Bodkin on Netflix: Is Bodkin based on a true story?

Bodkin is now ready to watch but is the Obama-backed comedic thriller based on real life?

Watch the official trailer for Bodkin

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Bodkin. 

Bodkin has made its debut on and subscribers are curious to know where the inspiration came from.

The latest addition to the streamer’s extensive library of content sees a group of true crime podcasters travel to the remote Irish town of Bodkin for their latest series.

They begin to investigate the cold case in which people disappeared from the area several years ago.

While they had just planned to speak about the mystery, the team soon finds themselves embroiled in the weirder, darker side of Bodkin.

But will the podcasters be able to get to the truth of what really happened without putting their own lives at risk?

Read more: Bodkin on Netflix stars Saturday Night Live and Ackley Bridge alumni

bodkin netflix based true story explainer

Bodkin on Netflix: Is Bodkin based on a true story? (Image: NETFLIX)

Is Bodkin on Netflix based on a true story? 

Netflix’s Bodkin has arrived, with all seven episodes dropping on Thursday, May 9.

Prior to the show coming out, a trailer was released to tease what’s to come which included two title cards which have caused some confusion.

The first read: “Based on a true story*”, and the other stated: “*Overheard in a pub”, leading some subscribers to believe Bodkin is based on real events.

However, its creators have made it abundantly clear that this is not the case.

Bodkin higher ground production company barack michelle obama

Bodkin comes from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground. (Image: GETTY)

Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, executive producer Alex Metcalf stated: “Not a real story, not a real place.”

Creator Jez Scharf then continued: “It’s a fake town, it’s a fake place. It’s all fake people.

“The mystery itself, we worked very hard to find something that is in no way adjacent to a real true crime story. The fictionality of it was very deliberate.”

The story may not be based on real life but its cast and those behind Bodkin have made the thriller have made it a stand-out on Netflix.

Why did Harry and Meghan make a Netflix series about their life?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves at the centre of public attention since they took a step back from senior royal duties in 2020.

In a trailer for the Netflix series about them, Prince Harry told viewers that “no one sees what’s happening behind closed doors” in a reference to how their lives may differ from what the public think about the couple. Meghan adds: “When the stakes are this high, doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?”.

Reports suggested the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could receive up to $100 million for making the show, although this has been disputed and the true figure is unknown.

Bodkin netflix emmy ackley bridge actress robyn cara

Bodkin on Netflix: Emmy is portrayed by Ackley Bridge actress Robyn Cara. (Image: NETFLIX)

The trio of true crime podcasters is made up of Gilbert, played by Saturday Night Live’s Will Forte, Emmy, portrayed by Ackley Bridge’s Robyn Cara, and The Dry’s Siobhan Cullen as Dove.

Bodkin has also caught people’s attention as it was created by High Ground production company which is owned by none other than Barack and Michelle Obama.

Higher Ground has been behind other projects including the children’s show Waffles and Mochi’s Restaurant and the Julia Roberts movie Leave The World Behind.

Bodkin is available to watch on Netflix.

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