Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd has an new show on HBO in the works

The new series, Half Man, from the creator and star of Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd, is currently in production. Co-produced by HBO and the BBC, this series spans nearly 40 years and details the complex relationship between two estranged brothers, Ruben and Niall.

The story opens with a confrontation at Niall's wedding, then takes the audience on a deep dive into their lives. Gadd will co-star with Jamie Bell, who is known for his roles in Rocketman and All of Us Strangers.

The anticipation for Half Man is high, especially after the success of Baby Reindeer, which earned great reviews and catapulted Gadd to a new level of prominence in the entertainment world.

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Half Man: Series overview

Half Man is a six-part drama series that is Richard Gadd's first attempt at scripted television after his work in stand-up comedy. The series was previously known as Lions before the title was changed.

It revolves around the relationship between Ruben and Niall, who find their complicated bond from their teenage years into adulthood. Reports have it that the storyline progresses through defining incidents in their lives, with it beginning when Ruben crashes and arrives at Niall's wedding and subsequently sets off a blazing row.

Such an event forms a watershed point in recapping their common history, through which viewers will trace how the nature of their relationship changes amidst society's shifts from the 1980s up to date. The series seeks to grasp not only the individual hardships that the characters endure but also some broader themes relating to masculinity and family relationships.

Gadd's work will also mirror his understanding of trauma and relationships, akin to what was presented in Baby Reindeer. Jamie Bell's addition injects more glamour as his skills on the silver screen blend with Gadd's idea of this show.

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Production details

Half Man filming began in early February 2025 in Scotland. Screen Scotland is financing this production which involves HBO and BBC Scotland. Gadd has taken the lead role as creator, writer, and executive producer with Wendy Griffin serving as a producer.

It will be helmed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck. There are six episodes in the series, running around 45 minutes each, guaranteeing that one will see quite a depth into the characters' lives. The excitement for Half Man is increased by Gadd's previous success with Baby Reindeer, which was well-received by critics and gained a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The success of the previous project has raised the stakes for his new one. The fact that HBO is willing to broadcast the series in the U.S. further increases its appeal to a wider audience.

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Themes and expectations

Thematically, Half Man deals with intricate issues of brotherhood and identity. It allows the reader to trace the transformation of relationships across several decades. The opening confrontation at Niall's wedding indicates that this is not a story that would avoid sensitive subjects like estrangement, reconciliation, and personal change.

Gadd has expressed enthusiasm about portraying Ruben and collaborating with Bell, whom he envisioned for the role from the outset. Both actors are expected to bring depth to their characters, making their journey relatable to viewers. Critics are eager to see how Gadd translates his comedic background into dramatic storytelling while maintaining authenticity in depicting male relationships.

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Half Man, the series by Richard Gadd, will be a real exploration of how familial bonds stand the test of time. Its production team and cast, featuring Gadd and Jamie Bell, are quite robust, so this HBO-BBC co-production should be quite an exciting one to watch.