Netflix has released a first look at Below, a new six-episode thriller starring Josh Hartnett and Mackenzie Davis. The limited series premieres October 8, 2026.
The Below Netflix series follows a fisherman in a small Newfoundland community who must protect his family and neighbors after a mysterious sea creature begins terrorizing the town. Combining local legends, suspense, family drama, and mystery, the series centers on a community forced to confront both a present danger and secrets from the past.
What Is Below About?
At the center of Below is Calvin Penney, played by Josh Hartnett.
Calvin is described as a kind-hearted but stubborn fisherman living in a small Newfoundland town. While trying to support his family and community, he continues to struggle with unanswered questions surrounding his father’s mysterious death decades earlier.
His life takes an unexpected turn when an unidentified creature emerges from the sea and begins threatening the town.
As fear spreads through the community, Calvin finds himself in a leadership role. Determined to keep his loved ones safe, he joins forces with marine researcher Fonda Howander, played by Mackenzie Davis, in an effort to understand the creature and stop the danger before more lives are affected.
According to Netflix, the investigation forces Calvin to confront long-buried secrets connected to both his family and the island itself.
The official synopsis describes the series as a mix of local mythology, suspense, humor, and emotional storytelling focused on themes of family, community, and change.
Josh Hartnett Leads the Cast
Josh Hartnett stars as Calvin Penney, the fisherman at the center of the story.
Joining him is Mackenzie Davis as marine researcher Fonda Howander, whose expertise becomes crucial as the threat facing the town grows.
Netflix has also confirmed the following cast members:
- Charlie Heaton as Wade Penney
- Ruby Stokes as Mary Penney
- Kaleb Horn as Noah
- Rohan Campbell as Jay Penney
- Willow Kean as Ruth Penney
The character names suggest that much of the story will revolve around the Penney family and the impact the unfolding crisis has on their relationships.
Netflix has not released additional character descriptions beyond the principal cast.
A Six-Part Thriller Set in Newfoundland
The Below Netflix series consists of six episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes.
The story is set in a small Newfoundland community, and Netflix confirmed that the production was filmed on location in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
The location plays a significant role in the show’s premise. The isolated coastal setting provides the backdrop for both the mystery surrounding Calvin’s father’s death and the appearance of the unidentified creature.
By filming in Newfoundland itself, the series places the landscape and local atmosphere directly at the center of the story.
Who Created Below?
Below was created by Jesse McKeown, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Additional executive producers include:
- Jessica Rhoades
- Chris Hatcher
- Josh Hartnett
- Jamie Childs
- Louise Sutton
- Sharon Hall
Netflix has not announced directing credits alongside the first-look release.
The project is being presented as a limited series, meaning the six episodes are designed to tell a complete story.
The combination of a creature mystery, family drama, and coastal folklore gives Below a different setup from many recent thriller series. While the central threat comes from the sea, Netflix’s synopsis also points toward personal and community secrets that have remained hidden for years.
The Mystery Extends Beyond the Creature
Although the unidentified sea creature is the immediate danger facing the town, Netflix makes clear that the story involves more than a monster attack.
Calvin’s father’s death continues to haunt him decades later, and the series suggests that the answers to that mystery may be connected to the events unfolding in the present.
The arrival of Fonda Howander adds another perspective as the community attempts to understand what is happening.
At the same time, Calvin must balance the investigation with protecting his family, including his son Wade and the rest of the Penney family.
The result is a thriller built around both an external threat and personal questions that have remained unresolved for years.
With its Newfoundland setting, six-episode structure, and focus on family and community, Below arrives on Netflix this fall as one of the streamer’s newest original limited series.
FAQ
When does Below premiere on Netflix?
Below premieres on Netflix on October 8, 2026.
How many episodes are in Below?
The limited series consists of six episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long.
Where was Below filmed?
Netflix confirmed that the series was filmed on location in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
Key Details
- Title: Below
- Release Date: October 8, 2026
- Platform: Netflix
- Format: Limited Series
- Genre: Thriller
- Episodes: 6
- Runtime: 45 minutes per episode
- Creator/Showrunner: Jesse McKeown
- Executive Producers: Jesse McKeown, Jessica Rhoades, Chris Hatcher, Josh Hartnett, Jamie Childs, Louise Sutton, Sharon Hall
- Cast: Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton, Ruby Stokes, Kaleb Horn, Rohan Campbell, Willow Kean
- Filming Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
- Source Material: Original series
- Streaming Service: Netflix