Newfoundland thriller 'Below' reels in record audience for a Canadian Netflix title

Netflix says the series sits at No. 1 in 53 countries, cracked the top 10 in 90 countries

It appears television viewers worldwide have been dyin' for a good Newfoundland story.

"Below," a Netflix thriller series starring Josh Hartnett as a fisherman whose Newfoundland town is attacked by a gnarly sea creature, reeled in 17 million views since premiering on Thursday.

That makes it the most-viewed debut ever for a Netflix Canadian title, says the streamer.

Netflix says the series, created by Toronto-born filmmaker Jesse McKeown, sits at No. 1 in 53 countries, and has cracked the top 10 in 90 countries.

For comparison, the first season of hit romantic comedy "Nobody Wants This" debuted with 10.3 million views, while recent historical drama "East of Eden" debuted with 6.5 million views.

"Below" was shot in 75 days across Newfoundland and Labrador, filming in communities including St. John's, Petty Harbour, Brigus South and Pouch Cove.

Netflix says it hired more than 700 primary cast and crew and partnered with more than 650 Canadian vendors.

How well does Netflix’s Below capture Newfoundland and Labrador?

This N.L. community transformed into the setting for Netflix’s Below

Speaking with The Canadian Press at the TIFF premiere of "Below" last month, McKeown said he'd felt compelled to write the show for about 18 years. His wife is from Newfoundland, and they live there on and off.

"There are a number of reasons why I think I always wanted to make something there," he said.

"It was that kind of crazy contrast between how unforgiving and scary the landscape was, and just how warm and fun and inviting the people and the community were."

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.

Alex Nino Gheciu is a reporter with The Canadian Press.