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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
78% Tomatometer 68 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 100+ 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 Allyson Johnson The Playlist Jun 1
C
Gadd clearly has a lot of ideas, and he knows how to harbor simmering hostility and volatile undoings that dress themselves with unassuming bouts of dark comedy. Go to Full Review Jericho Tadeo Exclaim! May 26
8/10
A grotesquerie of the mind and heart Go to Full Review Bruce R. Miller Sioux City Journal May 25
3.5/4
Like "Baby Reindeer," "Half Man" prompts discussion. See it with someone you love and you’ll be debating for hours. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mia H @alyss80 5d It’s incredibly uncomfortable viewing. Gadd has created one of the most hateful characters I can remember. Incredible acting and the writing feels very refreshing. See more Joan T @Jonis 6d Just the most breathtaking series of tv I’ve seen for years - what a show this is turning out to be See more Michael M. @SpideyJ Jun 18 The acting from the leads, younger and older, is some of the best I've ever seen, and the writing is excellent. See more Johann D. M @Johann33 Jun 17 🏳️‍🌈🇬🇧 DEVASTATING AND DISTURBING!!!! This compelling drama is as frustrating as it is unsettling, but it is absolutely worth watching for the astonishing performances delivered by its four leads, both young and old. Their portrayals capture an extraordinary emotional range. Richard Gadd is outstanding, delivering a surprisingly vicious and intimidating performance, with a mere glance or expression capable of creating genuine discomfort. Jamie Bell is equally remarkable, portraying Niall's closeted, submissive, and deeply conflicted nature with heartbreaking authenticity. The series explores toxic masculinity, repression, trauma, and self-destruction with an intensity that can become almost unbearable at times. Its characters feel disturbingly real, making their psychological unraveling all the more shocking. Some episodes are particularly brutal, both emotionally and physically, and the controversial ending is unlikely to satisfy everyone. See more Al M @Almatt Jun 17 Well written, by episode 4 my dislike for a character moved from Ruben to Niall. Niall's character even after 4 years at uni seeing his male lover get beaten to a pulp. 21 year's old still Niall took too long to grow some balls and turn Ruben in and give his evidence to put the sociopath away. See more Sofa C @JonathanA Jun 12 Excellent, gripping to the end. Must see. Lead stars are phenomenal. Richard Gadd has pulled another out of the bag. See more Read all reviews
Half Man — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Richard Gadd

Creator

Jamie Bell

Niall

Richard Gadd

Ruben

Neve McIntosh

Lori

Charlie de Melo

Alby

Tom Andrews

Butch

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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Half Man — Season 1

Half Man: Limited Series Trailer - Weeks Ahead Half Man: Limited Series Trailer - Weeks Ahead 1:20 Half Man: Season 1 Featurette - Behind the Story Half Man: Season 1 Featurette - Behind the Story 1:55 Half Man: Limited Series Trailer Half Man: Limited Series Trailer 2:13 View more videos
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Half Man — Season 1

Half Man View more photos

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