Richard Gadd’s 2024 series Baby Reindeer was an unexpected hit. It received critical acclaim, won six Emmy awards, and was the talk of the internet for weeks on end. His follow-up, Half Man, is just as intriguing.
A BBC/HBO production, the psychological drama chronicles the complicated relationship between two men who grew up as brothers. While it’s an uncomfortable watch, it’s also the kind of show that stays with you. So much so that fans are wondering whether a sequel might be on the way.
Half Man Season 2 Release Date
At the time of writing, there are no plans for Half Man season 2. Creator and star Richard Gadd confirmed as much while talking to Radio Times.
“It just suddenly occurred to me, while I was writing it, that it should exist as its own piece of work and not something that can kind of extend and extend,” Gadd said.
While he confessed he thought about expanding the series, it seems like one season is all we’re going to get.
Half Man Cast
- Richard Gadd as Ruben Pallister
- Stuart Campbell as young Ruben
- Jamie Bell as Niall Kennedy
- Mitchell Robertson as young Niall
- Marianne McIvor as Maura Pallister
- Neve McIntosh as Lori Kennedy
- Charlie De Melo as Alby Safadi
- Bilal Hasna as young Alby
- Tim Downie as Daniel
- Anjli Mohindra as Ava
What Is Half Man About?
Half Man centres on Ruben and Niall, who grow up as brothers despite not being biologically related. It’s set across roughly 30 years, from 1980s Glasgow to present day.
The series begins with adult Niall preparing for his wedding when Ruben makes an appearance. His arrival creates tension, and a violent incident sends the narrative spiraling backward through their shared history.
As the show moves between timelines, it reveals how their bond formed and why it became destructive. Viewers also learn how deeply the two men shaped each other’s identities.
The series explores masculinity, trauma, repression, violence, loyalty, and emotional dependency, which makes it equal parts intense and compelling. Add excellent performances into the mix, and this is the kind of media that stays with you.
Half Man season 2 might not happen, but we’re only halfway through the show, so there’s still a big chunk of story to look forward to. In the UK, you can stream episodes weekly on BBC iPlayer. The finale will drop in late May.
Are There Other Shows Like Half Man?
If you like Half Man, check out Gadd’s other series, Baby Reindeer, available on Netflix. Global hit Adolescence might be up your alley as well.
Other shows with similar vibes include True Detective, Sons of Anarchy, Snowfall, The Bear, Peaky Blinders, and This Is England ‘86.
