Updated
Updated · Variety · Jul 16
Netflix's 10-Episode 'The Hawk' Draws Harsh Reviews for Will Ferrell's Golf Comedy
Updated
Updated · Variety · Jul 16

Netflix's 10-Episode 'The Hawk' Draws Harsh Reviews for Will Ferrell's Golf Comedy

3 articles · Updated · Variety · Jul 16

Summary

  • All 10 episodes of “The Hawk” are now streaming on Netflix, but one prominent review calls Will Ferrell’s first scripted TV comedy lead role a major disappointment.
  • The critique says the golf series lacks both sharp satire and narrative drive, after an earlier LIV Golf-inspired concept was pared back to a father-son comeback story centered on over-the-hill golfer Lonnie Hawkins.
  • Lonnie’s abrasive persona is cited as the show’s biggest flaw: Ferrell’s antihero is portrayed as grating yet softened, leaving the comedy without either real edge or meaningful character growth.
  • Supporting characters including Jimmy Tatro’s son Lance, Fortune Feimster’s caddie Sam and Molly Shannon’s ex-wife Stacy are described as underused, while the series is also faulted for explaining pro golf poorly.
  • The review contrasts “The Hawk” unfavorably with Owen Wilson’s “Stick,” arguing Ferrell’s latest vehicle feels dated and overly tied to his old screen persona rather than reflecting a sharper current moment.

Insights

As Will Ferrell’s big-budget series flops, what does it signal about Netflix's entire comedy investment strategy?
With critics calling it a relic, can Will Ferrell’s 2000s humor find a new audience in the TikTok era?
Is this critically-panned series proof the unapologetic, obnoxious male protagonist is no longer funny?