Richard Gadd’s latest television series, Half Man, has finally made its debut on BBC iPlayer and HBO Max, with all six episodes now available for viewers to watch. The show is a follow-up to Gadd’s previous work, Baby Reindeer, which gained widespread attention after its release on Netflix in 2023. Known for its intense storytelling and emotional depth, Baby Reindeer was based on Gadd’s one-man play and centered around the harrowing experience of a comedian being stalked by an obsessed fan.
Now, Half Man promises to be just as gripping, if not more so. The series follows the complex relationship between two estranged brothers, Reuben (played by Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell), across three decades. Their volatile and intimate bond is explored through a series of dramatic and often unsettling events that test their connection and push them to their limits.
Critics have praised the show for its bold approach and intricate storytelling. Milo Pope from The Guardian gave it a four-star review, calling it “endlessly complex and wildly entertaining.” He noted that fans would find themselves “glued to the screen” throughout the entire series. Other critics have echoed this sentiment. Alex Flood from NME described it as an “unpleasantly captivating drama,” while Chris Tilly from Dexerto called it “audacious and exhilarating” — a rare and unique television experience.
The show has also received a strong reception from audiences, with a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans have taken to social media to share their reactions, with some expressing admiration for the show’s raw intensity and others finding it too disturbing to continue watching.
One viewer, @Ahmad, wrote: “Finished watching Half Man. One of the most screwed-up TV shows I’ve ever seen. Things just kept getting worse and worse for the main characters — it makes your blood boil. Twisted.” Another, goutdemadame, said: “Thank you to Richard Gadd for this masterful and magnificent work.” Meanwhile, @youandialsoexo added: “Those raw emotions man… Richard Gadd put his soul into this show no doubt.”
However, not everyone found the show to be a positive experience. Emily Baker from The i criticized the series, saying it was “even darker than Baby Reindeer and not in a good way.” She described it as “so bleak that it’s barely watchable.” Some viewers also chose to stop watching early.
@JoyceCarolOates wrote: “[I] stopped watching episode 1 of ‘Half Man’ (HBO) at about the halfway point.” Another user, @stbartz1, agreed: “Thank you Joyce! I felt exactly the same way and stopped at the halfway point and said out loud as I was getting up, I don’t need to see any more of this.”
Despite the polarizing reactions, many viewers acknowledged the show’s power and emotional impact. @AnnieBannister shared: “I’d heard how violent it was & chose not to watch it at all. Not regretting that decision.” Meanwhile, @TheAzzClown commented: “Half Man was one of the most unhinged shows I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure if I like it or not lol.”
Gadd has spoken about the deeper themes behind the show, emphasizing that it goes beyond violence. In an interview with Men’s Health, he explained: “I just didn’t want the show to be just about violence. The way the show was written, leaping decades forward in time, I wanted to keep the exploration of masculinity nuanced.” He highlighted the different pressures men face at various stages of life, from childhood to adulthood.
Without revealing the ending, Gadd concluded: “To me it’s a show about love, the difficulty of communicating love to someone else, and the difficulty of communicating love for yourself. Perhaps the whole thing would have been avoided had they just been able to love one another.”
For those considering watching Half Man, it’s clear that the show is not for the faint of heart. With its intense narrative and unflinching portrayal of human relationships, it offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
If you’re interested in watching the series, it is currently available on BBC iPlayer and HBO Max.
