Netflix’s The Hawk opens with a mix of comedy, sports, and family drama, delivering a strong introduction that feels just as interested in its characters as it does in the game of golf. Headlined by Will Ferrell, the series features a talented supporting cast that includes Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Luke Wilson, and Chris Parnell, with each bringing their own personality to the story.
Will Ferrell plays Lonnie Hawk, a golfer whose best days seem to be behind him. Instead of enjoying retirement or living off his past success, he is still chasing another opportunity to make it back to the top. His life is far from glamorous, and it’s clear from the beginning that years of poor decisions have caught up with him. What makes Lonnie interesting is that the show does not try to hide his flaws. He’s stubborn, selfish much of the time, steals, cares more about golf than almost anything else, and often pushes away the people who care about him most. While that can make him frustrating to watch, it also makes his journey feel more genuine because he has real obstacles, many of which he created himself.
The emotional heart of the series comes from Lonnie’s relationships. Without giving away the biggest moments, the first two episodes spend a lot of time exploring how his choices have affected the people around him. These scenes add weight to the comedy and keep the show from becoming just another sports sitcom. There are funny moments throughout, but they are balanced by quieter conversations that help you understand why Lonnie is still fighting for another chance.
One of the biggest surprises is how easy the show is to follow, even if you don’t know much about professional golf. The tournaments create tension, but you never need to understand every rule or ranking system to stay invested. The focus remains on the people competing rather than the technical side of the sport, making it accessible for casual viewers.
The supporting cast also makes a strong first impression. Jimmy Tatro has good chemistry with Ferrell, and their scenes together help bring out a softer side of Lonnie. Molly Shannon adds warmth and emotion whenever she is on screen, while Fortune Feimster provides several of the show’s funniest moments.
The series also hints that there is more going on than just a comeback story. A few side plots begin to unfold during these opening episodes, adding some mystery and giving the season multiple storylines to explore. Rather than feeling distracting, they help make the world feel bigger and keep the pace moving.
Overall, The Hawk is an enjoyable start to what could become one of Netflix’s better comedy-drama series. It delivers laughs without relying entirely on jokes, introduces characters who feel flawed and believable, and tells a comeback story that feels earned instead of predictable. Whether you’re a golf fan or not, the first two episodes offer enough humour, emotion, and intrigue to make the series worth checking out.
The Hawk begins streaming on Netflix on Thursday, July 16th, 2026.
