The disturbing true story that inspired Netflix's 'The Watcher'

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Netflix's upcoming true-crime series "The Watcher" strays from the genre in that it doesn't focus on a serial killer or violent criminal, but rather an anonymous stalker who torments a family who has just moved into a new neighborhood. The series is based on the true story of the Broaddus family, who were terrorized by a mysterious writer calling himself "The Watcher" who sent letters to their home throughout 2014.

"The Watcher" will send shivers down your spine and possibly lower your trust in those around you. Read on to learn about the incredible true story that inspired the series, which hits Netflix on October 13.

In June 2014, Derek and Maria Broaddus purchased a six-bedroom, four-bathroom Dutch Colonial home in New Jersey, as reported by Patch. The quaint home, located at 657 Boulevard in the suburban town of Westfield, is just 16 miles southwest of Manhattan, making it a sought-after neighborhood for families and first-time buyers. Derek and Maria — and their three young children — were excited to buy their dream home and live on Boulevard, a few blocks from the house Maria grew up in, according to The Cut.

When the Broaddus family started making renovations to their new home, their dream soon turned into an endless nightmare. Just three days after the house closed, Derek and Maria received a letter from an anonymous writer. At first, the note seemed like a warm welcome to the neighborhood – but it turned dark as it continued. “657 Boulevard has been the subject of my family for decades, and as it approaches its 110th anniversary, I have been instructed to watch and await its second coming,” the writer revealed in the letter, according to The Cut.< /p>

The writer also knew information about the family, such as the type of car they drove, the number of children they had, and the workers hired to do work on the property. And the anonymous "watcher" didn't stop there, The Cut reported.

In a total of four letters that were sent to the Broaddus family, The Watcher re...