# Netflix's 'The Hawk' Debuts: Will Ferrell Leads Obnoxious Golf Comeback Comedy

**By Amelie Fontaine**  \nPublished July 16, 2026  \nUpdated July 17, 2026

> Will Ferrell returns to his signature absurd comedy in 'The Hawk,' a 10-episode Netflix series about a former golf legend's desperate quest to complete his Grand Slam.

Netflix has released **The Hawk**, a new 10-episode comedy series starring Will Ferrell as Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a washed-up former golf star attempting a chaotic comeback. Released on July 16, 2026, the series follows the former 2004 world number one as he struggles with his aging body while pursuing one final major championship to complete his Grand Slam.

## The comeback begins with an impossible personality

The series centers on Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a three-time major champion whose peak dominance occurred two decades ago. Despite his declining physical capabilities, Hawkins refuses to retire from the professional circuit. His primary motivation is to secure the one remaining major tournament required to achieve the prestigious Grand Slam.

This pursuit is complicated by intense family rivalries and personal chaos. Hawkins must navigate relationships with his foul-mouthed ex-wife, Stacy, and his own son, Lance, who has emerged as a rising star and "golf's new golden boy." The 10-episode production, described as a "vulgar screwball romp," uses Ferrell's signature brand of absurd humor to depict a man fueled by ego and a desperate need for redemption.

## The joke only works if the golf feels real

*The Hawk* represents a departure from traditional golf-centric media. While Netflix has explored the sport through insightful docuseries like *Full Swing* or nostalgic sequels like *Happy Gilmore 2*, this series opts for a satirical and much more aggressive tone. Unlike the typical "hero's journey" or romantic comedy tropes often found in golf films, *The Hawk* presents an intentionally obnoxious protagonist.

Critics have compared the character of Lonnie Hawkins to Kenny Powers from the series *Eastbound & Down*, noting that the show attempts to capture a "John Daly-esque Everyman" energy. However, the series is noted for its refusal to make the hero traditionally charming, instead leaning into the character's selfishness and out-of-control behavior to drive the comedy.

## The premise is built on discomfort

### A Collaborative Creative Team

The series was written by Will Ferrell in collaboration with close associates, including Harper Steele—a former *Saturday Night Live* head writer and partner on the documentary *Will & Harper*—and Chris Henchy. The production features a high-profile executive team, including:

- **David Gordon Green:** Director of the first two episodes and a frequent collaborator on irreverent comedy.
- **Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, and Nena Rodrigue:** Executive producers via T-Street.
- **Gloria Sanchez Productions:** Executive producers including Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum.Notably, the **PGA Tour** participated in the project, providing access to professional golf codes to ensure a level of realism amidst the show's otherwise loopy and burlesque atmosphere.

### Why the comeback needs friction

The series relies heavily on a cast of familiar comedic faces to build its web of tension:

- **Molly Shannon:** Plays Lonnie's estranged, foul-mouthed ex-wife, Stacy.
- **Jimmy Tatro:** Portrays Lance, Lonnie's son and a rising professional golfer.
- **Luke Wilson:** Plays Golden Fisk, a slick veteran rival characterized by a "sleazy southern drawl" and a wardrobe of vintage cardigans featuring Mike's Hard Lemonade sponsor patches.
- **Fortune Feimster:** Plays Samantha, a "messy kindred spirit" who serves as Lonnie's new caddie.
- **Katelyn Tarver:** Plays Natalie, a wellness influencer and Lance's fiancée who is caught in the family's manipulative dynamics.
- **Chris Parnell:** Appears as Anton, a member of the PGA Tour board.
- **David Hornsby:** Plays Radford, Stacy's companion.During production, the filming schedule required adjustments in November after Ferrell suffered a minor injury off-set, though the injury was not considered serious.

## The real test begins after the teaser

The complete 10-episode season of **The Hawk** is available for streaming exclusively on **Netflix**. Viewers looking for a blend of professional golf settings and high-chaos absurdity can find the series as part of Netflix's summer comedy lineup.

## Sources

- [puremedias](https://www.ozap.com/actu/netflix-degaine-aujourdhui-sa-serie-la-plus-dejantee-de-lannee-avec-will-ferrell/656052) — original
- [www.golfpass.com](https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/articles/the-hawk-review-netflix-will-ferrell-golf-comedy) — original
- [fr.news.yahoo.com](https://fr.news.yahoo.com/netflix-d%C3%A9gaine-aujourdhui-s%C3%A9rie-d%C3%A9jant%C3%A9e-103000615.html) — original
- [Lilian B](https://journaldesseniors.20minutes.fr/loisirs/the-hawk-cette-serie-netflix-avec-will-ferrell-pourrait-etre-la-belle-surprise-de-lete/) — original
- [Denise Petski](https://deadline.com/2026/06/will-ferrell-netflix-golf-the-hawk-release-date-teaser-trailer-1236749345/) — original