A chilling true crime documentary has rapidly climbed to the number one spot on Netflix UK's daily TV charts, captivating audiences with its horrifying real-life narrative. Manhunt: Chasing The Fox details the terrifying 1984 crime spree of sadistic sex attacker Malcolm Fairley, known by his sinister nickname, 'The Fox'.
The Reign of 'The Fox'
Set in the English countryside in 1984, the two-part series recounts how a masked intruder plagued the region with a string of burglaries and sexual assaults. Fairley's method was particularly disturbing; he was known for creating makeshift 'dens' inside his victims' homes, where he would lie in wait. His behaviour in these hideaways was brazen, including watching television, eating meals, and collecting trophies before launching his attacks.
This documentary, which originally aired on Channel 5 last year, has found a massive new audience on the streaming platform. Despite only recently arriving on Netflix, it has soared to the top of the viewing lists, demonstrating the public's enduring fascination with complex criminal cases.
One of Britain's Largest Manhunts
Prior to his arrest in September 1984, Fairley's crimes sparked one of the most extensive manhunts in British criminal history. The breakthrough came when forensic evidence linked his car to a crime scene. By the time he was captured, Fairley had committed a staggering 81 offences, with approximately 200 police officers involved in the pursuit.
Malcolm Fairley died in prison in May 2024 from natural causes, but the legacy of his terror remains. Dan Louw, Channel 5’s commissioning editor, previously described the film as a 'real-life horror movie' and a tribute to the brave victims and diligent police officers who worked to track him down.
Audience Reaction and The True Crime Trend
Viewers have been quick to share their reactions online. One person wrote, 'Just watched this, really good,' while another quipped, 'Maybe a daytime watch for me lol,' highlighting the intense nature of the content.
This success story is part of a wider trend on Netflix, where true crime documentaries consistently perform well. Earlier this month, the platform's three-part series Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia also topped the charts and was hailed by fans as a 'must-watch'. One viewer on social media praised it as 'yet another fantastic mob documentary from Netflix,' showing a strong appetite for well-produced investigative content.
The powerful combination of historical criminal cases and modern documentary filmmaking continues to grip the British public, turning these real-life stories into chart-topping streaming sensations.
