The Hawk Review: Will Ferrell and Stellar Cast Fall Flat in Netflix’s Lackluster Golf Comedy
Netflix’s latest offering, The Hawk, features a star-studded cast including Will Ferrell, Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Chris Parnell, and David Hornsby. Despite the impressive lineup, the new 10-episode comedy fails to deliver the laughs one might expect from such a talented ensemble.
Overview of The Hawk
The Hawk, created by Harper Steele, Chris Henchy, and Ferrell, premiered on July 16, 2026. The show centers around Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, a once-great golfer who now finds himself struggling on the Korn Ferry Tour, the feeder tour for the PGA. The series attempts to explore themes of redemption and familial relationships but ultimately falls short in execution.
The Plot and Characters
Lonnie Hawkins, portrayed by Ferrell, was once a dominant force in golf, just one putt away from winning the U.S. Open and achieving a career grand slam. However, the narrative reveals that Lonnie has not made a cut in seven years, leaving him in a state of mediocrity. The character’s backstory includes a vague meltdown that has left him psychologically adrift, a detail that lacks clarity and depth.
The supporting characters include Lonnie’s estranged wife, Stacy (Shannon), who is now focused on their son, Lance (Tatro), a rising star on the actual tour. Stacy is seen promoting a new canned cocktail, while Radford (Hornsby) appears in every scene reading classic gay-themed literature, a detail that feels forced rather than organic. The character dynamics lack the necessary development to create meaningful connections or humor.
A Missed Opportunity
The show’s attempts at humor often feel flat. The opening credits feature a simplistic ’80s rock song with the only lyrics being, “They call him the Hawk/ He’s a golfer/ The greatest golfer in the world.” This minimalistic approach sets the tone for a series that operates at a barely adequate level, failing to engage viewers.
While The Hawk does generate a few laughs, it establishes a new low for comedic potential in a series featuring such a talented cast. The humor often feels like a collection of placeholder ideas rather than a cohesive narrative.
Comparisons to Other Comedies
In contrast to Apple TV’s Stick, which successfully blends comedic elements with a more engaging storyline, The Hawk feels like a series of notecards lacking fleshed-out ideas. While there may be worse shows released this year, it is unlikely that any will be as forgettable as The Hawk.
The series also suffers from a lack of character development. Lonnie’s journey lacks the necessary stakes to resonate with viewers. His aspirations to return to the PGA Tour and reconnect with his family feel underdeveloped and unconvincing.
Product Placement and Satire
The Hawk features numerous product placements, including references to Buffalo Wild Wings and McDonald’s. While this could have been an opportunity for satire, the treatment of the PGA Tour and its players lacks the necessary bite. The humor surrounding the rival LIV Tour feels more like a nod to xenophobia than a genuine critique.
The characters themselves lack depth, with Lonnie being a blend of narcissism and childishness that fails to challenge the viewer. The comedic elements surrounding his character are often overshadowed by a lack of meaningful conflict or growth.
Conclusion
Despite the presence of talented actors, The Hawk ultimately fails to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging humor. The series feels disjointed and lacks the comedic focus that has characterized Ferrell’s previous works. As reported by Hollywood Reporter, the show may be flat and disposable, leaving viewers wanting more substance and laughter.
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Published on 2026-07-16 11:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk