If you're a true crime nut and obsessed with documentaries, Netflix's latest addition, The Man With 1000 Kids, could be one for you.
With more twists and turns than you can imagine, the docuseries looks into the story of a serial sperm donor who has reportedly fathered 1000 (and potentially more) children by mass donation through both private means and multiple sperm banks around the world.
While the man in question, Jonathan Meijer, declined to participate in the documentary – he has called it "sensationalising and misleading" and said that he doesn’t believe the figure of 1000 children to be correct – we hear the stories of numerous mothers and families affected by his actions, how they brought him to justice, and the far-reaching impacts of fertility fraud and what needs to change.
After working with Jenna Ortega and Jennifer Garner, she's set to lead the BBC's TV adaptation of BookTok sensation, A Good Girl's Guide To Murder.
Here's everything you need to know about Netflix's The Man With 1000 Kids:
What is The Man With 1000 Kids about?
According to Netflix's synopsis, the documentary “takes on the monumental task of trying to piece together the havoc wreaked by Meijer across several countries and continents — in addition to 11 sperm banks in the Netherlands and private donations, Meijer had been donating sperm all over the globe.”
As well as hearing from numerous parents who met, dealt with and accepted sperm from Meijer, the documentary hears from fertility fraud activist Eve Wiley, as well as a lawyer and medical professional who joined the fight to bring Jonathan to justice.
Essentially, it looks at why men like him – and he's not the only mass donor the documentary looks at – are choosing to devote their lives to doing this, as well as the impact it has. The documentary's director, Josh Allot, asks: “You get one life on this Earth — why has he chosen to use his charm and his intellect and his creativity in order to try to procreate on a mass scale and deceive all these people?”
Here's what we know about the man accused of fathering 1000 children.
Is The Man With 1000 Kids a true story?
Yes, it’s based on a very real case that ended up in Dutch civil court. Jonathan's actions affected a wide range of parents, some of whom spoke about their experiences throughout the ordeal. We meet a couple from Australia, as well as numerous couples and single mothers from the Netherlands who describe their journey.
What is the release date for The Man With 1000 Kids?
The documentary drops on Netflix on 3 July.
Is there a trailer for The Man With 1000 Kids?
Watch below! When it initially dropped, it caused quite a stir, with viewers already fascinated by how this controversial story will unfold…
