Netflix has added another hitman-falls-for-target drama to its lineup with the Spanish series The Gardener, which debuted April 11 and quickly claimed the #3 spot on the streamer’s Top TV Shows chart in the U.S.
The six-episode thriller follows Elmer (Álvaro Rico), an emotionless assassin who works for his mother’s murder-for-hire business disguised as a garden center. His professional detachment is challenged when he develops feelings for his next target — preschool teacher Violeta (Catalina Sopelana).
Miguel Sáez Carral (Raising Voices) created the series, co-writing with Isa Sánchez (The Ministry of Time). Directorial duties were split between Mikel Rueda (Veneno) and Rafa Montesinos (Perdida).
The Spanish-language production — also known by its original title El jardinero — joins Hit Man, Richard Linklater’s 2024 romantic thriller, in Netflix’s growing collection of content featuring assassins who develop romantic entanglements with their intended victims.
Despite its chart success, critical reception has been mixed. ScreenRant noted the series “touches upon some deeper questions but ultimately unfolds predictably,” while Decider recommended streaming it with the caveat that “there are a lot of absurd elements in The Gardener.”
The series currently trails only the new season of Black Mirror and the documentary series Bad Influence on the platform’s U.S. viewership charts.
All episodes of The Gardener are now streaming on Netflix.
