How Newfoundland and Labrador Played a Starring Role in ‘BELOW’

BELOW marks the most-viewed debut of a Netflix Canadian title, at #1 on the Global Top 10 English TV list.

There's something in the water in the new Netflix limited series BELOW . Set against the stunning, dramatic backdrop of coastal Newfoundland and Labrador, the show was also shaped by the province's culture and folklore as much behind the camera as in front of it.

Set in a small town terrorized by a mysterious sea creature, the show centres around a fisherman who must fight to protect his family, community and his vanishing way of life. Created by Canadian Jesse McKeown, the series had its global premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. Netflix also hosted a special screening at the Majestic Theatre in St. John's to celebrate the series with the community that helped bring it to life. BELOW marks the most-viewed debut of a Netflix Canadian title, at #1 on the Global Top 10 English TV list with 17 million views. BELOW ranked #1 in 53 countries and hit the Top 10 in 90 countries .

Filmed over 75 days across Newfoundland and Labrador, including in St. John's, Brigus South, Pouch Cove and more . Discover more about these filming locations on Netflix In Your Neighbourhood, and hear from the cast about filming in the province.

Creating Jobs Across Canada

BELOW employed 700+ primary cast and crew , along with 425+ daily hires and extras . Netflix partnered with 650+ vendors across construction and set-building, hospitality, transport and logistics, catering, equipment and lighting rental, VFX and post-production, and professional services. Altogether, the production contributed over $90M CAD (over $65M USD) to Canada's economy, with the majority of that impact benefiting Newfoundland and Labrador's GDP.

Weaving Local Businesses Into the Fabric of the Series

Local partnerships were integral to bringing the show to life. Fishing for Success taught the cast and crew traditional fishing skills and culture, helping the series authentically reflect the heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador's fisheries. The production also worked with the Society of United Fishermen Lodge in Pouch Cove, making improvements to the historic fishermen's hall and using it as a key filming location. Baynoddy Knits , along with knitters from NONIA , handcrafted the wool sweaters, scarves, and mittens worn throughout the production, bringing local staples to the screen as iconic wardrobe pieces.

The Sounds of the Scenic Coastline

BELOW's soundtrack is distinctly inspired by the sounds of Newfoundland and Labrador. Music supervisors Natasha Duprey and Newfoundland and Labrador local Mikaila Simmons built the show's sound from the inside out, interviewing locals to learn what the community actually listens to. They also drew on local musicians like Shanneyganock and Salt Beef Junkies to score some of its most memorable scenes. Listen to the BELOW soundtrack now on Spotify .

Bringing the Sea Creature to Life

Production consulted local expert Dr. Annie Mercier , a marine biologist at Memorial University's Ocean Sciences Centre in St. John's, who provided scientific guidance on the show's mysterious sea creature. The sea creature was brought to life onscreen by the talented team of Canadian VFX artists at Mr. X, based in Toronto.

BELOW joins a growing slate from Netflix Canada including North of North , Wayward , Who Killed the Montreal Expos as well as upcoming shows This Summer Will Be Different and The Granville Girls .

BELOW is now streaming - only on Netflix.