Photo Credit: Netflix Richard Gadd’s latest project has debuted with a noticeably lower score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to his widely praised series, Baby Reindeer. The new show centers on a man whose wedding day is abruptly disrupted by the return of a long-absent figure from his past, setting off a tense chain of events. Early reactions suggest a more mixed critical reception this time.
What critics are saying about Half Man in reviews Critical response to Half Man has been varied, with reviewers highlighting both its subject matter and performances. William Goodman of The Wrap described the series as “a singular experience that sticks with you,” emphasizing its thematic focus. He wrote, “As such, Half Man becomes an exceedingly rich text about the pitfalls of masculinity.
Without ever uttering the phrase ‘toxic masculinity,’ the series deep dives into the self-loathing men often have about themselves when society expects them to act and behave in specific ways.” He also pointed to the performances as a key strength, adding, “Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell are extraordinary finds.” At The Guardian, Lucy Mangan offered a largely positive review while acknowledging some limitations. “Half Man is a bleak and brilliant thing. It has its weak spots – the women are underwritten,” she wrote.
Writing for Decider, Radhamely De Leon emphasized the show’s emotional intensity. She called it “a startlingly honest symphony of anger, brotherhood and violence that will take viewers to dark places.” She noted that the tone may not appeal to everyone, though it carries “a kernel of honesty there that is worth contending with.” Meanwhile, New York Post’s Lauren Sarner described it as “a gnarly watch that’s sometimes hard to stomach,” before adding, “but it’s riveting, provocative and filled with searing performances.” She concluded, “Half Man is dark, strange and gutting. It’s also interesting, propulsive and full of complicated characters.” Half Man gets a modest score on Rotten Tomatoes Half Man has received a moderate response from critics, with its early score on Rotten Tomatoes reflecting a more mixed reception.
The show, created by and starring Richard Gadd, currently holds a 67% critics rating based on 21 reviews. Meanwhile, an audience score on the Popcornmeter is not yet available. These numbers are subject to change as more reviews come in.
This places it behind Gadd’s previous series, Baby Reindeer, which was widely praised. That show holds a 99% critics’ score from 70 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, along with an 81% audience rating.