High School Catfish Doc Climbs to Netflix’s No. 1 Spot

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish has surged to the top of Netflix’s U.S. streaming charts on September 11, 2025, after viewers were stunned by its shocking twist.

The documentary’s rapid ascent underscores widespread fascination with its real-life cyberbullying saga and jaw-dropping revelation about the perpetrator.

Why It Matters Viewers and critics alike have praised the film for its unflinching look at modern stalking and family dysfunction, sparking urgent conversations about online safety and mental health.

A Small-Town Horror Story Unfolds

Beal City, Michigan, came under national scrutiny as then-13-year-olds Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend received up to 50 anonymous texts per day over nearly two years. What began as a cruel prank escalated into relentless harassment, including graphic insults and suicidal suggestions, leaving both teens terrified and isolated.

The Shocking Twist

Local authorities, led by Isabella County Sheriff Mike Main, exhausted all leads anonymously pointing to classmates and friends-until the FBI Cyber Crimes Unit traced the messages back to a surprising source.

  • Messages routed through a number-spoofing app linked to details only a close family member could know.
  • A search warrant on the app unraveled the secret: Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari, was behind the torture.

Community Reactions and Legacy

Beal City High School students and teachers struggled with the fallout, as suspicions and accusations fractured friendships. Parents and administrators are now advocating for stricter anti-bullying policies and digital-privacy education across Michigan schools.

Expert Takeaways

Cyberpsychology specialists highlight three lessons from the documentary:

  • Vigilant Monitoring: Parents must understand apps that conceal caller identities.
  • Early Intervention: Schools should integrate cyberbullying awareness into health curricula.
  • Support Systems: Teen mental-health resources are critical when online abuse surfaces.

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is available for streaming on Netflix, where its gripping narrative and unexpected culprit continue to ignite debate nationwide.