There is something enchanting about being seen by someone. Whether it’s by a parent, a friend, a coworker, or even someone you just met, being on the receiving end of someone’s attention is enchanting. It’s only natural, then, that this show’s story begins and ends with someone being noticed, with someone being shown an act of kindness because someone else saw that they desperately needed one. Baby Reindeer covers a plethora of heavy subjects, from stalking to transphobia to sexual assault, but at its core, it is a show about how intoxicating attention is. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is also one of the best shows in recent memory.

Donny Dunn (Richard Gadd) wants to be a comedian, even if it’s apparent to the audience early on why he’s unsuccessful. Some of his gags are clever, but Donny is almost never genuine when he’s onstage. His act is difficult to connect with because it’s so clear that it is just that: an act. He works as a bartender so he can afford to strive towards his dream, but as his girlfriend aptly puts it, no one wants to be a bartender in the long term. Not really. Donny is also not his authentic self in this bar, as he desperately represses himself in attempts to fit in. It works for the most part, but it’s a boring and lonely existence. That is, until he meets Martha (Jessica Gunning). After doing her a simple act of generosity, she adores him intensely. Martha makes him feel hilarious, attractive, and kind, and that sort of validation is so pleasing to Donny that he can’t help but indulge her despite the red flags. As her love for him takes a darker, more terrifying turn, he is nonetheless reluctant to fully let go of her. After all, the sad thing about having toxic people in your life is that oftentimes, you keep them around far longer than you should because they’re the only person who gives you attention. Sure, they’re toxic, but they also love you in their own demented way. And you love them for that love.

It may sound like I’ve just given a plot summary of the entire show, but I promise you that everything I have just said is contained in the first episode of the show. Baby Reindeer morphs into something far more complex and devastating as it continues, which culminates in a monologue by Gadd that is the best bit of acting since Kieran Culkin’s breakdown in a certain episode of Succession Season 4. And while the miniseries’s quality can attributed to the combined efforts of its remarkable trio of actors, its stellar directing, or its often terrifying editing, it would completely fall apart if it didn’t feel authentic. Thankfully, Gadd’s writing is so painstakingly raw that it’s impossible to watch the show without ruining your day. The emotional damage this show will inevitably cause you is then multiplied tenfold every time you remember that this rawness could only come from someone who experienced these circumstances. Baby Reindeer is heartbreaking without fully leaning into the misery of these circumstances, which makes it hurt that much more. 

But despite how depressing this show can be, it is as popular and well-received as it is because of how strongly it resonates with its audience. Even if you can’t relate to being stalked or being in a toxic friendship, I guarantee that some aspects of this show will hit you hard when you least expect it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impactful show this year (even though phenomenal shows like Shōgun and The Sympathizer are admittedly up there). Because of this, I cannot recommend Baby Reindeer enough. It’s one of the few must-watch TV shows of 2024 thus far, and in my humble opinion, it stands out as the best. 

9/10