Netflix is set to expand its maritime horror catalog with the premiere of Below, a six-episode limited series arriving on the platform. Starring Josh Hartnett, the series is being positioned as a darker, more visceral alternative for viewers who recently finished the coastal horror-comedy hit Widow’s Bay.
The upcoming miniseries, created by showrunner Jesse McKeown, follows the story of Calvin Penney (Hartnett), a fisherman living in the remote Newfoundland town of Snook’s Arm. The narrative centers on a community terrorized by a mysterious sea creature, blending family drama with high-stakes supernatural thrills. The project arrives with significant anticipation following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026.
The launch of Below serves as a cornerstone of what industry analysts are calling the “Hartnett Renaissance.” The actor’s return to the spotlight continues at a rapid pace; Hartnett appeared in the theatrical release of Verity, an adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel that premiered on October 2, 2026. While that film features Hartnett alongside Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson in a psychological thriller setting, Below offers a grittier, survivalist turn for the actor.
A New Vision of Coastal Horror
While Widow’s Bay leaned into the comedic absurdity of a seaside haunt, Below is reported to take a more grounded approach to the “coastal horror” subgenre. The setting of Newfoundland plays a critical role in the atmosphere, utilizing the province’s rugged landscape as a backdrop for the escalating tension. The isolation of the town of Snook’s Arm highlights the vulnerability of the characters as they face a threat from the deep.
The series features a robust supporting cast, including Mackenzie Davis and Charlie Heaton. Their involvement suggests a production that prioritizes character development alongside its genre-specific scares.
Below consists of six episodes, all of which are expected to be available at launch. The series aims to capture the same audience that gravitated toward recent maritime-themed mysteries, though early reports suggest a shift toward a more serious, high-stakes tone than its predecessors in the niche. For Hartnett, the role of Calvin Penney marks another significant entry in a 2026 schedule that has already seen him take on diverse roles across film and television.
