Fans of Richard Gadd’s Netflix hit Baby Reindeer are raving about its unique and raw storytelling. In fact, they are already recommending another series that shares a similar style.
The impact of Baby Reindeer is heightened by the fact that it is based on the real-life experience of its creator and lead star, Gadd. Audiences around the world have been captivated by the Netflix series, which follows the story of Donny (Gadd), a struggling stand-up comedian who becomes the target of a stalker named Martha (Jessica Gunning).
The retelling of his life experiences during those years in his autobiography is extremely powerful, amplified by the fact that he is reliving the most challenging moments.
Shows like this are not very common. However, there is one particular series that stands out, which is I May Destroy You. This BBC drama was created by and stars Michaela Coel. The lead character, Arabella, is based on Coel herself, and the show delves into her personal experiences as a writer who was drugged and sexually assaulted.
During a discussion with Jimmy Fallon in 2020, when I May Destroy You premiered, Coel clarified: “In the early stages, I drew inspiration from my own experiences to create the character of Arabella.”
As a writer, she often takes breaks from her work to go out for a drink. Unfortunately, one night her drink was spiked and she was sexually assaulted by strangers. This experience resonated with me, but it is also a story shared by many others. However, it goes beyond just our individual experiences and delves into a larger issue.
Coel’s series, similar to Baby Reindeer, provides a blend of humor and heartbreak, leaving a profound impact on viewers as it is based on true events. The fact that the creator and star experienced these events in real life adds depth to the emotional journey, making it highly recommended for viewing.
Discussing on Reddit, one user commended Gadd for his “vulnerability and rawness,” while another noted that “I May Destroy You is the only other show I’ve seen that evoked similar emotions until this show.” A third user concurred, stating, “Both shows were a perfect 5/5 for me, and it takes immense courage to openly share such traumatic experiences.”
Expanding on Coel’s series, another viewer remarked, “The scene with her therapist where she questions the identity of the male in her dreams – that really hit me. It was incredibly raw.”
Similar comparisons are being made on X/Twitter. One user exclaimed, “This is insane. The amount of depth in #BabyReindeer rivals that of any other show I’ve seen on TV, perhaps even I May Destroy You.” Another user added, “I’m not the only one who has noticed the parallels between Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer and Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You.”
Both I May Destroy You and Baby Reindeer are available for streaming, with the former on Max and the latter on Netflix.
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