Below (2026): Netflix Series, Cast, Release Date, Story & Where to Watch
Netflix is heading beneath the surface with Below, a six-episode limited thriller that combines a mysterious sea creature, a remote Newfoundland community and a family caught in the middle of an escalating nightmare.
The series stars Josh Hartnett as fisherman Calvin Penney, with Mackenzie Davis as marine researcher Fonda Howander and Charlie Heaton as Calvin's son Wade. Netflix has positioned the series as a blend of thriller, drama, local mythology and family story rather than a straightforward monster show.
Below premieres globally on Netflix on October 8, 2026. The limited series follows Newfoundland fisherman Calvin Penney after an unidentified sea creature begins terrorizing his community, forcing him to work with marine researcher Fonda Howander to protect his family and uncover secrets buried beneath the water.
What Is Below (2026) About?
Below takes place in a small Newfoundland town whose close-knit way of life is suddenly threatened by an unidentified creature emerging from the surrounding waters.
At the center is Calvin Penney, a hard-bitten fisherman who is already carrying the emotional weight of his father's mysterious death decades earlier. When the new threat begins attacking the community, Calvin is determined to protect his son Wade and the people around him.
He eventually teams up with Fonda Howander, a visiting marine researcher. Together, they attempt to understand what is happening in the water while investigating the secrets connected to the island and its past.
The Newfoundland Setting Makes Below Different
The series is firmly rooted in Newfoundland, giving its supernatural thriller story a distinctly maritime atmosphere. The isolated community, harsh environment and surrounding ocean become important parts of the show's tension.
Netflix describes the series as a story about family, community and change as well as a creature thriller. That combination gives Below room to explore what happens when an already vulnerable community is confronted by something it cannot explain.
Josh Hartnett Plays Calvin Penney
Josh Hartnett leads the series as Calvin Penney, a fisherman whose instinct is to protect his family and community even as the situation becomes increasingly dangerous.
Calvin's personal history is also tied to the mystery. His father's unexplained death has haunted him for decades, adding another layer to a story in which the ocean appears to be hiding more than one secret.
Mackenzie Davis Plays Fonda Howander
Mackenzie Davis plays Fonda Howander, a marine researcher who arrives in the community and becomes Calvin's ally in investigating the creature.
Fonda's scientific perspective provides a contrast to Calvin's local knowledge and experience. Their partnership becomes central to the series as they try to understand the threat beneath the water.
Below Cast: Who Stars in the Netflix Series?
Calvin Penney, a Newfoundland fisherman trying to protect his family and community.
Fonda Howander, a marine researcher who works with Calvin.
Wade Penney, Calvin's son.
Jan.
Jay Penney.
Mary Penney.
Ruth.
Noah.
Who Created Below?
Below was created by Jesse McKeown, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. McKeown previously worked as a writer on projects including The Umbrella Academy and 19-2.
Directing duties across the six episodes are shared by Jamie Childs, Stephen Dunn and Helen Shaver. The writing team also includes Perry Chafe, Karen Walton and Natty Zavitz.
Below Episode Count and Release Date
Netflix is releasing Below as a six-episode limited series. All six episodes are scheduled to arrive globally on October 8, 2026.
| Detail | Below (2026) |
|---|---|
| Premiere | October 8, 2026 |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Format | Limited Series |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Genre | Drama / Mystery / Thriller |
| Setting | Newfoundland, Canada |
| Creator | Jesse McKeown |
| Lead Cast | Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton |
Is Below a Horror Series?
Below sits at the intersection of thriller, mystery, drama and creature horror. Netflix officially categorizes it as a thriller, while its story centers on a mysterious sea creature terrorizing a coastal community.
Rather than relying solely on the creature itself, the series also focuses on family relationships, community survival and the secrets surrounding the Newfoundland setting.
What Is the Creature in Below?
The central creature is deliberately mysterious going into the series. Netflix's promotional material describes it as an unidentified sea creature that begins terrorizing the town.
Calvin and Fonda must investigate what is happening while protecting the people around them, making the nature of the creature one of the show's central mysteries.
Below Trailer: What Does It Reveal?
The trailer introduces Calvin as a fisherman facing an increasingly dangerous situation in his home community. The footage also introduces Fonda and shows the growing threat connected to the water.
The promotional material emphasizes stormy conditions, mysterious events and a warning to stay away from the water, while keeping the creature itself relatively mysterious.
Where to Watch Below
Below is a Netflix original limited series and will be available to stream on Netflix worldwide from October 8, 2026.
The series is listed by Netflix as a thriller and carries a TV-MA rating on Netflix's U.S. service. Regional age ratings can differ.
Below streams exclusively on Netflix. All six episodes are scheduled to premiere globally on October 8, 2026.
Is Below Based on a True Story?
No. Below is presented as an original fictional thriller created by Jesse McKeown. Its Newfoundland setting, local atmosphere and community-focused story give it a grounded feel, but the mysterious sea creature and central events are part of the series' fictional narrative.
Why Below Is One of Netflix's October Thriller Releases
The combination of Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton, a Newfoundland setting and an unexplained creature beneath the ocean gives Below a distinctive hook for October viewing.
The six-episode format also makes the series designed for a concentrated binge rather than a long-running season. At its core, however, the show is not simply about a monster: it is about a fisherman trying to protect his family and a community facing a threat that forces its buried secrets back to the surface.
Below (2026) FAQ
When does Below premiere on Netflix?
Below premieres globally on Netflix on October 8, 2026.
How many episodes does Below have?
The Netflix series has six episodes.
Who stars in Below?
Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis and Charlie Heaton lead the cast, with Natasha Henstridge, Rohan Campbell, Ruby Stokes, Willow Kean and Kaleb Horn also starring.
Where is Below set?
The series is set in a small Newfoundland community in Canada.
What is Below about?
The story follows fisherman Calvin Penney after an unidentified sea creature begins terrorizing his Newfoundland town. Calvin teams up with marine researcher Fonda Howander to protect his family and uncover the secrets surrounding the threat.
Is Below a movie?
No. Below is a six-episode limited television series made for Netflix.