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Season 1 – Half Man

Play trailer 1:20 Poster for Season 1 – Half Man Apr 2026 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
79% Tomatometer 71 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
When Niall's estranged brother Ruben shows up at his wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives, from the eighties to the present day.
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Half Man — Season 1

Half Man — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Richard Gadd delivers a broodingly bleak sophomore effort that dares to plumb the depths of toxic masculinity and repression in a complex and unsettling tale that makes for unsettlingly good TV.

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Critics Reviews

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J. Kelly Nestruck Globe and Mail Jun 2
This heart-wrenchingly honest show makes most other TV dramas seem sanitized. Go to Full Review
Wenlei Ma The Nightly (AU) May 20
It’s a prime example of something you admire versus something you like. Go to Full Review
Graeme Blundell The Australian May 15
Yes, it’s bleak and chilling, and hard to watch at times, unleavened by the surreal humour of Gadd’s Baby Reindeer, but Half Man sure is brave, if extremely uncomfortable viewing. Go to Full Review
Abhishek Srivastava The Times of India Jul 6
3.5/5
This series is bold, emotionally heavy, and well-acted, but the deliberately uneven structure and constant discomfort won’t work for everyone, and it can feel exhausting rather than gripping. Go to Full Review
Santanu Das Hindustan Times Jul 3
3.5/5
This is a hard watch but the performances as well as the storytelling are so compelling that one cannot help but watch. Go to Full Review
John Stark Mac the Movie Guy Jul 1
83/100
Richard Gad once again proves himself to be one of the most fascinating creative voices working today. For the viewers willing to meet this on its level, it is an unforgettable experience. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Margarita R @MargoR Jul 14 Uncomfortable watch, but brilliantly acted and written. See more L. F @RT68678650 Jul 9 This was heart wrenching, brutal, touching and terrifying in equal measures. Superb acting from all 4 main actors. At times I wished Ruben had been played with less violence and more nuance, but appreciate how his intensity kept the audience on edge at all times, waiting for the next unpredictable outburst (much like Niall was). I can't say I enjoyed the show, as it was brilliantly hard hitting and uncomfortable viewing, but it was extremely well done. See more Gwendolyn P @RT67800421 Jul 6 This show hit too close to home. No one can make me feel worse than my brother and yet I'm addicted to turning to him when I need help with something. See more Scott T @ScottyReds Jul 5 Simply put Richard Gadd is a master. His first show I watched in 2024, Baby Reindeer, and it was a 10/10. Now is second show that was not at all marketed or hyped in US is another 10/10. There are very few writers/directors I will follow and watch everything they make, Richard Gadd is now in that category for me. The writing and acting is brilliant, the tension is always palpable, and even the most brutal, despicable characters he finds a way to make you care about. See more David M @minty2miller Jul 1 Sorry, but I’m surely not alone in finding this series wholly unconvincing and even annoying. Its main problem is the wooden acting that seems unnatural and clunky. The younger brother is the only convincing character, the rest are just caricatures, unsure about who they are or what they’re doing. Very disappointing compared with Gadd’s earlier series, Baby Reindeer, which was much better all round. See more Caroline C @RT92292293 Jun 30 This was excellent. I watched over 2 nights. So many twists n turns. Intense. Shows no goodies n baddies but little bit of both in most people See more Read all reviews
Half Man — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 23, 2026 Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall's wedding; this surprise visit turns what should be a joyous occasion into chaos, leading to an eruption of violence that catapults back through the decades. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 30, 2026 After struggling to fit in at university, an isolated Niall turns to Ruben for help, but his presence leads to devastating consequences. Details Episode 3 Aired May 2, 2026 1993. His mother asks Niall to lie in court about Ruben's violence, and he is conflicted. Ruben seems different now, so the decision weighs heavily on him. Details Episode 4 Aired May 14, 2026 When Niall's estranged brother Ruben shows up at his wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives, from the eighties to the present day. Details Episode 5 Aired May 12, 2026 Niall and Ava face major life changes as Ruben struggles with his relationship; An impulsive choice between Mona and Niall has serious consequences for all involved. Details Episode 6 Aired May 18, 2026 2014; Niall builds a new life, but old ties resurface when Mona reconnects with Ruben, forcing difficult choices. Details
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Season Info

Director
Eshref Reybrouck, Alexandra Brodski
Creator
Richard Gadd
Screenwriter
Richard Gadd
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Apr 23, 2026