‘The Family Upstairs’ Netflix Documentary- What Viewers Should Know

Published 01/06/2026, 11:24 AM CST

In certain neighborhoods, some families seem ordinary, but appearances can be deceiving. Secrets simmer behind closed doors, shaping lives in ways outsiders can barely imagine. The Family Upstairs on Netflix sounds like an invitation into this unsettling world, promising a story that explores the excessive. 

With a narrative that appears gripping from the outset, it challenges viewers to confront the darkness that can exist behind familiar facades. But amid the growing intrigue, one question quietly emerges: Is there really such a documentary available on the streamer?

Truth about The Family Upstairs on Netflix

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There is no documentary on Netflix named The Family Upstairs. The title instead refers to a 2019 thriller novel by British author Lisa Jewell. Any confusion about it being a digital IP likely stems from the book’s suspenseful plot and intriguing moniker, which closely mirror the tone of much of today’s streaming content.

Jewell’s The Family Upstairs became an instant number one New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. Selected for the Good Morning America Book Club, this acclaimed tome has sold millions of copies worldwide.

The book follows Libby Jones, who inherits a mansion once occupied by her parents on her 25th birthday. The property, however, is also the site of her parents' tragic demise. 

As she investigates her past, shocking twists unravel, making the novel a gripping read. While Netflix has yet to turn its attention to this book, meanwhile, the streamer houses myriad offerings that resemble its name.

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With names resembling that of Lisa Jewell’s book, the narrative and theme of these suggestions ought to mirror it as well, making them worthwhile watches.

Netflix’s expansive dark vault

The Staircase (2018) on Netflix delves into a chilling death within a seemingly normal household, while American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020) examines the horrifying unraveling of a picture-perfect family. Both titles explore how ordinary lives can conceal disturbing realities, making them fitting watches for viewers drawn to stories of domestic darkness and hidden secrets.

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At last, while The Family Upstairs may sound like Netflix’s latest chilling true-crime obsession, no such documentary exists on the platform. The intrigue rather stems from Lisa Jewell’s bestselling psychological thriller, whose dark themes easily blur the line between fiction and screen-ready storytelling. Until any official adaptation materializes, viewers fascinated by secrets lurking behind suburban doors can turn to Netflix’s existing slate of unsettling thrillers for similarly gripping, thought-provoking experiences.

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Would you want to see The Family Upstairs adapted by Netflix? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

784 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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