Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix, and it is nowhere as cute and cuddly as its name implies. 

Based on traumatic true events, Baby Reindeer is a limited series that sets its sights on a stand-up comedian who suffers from stalking and sexual violence. Starring, written by, and unfortunately based on the life of Richard Gadd, all episodes of Baby Reindeer were filmed around two of Great Britain’s capital cities. 

Image Credit: Ed Miller/Netflix

Where is Baby Reindeer filmed and set? 

Baby Reindeer was filmed in and takes place in London and Edinburgh. Some of the locations you might spot in the series include Edinburgh’s The Hoppy, Grassmarket, and The Royal Mile — all with Edinburgh Waverley as the closest train station.  

In London, you might recognize: 

  • Brockwell Park | Closest station: Herne Hill 
  • F Cooke Pie & Mash | Closest station: Hoxton (London Overground station) 
  • The Comedy Store | Closest station: Piccadilly Circus (London Underground station) 
  • Shoreditch Town Hall | Closest station: Shoreditch High Street (London Overground station) 
  • Rivoli Ballroom | Closest station: Crofton Park 
  • Army & Navy | Closest station: Dalston Kingsland (London Overground station) 
  • Royal Vauxhall Tavern | Closest station: Vauxhall 
  • Peckham Liberal Club | Closest station: Peckham Rye   

Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix 

Is Baby Reindeer based on a true story? 

Yes, unfortunately the Baby Reindeer limited series on Netflix is based on the real-life experiences of star Richard Gadd. However, certain elements of the story were fictionalized; for instance, Gadd plays “Donny Dunn,” a fictionalized version of himself. 

Who is the real Martha in Baby Reindeer? 

Until the real Martha in Baby Reindeer is outed in the public for legal reasons, let’s heed the advice of the show’s creator and stop speculating about it. If Richard Gadd still keeps the name under wraps despite his experiences, then digging around obsessively trying to determine who the real Martha is in Baby Reindeer is a few shades away from stalking, don’t you think? 

Image Credit: Ed Miller/Netflix

Who plays Donny in Baby Reindeer? 

Donny is played by Richard Gadd in Baby Reindeer. You might have also seen his face here and there in television shows filmed in Scotland like Outlander and Clique. He’s joined by Nava Mau, Jessica Gunning, Danny Kirrane, Hugh Coles, and Chloe Driver.  

Who is Richard Gadd, and what does he do now? 

Richard Gadd is a Scottish actor and writer hailing from Fife. Gadd was a victim of stalking and wrote a dark one-man-show for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which won multiple awards. The show, as well as another show he wrote called Monkey See Monkey Do, were then adapted into the Baby Reindeer series. Gadd is currently penning the show Lions for BBC. 

Image Credit: Ed Miller/Netflix

Why is it called Baby Reindeer? 

Baby Reindeer’s title comes from a nickname in the series that Martha gives to Donny. We won’t totally spoil the meaning, but we do learn why she calls Donny that at the end of the series. The reason gives viewers an opportunity to understand, if not sympathize with, Martha. 

Should I watch Baby Reindeer? 

From an entertainment point of view, yes, Baby Reindeer is a solid show that you can binge in one sitting if you’re so inclined. However, please be aware of this trigger warning: Baby Reindeer is based on true events and does feature stalking and sexual violence.

Image Credit: Ed Miller/Netflix  

How many episodes are there of Baby Reindeer? 

Baby Reindeer has 7 episodes, all of which are streaming on Netflix. If you binged Baby Reindeer and fell into a show hole, take a look at other dark tales set in Britain like the fictional Broadchurch, Happy Valley, Killing Eve, and Marcella.  

Will Baby Reindeer have a season 2? 

We doubt that Baby Reindeer will have a season 2. The show was written as a limited series and the assumption is that it will stay that way. Since it’s based on real events, and those events were covered during the series, we might not see Baby Reindeer grow into a different beast. Never say never, though… 

Until then, download the Trainline app to discover how easy it is to travel between London and Edinburgh by train. This cross-country rail line takes you to the pubs, comedy venues, and parks featured as filming locations for Netflix’s Baby Reindeer.  

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