Violence

A character is violently attacked and has her hair pulled to the point where its rips off a chunk of her scalp. Violent assaults throughout the series result in injuries with a small amount of blood.

Drug use

A character becomes reliant on drugs, including GHB, cocaine, crack, meth, heroin, and LSD. We see the character taking some of these drugs on-screen, for example snorting cocaine.

Sexual themes, sex scenes, nudity

In multiple sex scenes we see movement and hear moaning but these scenes are brief and not explicit but we do see breasts and buttocks.

Characters sometimes make sexual references. For example, a character provides a graphic retelling of sexual activities they have done.

Offensive language

Frequent offensive language throughout the series, it’s often used to insult. "Bullsh*t," "fu*k," "f**king’ "sh*te," "sh*t","shag" “c**t” and "twat."

Helplines:

The sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?

Baby Reindeer strikes a painful chord for gay and bi men, and I know why: grooming and rape are common - The Guardian