Short-form series, often with 10 episodes or less, are now a key part of what streaming services offer, giving viewers captivating stories and top-notch actors. HBO Max’s newest series is a great example of how successful these shorter shows can be.
According to data from FlixPatrol, the British drama Half Man is currently a hit on HBO Max, ranking as the fifth most-watched show globally. Since its premiere on April 23rd, it’s become a top 10 show in many countries – including Belize, Bulgaria, Denmark, and Norway – and has even reached number two in Belgium, France, and Germany.
I’m really excited about Richard Gadd’s new project, Half Man. You probably know him from Baby Reindeer, that incredible (and very personal) dark comedy he wrote, created, and starred in. This time around, it’s a co-production between the BBC and HBO, and he’s acting alongside Jamie Bell – you might recognize him from films like Billy Elliot or The Adventures of Tintin. I’m expecting great things!
What Is Half Man About?
The story centers on Ruben and Niall, portrayed by Gadd and Bell, who shared a brotherly bond even though they weren’t blood relatives. They reconnect at Niall’s wedding, but their relationship is strained. Through flashbacks, the film reveals details of their childhood and how their connection developed.
Half Man delves into difficult themes like violence, the struggles of adolescence, bullying, and questions of identity – particularly around masculinity and sexuality. The story centers on the complex relationship between Ruben and Niall, showing how their bond is tested as adults. Through flashbacks, the narrative reveals key moments from their past, explaining how they both grew as individuals and how their relationship evolved over time.
The new show Half Man premiered a few weeks ago and new episodes come out every Thursday. The final episode is scheduled to air on May 28th. Even though only three of the six episodes have been released so far, Half Man is already proving popular with both audiences and critics.
Half Man Received Positive Reviews from Critics
The film currently has a 76% rating from critics and a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Nandini Balial of RogerEbert.com described it as a “brilliant and discomfiting six-hour horror film” that powerfully shows the consequences of uncontrolled anger on both the person experiencing it and those affected by it.
Caryn James of BBC.com praised the film’s detailed look at what it means to be a man, the connection between violence and hidden sexuality, and how realistically it portrays emotional pain. Ben Dowell, writing in The Times (UK), noted the film powerfully captures the frightening feeling of being powerless as a teenager.
I found Half Man to be a really powerful, though often difficult, show – much like Baby Reindeer. It doesn’t shy away from tough subjects, and that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable. The show really forces you to feel what the characters are experiencing, and I think that raw honesty is a big reason why it’s become so popular.
Half Man is available to stream on HBO Max.
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2026-05-09 20:06