who is the show baby reindeer based on

The character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was based on a 1938 poem by Robert L. May, which was later adapted into a popular song and animated film. In the story, Rudolph is a young reindeer who is born with a shiny red nose, but is ostracized by the other reindeer because of his uniqueness. Rudolph eventually learns to embrace his difference and uses his light to guide Santa's sleigh on a foggy Christmas Eve, becoming a beloved hero to all.