Baby Reindeer creator and star Richard Gadd has revealed that a full episode of the hit Netflix series was axed during editing—because it lacked the show’s emotional and psychological center: Martha.
Speaking at the Future Visions Conference in Melbourne, the 36-year-old comic explained that during the development process of the gripping semi-autobiographical series, executives advised him to give viewers a “respite” from the show’s darker themes.
“I remember when we were developing it, there was the note that kept coming in… ‘The show is just too dark. You need to give us a respite.’”
In response, Gadd wrote an episode in which his character, Donny Dunn, escapes the constant pressure of being stalked by traveling home to spend a day with his dad. The episode featured a football match and family moments—completely free of the unnerving presence of Martha, played by Jessica Gunning.
But when the team got to the editing stage, something felt off.
“Really, when we got to the edit, I thought, ‘You miss her every time she’s not on screen.’ And I thought in a lot of ways, the sooner you get back to her, the better.”
That revelation led Gadd to scrap the episode entirely—an unusual but telling decision that highlights Martha’s crucial role in the psychological grip of the series.
“Nothing Screamed Commercial Hit”
Despite its critical acclaim and viral success, Gadd says he never expected Baby Reindeer to become the global phenomenon it is.
“The biggest surprise was the fact that it blew up in the first place, because nothing about it screamed commercial hit.”
The sudden fame has been a jarring experience for the comedian, who once performed to audiences of just five people a night.
“It came out on a Thursday, and by Sunday people were knocking on my door asking for autographs. I’m still getting used to it… Going to the supermarket comes with a million caveats now.”
“I Never Wanted Fame”
For Gadd, the spotlight hasn’t been a dream come true—it’s been a massive adjustment.
“Weirdly, I never wanted fame. I just liked the idea that, one day, I would make a piece of art that was culturally important, because then maybe I would learn to like myself.”
Now more recognisable than ever, Gadd admits the public attention has led to awkward encounters—like fans pulling up chairs at his table mid-meal.
“There are people who want to ask you stuff in the worst kind of situations… It can be really awkward.”
Still, Baby Reindeer’s powerful storytelling and raw emotional depth continue to resonate with viewers—and it’s clear that cutting that episode was a decision that ultimately made the show even more gripping.
Martha may be disturbing, but according to Gadd: the show just isn’t the same without her.
