Once upon a time, true crime meant one thing (and one thing only): a grisly tale of murder most foul – and usually one that glorifies violence and affords the serial killer at its centre a level of celebrity they well and truly don’t deserve.

Unsurprisingly, this has prompted many people to level criticism at the genre. Thankfully, though, Netflix is continuing its mission to flip true crime on its head as it shines a spotlight on the sort of unbelievable heists, scams and cons that make us sit up and pay attention.

The latest title to join the roster? The Man With 1000 Kids, which tells the true story of Jonathan Meijer, who stands accused of deceiving mothers all over the world into having his babies “on a mass scale”.

Watch the chilling trailer for The Man With 1000 Kids below:

Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know about the series.

What is The Man With 1000 Kids about?

As per the official synopsis, three-episode docuseries The Man With 1000 Kids shines a spotlight on “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”.

The Dutch musician has potentially fathered over 500 children through his donations, but has since been banned from making any more donations when the families affected took action.

What are people saying about The Man With 1000 Kids?

“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?” asks director Josh Allott, who interviewed several parents who are still grappling with the repercussions of Meijer’s actions for his documentary, as well as lawyers, fertility activists and medical professionals.

“Speaking to lots of different parents that have met him and people that know him well, it seems like it almost became an addiction for him.” 

Meijer, meanwhile, recently informed Newsweek via email that he declined to take part in Netflix’s documentary.

“Already the title is super misleading. Deceptive,” he said. 

“No surprise to anybody, Netflix is like any other corporation, company, focused on making money.”

When can we watch The Man With 1000 Kids?

The Man with 1000 Kids premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 3 July. 

Will you be watching?

Images: Netflix