Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer,” the British drama that became one of the most controversial and talked-about series of the year, has now become a major contender in the Emmy race, earning 11 nominations in the limited series category.
“Baby Reindeer” tells the story of Donny Dunn, an aspiring stand-up comedian who works as a bartender, whose encounters with an eccentric woman named Martha at the pub where he works become increasingly awkward and sinister. The series was created and written by Richard Gadd, who plays Donny. On Wednesday, the series received nominations for best limited series, actor (Gadd), supporting actor (Tom Goodman-Hall) and supporting actress (Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau). The series was also nominated for best writing and direction.
Gadd was delighted with his nomination.
“Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined, when I was writing this show in my tiny apartment during the Covid pandemic, that it would go on to have 11 Emmy nominations,” he said in a statement. “I am so grateful to the Academy for recognizing this show. They have made the dreams of a little boy from a small Scottish village come true and I am crying tears of happiness even as I write this.”
He added: “Ten years ago I was depressed. I hope this serves as a reminder to anyone going through a tough time right now to keep going. There is light even in the darkest rooms. Fight hard and you will find it.”
Jessica Gunning co-starred in “Baby Reindeer” as Martha.
(Ed Miller / Netflix)
In a separate statement, Gunning thanked the Television Academy, saying, “The word overwhelmed doesn’t even begin to describe it… perhaps the word astonished would be more appropriate… I am so proud to be a part of ‘Baby Reindeer,’ and to see it receive 11 Emmy nominations is incredible. To be nominated, and to be alongside some of my favorite actresses, is truly a dream come true. I can’t believe it.”
Mau, who plays Teri, a trans woman who becomes romantically involved with Donny, became emotional when describing her reaction to her nomination. She is the first trans actress to be nominated for an acting award in the miniseries category.
“I’ve been crying, I really don’t have words,” Mau said from her home in Los Angeles. “I’ve been reflecting on this moment and I can’t believe this is my life. This moment is so important and I feel deeply honored. I know how much this means to me and to the trans community. We have had to fight so hard, we are fighting and we will continue to fight.”
Mau said he was looking forward to celebrating with Gadd and Gunning. “They are in London and I am in Los Angeles, so we won’t be meeting up. But it will be great to see them,” he said.
Nava Mau as Teri in Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer.”
(Netflix)
Adapted from Gadd’s autobiographical play (each episode’s title reads “a true story”), “Baby Reindeer” became an instant sensation when it dropped on Netflix in April. Viewers were enthralled by its mix of comedy and drama, peppered with disturbing depictions of sexual assault and mental health. Critics praised the cast, particularly the performances of Gadd and Gunning. It spent eight weeks on Netflix’s global Top 10 list, making it one of the most-watched series of the year on the platform.
The show and the events it depicts also led to investigations by armchair detectives who tried to figure out the true identities of the show's characters, notably Martha and Darrien (Goodman-Hill), a TV writer who sexually assaults Donny. In an interview with The Times in April, Gunning called her performance as Martha, who stalks Donny, an “interpretation” of Gadd's vision and said she never asked him about his real-life counterpart.
However, in the months after the series premiered, Fiona Harvey, a 58-year-old Scot, claimed to be the inspiration for Martha in an interview with Piers Morgan on her YouTube channel. In June, she sued Netflix, seeking $170 million in damages for what she called defamation and emotional distress. A Netflix spokesperson said in a statement about the suit: “We intend to defend this matter vigorously and support Richard Gadd's right to tell his story.”
