Is The Watcher Based on a True Story? Real Events, Facts & People
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Is The Watcher Based on a True Story? Real Events, Facts & People

The Watcher is a suspenseful series about the Brannock family’s harrowing experience at a house plagued by a mysterious stalker. The family moves in as soon as they purchase their dream home, but soon, they find unsettling letters and escalating threats. As the paranoia sets in, they begin to uncover the past tragedies connected to the property.

Is The Watcher based on a true story?

Yes, The Watcher is based on a true story, and it was published in 2018 by Reeves Wiedeman in the New York Magazine. The article’s title is “The Haunting of a Dream House.” As stated in the article, Maria and Derek Broaddus moved into their dream home with their children in June 2014. They received an anonymous welcoming letter at first, but slowly, the letters became eerie and targeted the children. To protect their family, the couple decided to report the incident and seek help from law enforcement. The stalker identified themselves as “The Watcher” and wrote many disturbing things to the family, that are bound to scare away anyone who reads them. Even though it captures real events, a few things have been fictionalized in the show.

The Watcher’s real events and facts explained

As per reports, the FBI agents tried their best to investigate the case but the stalker was never found. The family was quite affected and shaken up due to the disturbing activities and events happening around them, stating that their situation is like they are suffering from cancer because they think about it every day. The Watcher even went on hiatus, disappearing and reappearing after years. The couple thought about relocating several times and their family soon became an outcast in the neighborhood.

The real people behind The Watcher’s characters

The family’s name has been changed in the show, but it is based on the Broadduses. In real life, the couple had three children who were much younger than the two that were portrayed in the show. Purportedly, the family sold their house in 2019 to free themselves from their stalker. They also tried to sue the Wood family, who occupied the house earlier but eventually left. The Woods also received letters but didn’t warn the new family that was about to settle in. However, the case was dismissed and nothing came out of it.

Is Dean Brannock a real person?

Dean Brannock is a fictional character that is likely inspired by Derek Broaddus. He is tasked with protecting his wife and children from the ominous threats of the stalker. However, despite their dream turning into a nightmare, he maintains a sense of security for his loved ones.

Is Nora Brannock a real person?

Nora is also a created character, and Maria Broaddus serves as an inspiration for the same. She is the matriarch of the family and a scared mother who is grappling with the safety of her children.

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