Netflix doc has viewers seething as 'next level' ordeal leaves them torn over victim

Kirat Assi in Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare (Image: Courtesy of Netflix 2024)

Netflix's adaptation of the real-life tale of a woman 'catfished' by an unexpected individual is a must-watch for true crime and internet horror story enthusiasts.

Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, originally a 2021 episode from the BBC's Tortoise Investigates podcast series, was snapped up by Netflix and transformed into a documentary by Raw, the production house behind well-known titles such as The Tinder Swindler and Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer.

Launched in 2024, the narrative unravels through the eyes of British radio host Kirat Assi, who found herself ensnared in a decade-long, almost unbelievable web of deceit, false identities, and dubious coincidences.

Unlike its more famous counterpart, The Tinder Swindler, where the main "villain" is the central focus from the get-go, Sweet Bobby doesn't adhere to a clear formula, instead building towards a monumental plot twist.

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The timeline traces Kirat's journey as she encounters "Bobby" on Facebook, convinced she has discovered her soulmate. Their long-distance romance over the years is characterised by peaks and troughs, with Bobby's manipulative yet elusive behaviour effectively entrapping Kirat - despite his outright refusal to meet face-to-face or reveal his face on camera.

READ MORE Simran Bhogal's life now as Netflix's Sweet Bobby explores decade of deceit [LATEST]

Catfishing victim Kirat Assi (Image: (Courtesy of Netflix 2024))

Kirat's untold story of deception unfolds spectacularly in Netflix's Sweet Bobby as she dramatises the pivotal moments that left viewers agape like the day she faced the real man behind her catfish's facade, complete with a doorstep showdown against his unsuspecting wife and infant.

Social media has been ablaze following the series finale of Sweet Bobby, with Netflix buffs flocking to platforms like X (the new face of Twitter) to spill their thoughts.

This week saw one X user exclaim: "Finally watched Sweet Bobby on Netflix... Some people are truly evil!".

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Cover art for podcast show Sweet Bobby (Image: DAILY MIRROR)

Yet, despite the buzz, some have pointed fingers at Kirat for not catching onto the deceit sooner, with remarks such as: "When I watch shows or documentaries on people getting catfished and they say it went on for YEARS I am like yeah I'm sorry but I cannot have any sympathy for you because...YEARS?! Are you kidding me? How are you this dumb? Watching Sweet Bobby on Netflix and this lady's an idiot."

While another shared their disbelief with the comment: "My girl was in a relationship with a guy who didn't show his face like ever for 10 years?! Girl, what?!" And another echoed the sentiment: "I watched this doc on Netflix called Sweet Bobby and it was just wild. Like... I've heard of catfishing but this was next level and I simultaneously felt bad for the woman and wanted to slap some sense into her at the same time."

The documentary has sparked intense debate about the dark world of online impersonation. A viewer commented: "The most intriguing aspect of the story for me is the motivation behind catfishing someone for so long. Because it's not like catfishing is easy. It still takes a lot of time and effort to do it. I feel like a part of catfishing stems from self-loathing and loneliness. Catfishers at some point must also enjoy the fantasy of being someone they are not and to feel a connection with their victims."

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Kirat's harrowing experience, as depicted in the documentary, led her to pursue civil legal action, highlighting the fact that 'catfishing' remains outside the scope of criminal law in the UK. This has prompted calls for legislative change among viewers, with one fan exclaiming: "Sweet Bobby: My Catfishing Nightmare on Netflix is jaw-droppingly shocking. That lady sure knows how to tell her story. Yikes. May her story inspire laws."

Netflix's gripping new offering, Sweet Bobby, adapted from a hit British podcast, joins the ranks of Louis Theroux's Can I Tell You a Secret? and is now available for audiences to stream.

Netflix doc has viewers seething as 'next level' ordeal leaves them torn over victim

Netflix doc has viewers seething as 'next level' ordeal leaves them torn over victim

Netflix doc has viewers seething as 'next level' ordeal leaves them torn over victim

Netflix doc has viewers seething as 'next level' ordeal leaves them torn over victim

Netflix doc has viewers seething as 'next level' ordeal leaves them torn over victim