Will Ferrell's new Netflix series The Hawk attempts to revive the Frat Pack comedy style of the 2000s, but the result is a dated and largely unfunny five-hour slog. The show follows Lonnie Hawkins, a once-famous golfer on a long losing streak, who remains irrepressibly brash and unapologetic. Despite Ferrell's trademark charisma, the comedy relies heavily on genital gags, homophobic jokes, and outdated references that fall flat in today's comedic landscape.
Plot and Characters
Lonnie Hawkins, played by Ferrell, is a garishly dressed ladies man who causes chaos everywhere he goes. After a miraculous return to form, he competes against his son Lance (Jimmy Tatro) and longtime rival Golden Fisk (Luke Wilson) in the US Open. Hawkins is obnoxious, lascivious, and selfish—he steals a watch from a close friend's corpse in the first episode. His son Lance is a stroppy cheat, making neither character sympathetic.
Dated Humor
The show is filled with endless jokes about men being gay and graphic metaphors. At one point, Hawkins explains the difference between a hot streak and a run using a scatological metaphor. Chamillionaire's 2006 hit Ridin' and Sisqó's Thong Song soundtrack scenes, while Hawkins's estranged wife Stacy (Molly Shannon) repeatedly threatens to rip off men's genitals. The comic riffs feel overly long, reflecting a slower pace of comedy from two decades ago.
Missed Opportunities
The series fails to poke fun at golf itself, likely because the PGA tour is a producing partner. This lack of specificity undermines the comedy. Ferrell's portrayal of a destructive chancer admired for his unfiltered idiocy leaves a sour taste, especially in the current political climate. The show is never bracingly outrageous or distinctively odd, resulting in a generic script that doesn't justify its length.
According to the review, the show is designed as a comfort watch but lacks the sharpness needed for even stupid comedy. It is a reminder that past glories are hard to revive. The Hawk is streaming on Netflix now.
