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Season 1 – Half Man

Play trailer 1:20 Poster for Season 1 – Half Man Next Ep Apr 30 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
73% Tomatometer 41 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 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.

Critics Reviews

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Mark Kermode Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube) 1h
I found it quite a hard watch, but I think it was really well done. Go to Full Review
Rebecca Nicholson Financial Times 3h
3/5
It is well-shot, well-performed and, like Baby Reindeer, gruesomely compelling — but it is also cynical and ferocious, and so relentlessly brutal that it makes Ken Loach look like Michael McIntyre. Go to Full Review
Roxana Hadadi New York Magazine/Vulture 1d
Presenting Niall and Ruben as characters chasing individual fulfillment through what society tells them to want flattens them, and Half Man, like its central brothers, ultimately squanders its early potential in the pursuit of greatness. Go to Full Review
Joel Keller Decider 25m
While there are times when Half Man is too intense for its own good, and its timeline is a bit muddled, the show is a mostly-riveting take on brotherhood, even when the brothers aren’t blood-related. Go to Full Review
Fran Chico Fotogramas 2h
2/5
The cliffhanger ending in episode two proves that Gadd's talent wasn't a flash in the pan and that it's there, but wasted. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Alex Flood NME (New Musical Express) 5h
4/5
Ultimately, Gadd’s served up another unpleasantly captivating drama about a flawed victim and the psychologically unstable figure that haunts them Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Jay Z @Jayzilla22 20m This gives me a good headache, hope they keep switching back & forth, it's bloody gripping, Great casts both older and younger versions. See more Michael G @Michael69 2h A gripping mesmerising drama! I could not take my eyes away from the first episode - always something happening or going to happen. The lead actors are brilliant with Ruben a muscular menacing presence which counteracts Niall’s fragility. The younger actors playing the two older leads also give striking performances. The locations used are perfect for the times portrayed and convey much realism. There is much to think about and the initial episode clearly lays ground for twists and turns awaiting later on, and throwing light on the complex relationship between Ruben and Niall. Another masterpiece of story telling from Richard Gadd, and great acting from him and the other leads. See more Lydia E. @LydiaEmily 7h First episode is amazing. Can’t wait for the next See more prawnda S @RT72497680 10h you can't trust this guy after his success with baby reindeer. all he makes is torture flicks. there is no joy or nuance, and it's potentially traumatic to a lot of viewers without any purpose. See more Minha C @Dcritic137 12h Um show esquisito e sem sentido See more Steven T. @CEOMillenial1 17h I really enjoyed this. Well written, acting is top notch And the story is interesting. Looking forward to the season. See more Read all reviews
Half Man — Season 1

My Rating

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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 Airs Apr 30 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 3 Airs May 2 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 4 Airs May 14 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 Airs May 12 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 6 Airs May 18 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

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