A harrowing true crime series has gripped the nation, soaring straight to the top of the Netflix charts in the UK. Manhunt: Chasing the Fox, a two-part documentary about the sadistic predator Malcolm Fairley, has become an instant hit with viewers since its arrival on the platform.
The Chilling Story of The Fox
The documentary recounts the terrifying crimes of Malcolm Fairley, who became known as The Fox during his 1984 reign of terror across the English countryside. The masked intruder carried out a string of burglaries and sexual assaults, sparking one of the largest manhunts in British criminal history.
Fairley's modus operandi was particularly disturbing. He would build dens inside his victims' homes, lying in wait for them while masked and armed with a shotgun. He would eat their food, watch their television, and collect trophies before revealing himself to carry out his violent attacks.
His crime spree finally ended in September 1984 after forensic evidence linked his car to a crime scene. At the time of his arrest, Fairley had committed a staggering 81 offences. Over 200 police officers were involved in the massive operation to capture him.
Netflix Viewers Captivated by Real-Life Horror
The 2023 series has found a new and massive audience on Netflix, quickly claiming the number one spot in the UK's daily TV rankings. Viewers have taken to social media to share their reactions to the chilling real-life story.
One viewer, Helen, commented on Facebook, 'Just watched this, really good,' while another, Anna-Marie, admitted, 'Maybe a daytime watch for me lol,' highlighting the series' intense nature.
This isn't the first documentary to cover Fairley's crimes. In April 2024, Channel 5 aired The Intruder: He’s Watching You From Within, which featured never-before-heard police interviews with Fairley confessing to his crimes.
Lasting Impact and Current Chart Success
Malcolm Fairley died of natural causes in prison in May 2024 at the age of 71, but the memory of his crimes continues to haunt public consciousness through documentaries like this.
The success of Manhunt: Chasing the Fox on Netflix demonstrates the enduring public fascination with true crime stories, particularly those rooted in British criminal history. The series currently leads the charts ahead of other popular shows including The Beast In Me, One Shot With Ed Sheeran, and The Widower.
For those seeking a gripping, albeit disturbing, real-life crime story, Manhunt: Chasing the Fox is available to stream now on Netflix.
