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Netflix's latest comedy series, The Hawk, sees Will Ferrell returning to his signature brand of humor in the high-stakes, eccentric world of professional golf. Premiering now, the show follows a washed-up legend's chaotic quest for redemption, supported by a stellar ensemble cast. (May 24, 2024)
Will Ferrell is back in the driver's seat—or rather, on the fairway—with his first leading role in a streaming comedy series. The Hawk, now available on Netflix, places Ferrell's comedic genius against the meticulously manicured and often absurd backdrop of professional golf. The series explores the personal and professional turmoil of a fallen sports icon, promising a blend of heartfelt moments and Ferrell's trademark absurdity that fans have missed since his film heyday.
The show centers on Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a golf legend whose career was defined by a catastrophic choke over two decades ago. Now, with the elusive final major needed to complete the coveted Grand Slam within theoretical reach, Lonnie is a man fueled by delusion and desperation. He refuses to accept that his best days are behind him, viewing himself as perpetually "one stroke away" from the greatest comeback in sports history. This unwavering, if misguided, self-belief sets the stage for both cringe-worthy and hilarious confrontations with reality, the golf establishment, and his own family.
Ferrell was drawn to the project by the inherent comedy and pathos in the professional golf circuit. In an exclusive insight into the show's creation, he noted the unique misery of the sport, where even the best players lose most weeks. "There's a fascinating tension there," Ferrell explained in a recent set interview. "We're using that pressure-cooker environment to examine everything—ego, family dynamics, rivalry, and what happens when your entire identity is tied to a game that's constantly humbling you. It's perfect ground for a big, character-driven comedy."
The series is elevated by its deep bench of comedic talent, headlined by Ferrell's reunion with former Saturday Night Live co-star Molly Shannon. Shannon plays Stacy, Lonnie's estranged wife, who is actively building a life and a business—a spiked iced tea brand called Teed Off—far removed from the fairways. Their relationship is a complex web of lingering affection, resentment, and unfinished business. Shannon describes the dynamic as a push-and-pull between her character's hard-won independence and a reluctant recognition of Lonnie's singular, if flawed, spirit.
Adding a layer of intense family rivalry is Lonnie's own son, Lance, played by Jimmy Tatro. Lance is a successful, hyper-focused golf pro who represents the new guard—and one of the biggest obstacles to his father's fantasy comeback. The casting of Tatro, known for his comedic timing, creates a compelling father-son dynamic where each could learn from the other's approach to the game and life, if their competitive walls ever came down.
The supporting cast forms a colorful roster of allies and antagonists. Fortune Feimster brings heart as Sam, Lonnie's enthusiastically unqualified new caddy whose loyalty outweighs her knowledge of the sport. Luke Wilson embodies the classic rival as Golden Fisk, the polished player who originally defeated Lonnie. Meanwhile, Chris Parnell delivers bureaucratic antagonism as Anton, a PGA Tour official deeply unamused by Lonnie's theatrics. The ensemble is rounded out by David Hornsby as Stacy's new, mild-mannered boyfriend, and Katelyn Tarver as Lance's supportive fiancée, creating a full ecosystem of characters reacting to Lonnie's disruptive energy.
The Hawk also benefits from behind-the-scenes expertise that lends authenticity to its golf world satire. The production consulted with several former PGA Tour professionals and technical advisors to accurately portray the sport's culture and mechanics, even while exaggerating them for comedic effect. This attention to detail ensures the humor resonates with both golf enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, grounding the absurdity in a recognizable reality.
Ultimately, The Hawk is more than a sports spoof. It's a character study about legacy, failure, and the absurd lengths to which one man will go to reclaim a faded dream. With Ferrell at the helm of a top-tier comedic cast, the series aims to deliver a binge-worthy mix of heartfelt emotion and laugh-out-loud moments, all set against the sun-drenched, pressure-filled greens of the professional golf tour. Its success will hinge on whether audiences root for Lonnie Hawkins to find his swing or finally be forced to face the music.
