The Nature of the Brotherly Relationships in Richard Gadd’s New Series HALF MAN, Explained
If you’ve seen the trailer for Richard Gadd’s new Half Man series, you might be wondering: are they in a relationship? Or are they brothers? That is the question, and the answer is not simple.
Half Man Show Synopsis
In very brief summary, one day after high school, Niall (Jamie Bell and Mitchell Robertson) learns that Reuben (Jamie Bell and Stuart Campbell) is moving in with him and his mother (Neve McIntosh). Niall is already uncomfortable that Reuben’s mother, Maura (Marianne McIvor), lives with them because it’s the stated reason he gets bullied at school. He’s even more upset about Reuben because, well, he’s “a psycho.” Niall is scared of Reuben: he bit someone’s nose off, and he’s just getting released from the Scottish equivalent of a juvenile detention center. What Niall doesn’t anticipate is that Reuben will protect him as his “brother from another lover…” but it’s not so simple as even that.
In the opening scenes, Reuben shows up at Niall’s wedding uninvited and looking worse for wear, so when we learn that they were inseparable as teenagers (just a few minutes later in the show!), it’s clear that there’s a lot of history between them. Which is the subject of the 6-episode series.
Photograph by Courtesy of HBO
The People of Half Man
As in Richard Gadd’s first story, the characters drive the narrative.
Complex Characters = Complex Relationships in Half Man Show, Explained
The characters and their dynamics are very complex, like, as complex as you can get without being an actual person. The plot spans over twenty years, and it’s beautiful to see how dynamic some of the characters are… and how static are others. Of course, the main characters are fascinating and full of rich backstory that unrolls at an impeccable pace, but I found myself enthralled with supporting roles just as much.
What makes Lori, Niall’s mother, approach conflict like that? Why is she so sarcastic to her son? How can she expect him not to react when she never really tells him Reuben is moving into his room? At fifteen, I would have lost my fucking mind at that kind of revelation! Your whole world is changing!
But it does make sense: with that lack of transparency between single mother and son, it tracks that Niall struggles to express what he thinks and feels, especially as a teenager when everything is hard enough without that kind of bombshell.
Even over the course of decades, the viewer never loses sight of who did what to whom… though the “why” can be different depending on the perspective.
Committed Actors = Compelling Characters
I love a narrative that uses stunning actors over the course of time, especially when the characters’ continuity is prioritized. (Sort of like in Yellowjackets. Or The Crown.) Young Reuben’s intensity (my kingdom for Stuart Campbell-level acting in everything I watch) mellows and resurfaces with such subtlety—and alternately, triggered explosions—that I literally can’t comprehend the type of emotional whiplash those gymnastic reactions required. It’s incredible. And the chemistry on screen—not just in a romantic way—feels like real, fraught relationships.
Photograph by Courtesy of HBO
The Setting of Half Man Series
The Time Period: Late ‘80s-‘90s
If you ever wondered about the Scottish atmosphere in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, here you go. Everything from the band posters on the walls to the haircuts to the current events are represented in time-capsule fashion.
The Location: In and Around Glasgow, Scotland
And speaking of Scotland, this series is set in Glasgow. Most of the content set in Scotland we get over here in the States is set in the Highlands (no shade to Outlander, which I also love, but for very different reasons) or in the long-time past (auld lang syne, if you will) or Scottish characters in other places. Not always, but usually. This is a different, contemporary setting. And it’s among teenagers, so it’s a whole different generational slang that I had to google and then be super-embarrassed by. It’s awesome.
Photograph by Courtesy of HBO
The Vibe of Richard Gadd’s New Series
Are the Half Man Characters in a Relationship?
I don’t want to compare this show to Heated Rivalry because, honestly, it’s pretty significantly different, but, there are some shared topics. For one, Half Man truly explores the fraught nature of men’s relationships and how sexuality and public perception factor in. The series Half Man also, in my opinion, not heavy-handed when it very well could be. This nuance is a testament to hiring committed and capable actors to portray compelling characters who are then on a very believable plot / journey. I say the plot is believable because, you know how in life things happen and it’s not really clear how they’re all connected until you gather enough time and space to reflect on it and see the causality of events? That.
How Does Half Man Stack Up to Richard Gadd’s First Show, Baby Reindeer?
Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd’s first drama / thriller series, on Netflix, was somewhat autobiographical. He’s said that it’s pretty close to his actual story, and to write a memoir, especially for the screen… you have to have time to draw the plot together. That one landed the plane beautifully, and I expect this one to do the same.
Look, if you were into Baby Reindeer, (and oh my God, who wasn’t?) you need to watch this show. It’s not exactly the same subject matter, but if you enjoyed that one, you’ll probably love this one (even more?).
Episodes of Richard Gadd’s New Series, Half Man release dates: the premiere of Half Man releases on HBO Max on April 23, 2026. New episodes of the six-week series will debut weekly on Thursdays at 9PM ET.
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