HBO Max has a new hit on its hands—even if it's making some viewers squirm. Half Man, a six-episode limited series from Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd, has drawn both praise and criticism for its unflinching look at toxic masculinity, abuse, and sexuality. But controversy hasn't stopped audiences from tuning in: the show is a streaming success as it heads into its finale on May 28.
The series follows two half-brothers, Ruben (Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell), across three decades. Ruben is the older, more traditionally masculine sibling, prone to explosive anger, while Niall is the quieter, more intellectual one grappling with his sexuality. Their bond is complicated, unhealthy, and often violent—physically, emotionally, and sexually. Critics have called it difficult to watch, even as they praise its writing and performances.
Gadd, who rose to fame with Baby Reindeer—a breakout hit for its honest exploration of obsession and sexual assault against men—returns to similar themes here. But Half Man digs even deeper into the intimate, often destructive dynamics between relatives. The show's Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 77% from critics and 80% from audiences, a sign that while it's not universally beloved, it's resonating with many.
“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,” reads the critics' consensus on the review aggregator.
The cast also includes Mitchell Robertson as young Niall, Stuart Campbell as young Ruben, and Neve McIntosh as Lori. The finale, airing Thursday, May 28, promises to answer lingering questions and justify the series' intense buildup.
For those who've been bingeing the show, it's a fitting cap to a story that doesn't shy away from darkness. And if you're looking for more thrillers to dive into after Half Man ends, check out One Battle After Another: The Decade's Best Suspense Thriller Now on Prime Video or explore Top 8 Thriller Shows on Apple TV+ Ranked: From Sci-Fi to Spy Drama.
Whether you love it or find it hard to stomach, Half Man is a conversation starter—and a testament to HBO's legacy of pushing boundaries. Stream all episodes now on HBO Max before the finale drops.
