The Gardener: New Netflix series is being compared to You and fans can’t get enough

Netflix viewers are raving about a new series that’s drawing comparisons to the popular drama You and is being hailed as ‘everything’ some fans have been seeking in a show.

The Gardener, which was only added to Netflix’s vast catalogue last week, is already climbing the ranks in the streaming giant’s charts across various regions.

As of now, the romantic thriller series has ousted the record-smashing drama Adolescence from third place in the US, while in the UK and Ireland, it holds the sixth spot in the top ten most-watched list, trailing behind the Stephen Graham-led series and the latest season of Black Mirror.

A Spanish production, The Gardener centres around Elmer, portrayed by Álvaro Rico, an employee at a garden centre managed by his domineering mother. At first, he seems unperturbed by her incessant demands.

As a young boy, a car crash seemingly left Elmer devoid of emotions, a trait his mother, La China Jurado (played by Cecilia Suárez), finds advantageous as their business serves as a cover for a bustling underground contract killing operation.

Elmer’s emotionless demeanour makes him the perfect hitman, with their gardens serving as ideal burial grounds. However, things take a turn when he encounters his next target, preschool teacher Violeta, and unexpectedly falls in love, reports the Mirror.

As Elmer’s emotions reawaken, his mother pulls out all the stops to eliminate Violeta.

Although The Gardener hasn’t garnered enough reviews for a Rotten Tomatoes rating yet, it’s generating considerable online buzz.

According to one critic, viewers might need to temporarily set aside skepticism about the plot.

The Netflix viewer said: “While there are a lot of absurd elements in The Gardener, the elements are grounded enough in reality to make them seem plausible. And the more plausible this show seems, the better it will be.”

Multiple fans who binge-watched all six episodes drew parallels between this series and another soon-to-conclude Netflix original, many suggesting The Gardener is reminiscent of the popular thriller You, the stalker drama starring Penn Badgley.

An online post by a fan states: “If you enjoyed You, then you will enjoy The Gardener. The series really excels when the lead character, Elmer, is in the scene. Violeta was enjoyable to watch and a good addition. The writing was fairly good with a few plot holes left open. The story is weak when it follows the detectives. They may have been miscast and just poor storyline for them. It was entertaining to watch and look forward to season 2.”

Another fan agreed, saying: “The ending was unexpected and seems like Netflix could renew it for a new season. I was flabbergasted with the screenplay, creative aspect, and the storyline. Amazing.”

Yet, several fans weren’t impressed. One social media user said that they got hooked on the show despite not being totally convinced.

They posted: “The Gardener on Netflix is all over the place…I’m four episodes in, no choice but to finish watching the rest…Elmer and his mother are crazy as heck.”

Echoing a common view, one viewer said: “The Gardener on Netflix is basically just Spanish You but it’s a great watch though.”

Another Netflix fan of the streaming service raved: “Have you guys heard of The Gardener on Netflix? That’s like everything I’ve been looking for in a show. Flowers AND murder? ! Yes please!”.