If you’ve been waiting for Will Ferrell to return to the specific brand of delusional, high-stakes sports comedy that defined the 2000s, your wait is officially over. Netflix just dropped the teaser trailer for The Hawk, a new 10-episode sports comedy series that looks like the spiritual successor to Talladega Nights—just with more polo shirts and fewer pit stops. The Hawk Netflix debut marks Ferrell’s first foray into a scripted TV comedy series, and honestly, the timing couldn't be better.
When does The Hawk come out on Netflix?
The Hawk Netflix, starring Will Ferrell, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 16. The 10-episode golf comedy series follows the story of Lonnie Hawkins, a former top golfer attempting a career comeback. All episodes are expected to drop at once, making it the definitive binge-watch for mid-summer.
The Plot: Lonnie 'The Hawk' Hawkins and the Quest for the Grand Slam
Ferrell stars as Lonnie Hawkins, a man who was the king of the green back in 2004 but has spent the last two decades in a bit of a slump. While his body is screaming for him to retire, Lonnie is convinced he’s one stroke away from the greatest comeback in history. The stakes? He’s one major win away from completing the Grand Slam of golf.
For the non-golfers in the group chat, a Grand Slam in professional golf is the equivalent of winning an EGOT in one year. It requires winning all four major championships: The Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. In the show, Lonnie is chasing that final trophy to cement his legacy, but he has to get through his own son, Lance Hawkins (played by Jimmy Tatro), who has become the new "Golden Boy" of the PGA Tour.
The Lonnie Hawkins Will Ferrell persona seems to lean heavily into the "raunchy" humor Ferrell is known for. The trailer features Lonnie writhing in a sand bunker and peddling something called "Lonnie Juice"—a clear nod to the bizarre branding and ego-driven side of professional athletics.
The Hawk Cast: A 30-Year Saturday Night Live Reunion
The biggest draw here isn't just the golf; it’s the reunion of Saturday Night Live alums. Molly Shannon joins the cast as Lonnie’s ex-wife, marking a massive milestone for fans of the duo. Ferrell and Shannon first clicked in 1995 and have a creative partnership spanning 30 years, including A Night at the Roxbury and Superstar.
The supporting cast is equally stacked with comedy heavyweights:
- Luke Wilson: Plays a rival pro golfer who has famously beaten Lonnie twice before.
- Jimmy Tatro: Lonnie’s son and current golf phenom.
- Fortune Feimster: Bringing her signature energy to the 10-episode series.
- Chris Parnell: Another SNL legend adding to the show’s pedigree.
- Katelyn Tarver & David Hornsby: Rounding out a cast that feels like a "who’s who" of modern improv and sitcom royalty.
Lonnie Hawkins vs. the Ferrell Sports Multiverse
We’ve seen Ferrell tackle NASCAR (Ricky Bobby), figure skating (Chazz Michael Michaels), and semi-pro basketball (Jackie Moon). So, where does Lonnie Hawkins fit in? Unlike the explosive confidence of Ricky Bobby, Lonnie seems to be a "washed" version of that archetype. He has the Mugatu-esque hair and the Anchorman-level ego, but he's fighting against relevance in a sport that has moved on without him.
Critics are already comparing the tone to Happy Gilmore, but with a more serialized, character-driven edge. This isn't just a 90-minute movie; it’s a 10-episode series, giving Ferrell the space to actually explore the "back nine" of a career. While we don't have exact episode runtimes yet, Netflix typically clocks these comedies at 30 minutes per episode—perfect for a weekend marathon.
Behind the Scenes: Why Rian Johnson is Involved
One of the most interesting "receipts" on this production is the involvement of Rian Johnson (Knives Out, Poker Face). Johnson and his company, T-Street, are executive producing alongside Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez Productions. This suggests The Hawk might have a more sophisticated visual language and tighter plotting than your average slapstick comedy.
The show is run by Andrew Guest, who has a track record of balancing heart and absurdity. The production reportedly wrapped filming earlier this year, ensuring that the July 16 The Hawk release date is locked in. While Netflix hasn't officially confirmed an age rating, the "raunchy" teaser suggests a TV-MA rating is likely, keeping in line with Ferrell’s recent R-rated comedy streak.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: The Hawk premieres on Netflix on July 16.
- The Format: It is a 10-episode sports comedy series, not a movie.
- The Hook: Will Ferrell plays Lonnie Hawkins, a washed golfer chasing a Grand Slam.
- The Cast: Features an SNL reunion with Molly Shannon and Chris Parnell, plus Luke Wilson and Jimmy Tatro.
- The Vibe: Expect "Lonnie Juice," bunker meltdowns, and a "return to form" for Ferrell’s sports personas.
Final Thoughts: Will it be a Hole-in-One?
Netflix has had mixed success with sports comedies lately, but The Hawk Netflix feels different. By pairing Ferrell with his most trusted collaborators and adding the prestige of Rian Johnson’s production team, the show is positioned as a major summer tentpole. Whether you're a PGA Tour enthusiast or just here for the Step Brothers energy, Lonnie Hawkins is clearly aiming for the green. Real talk? If the Will Ferrell golf show delivers even half the quotes that Talladega Nights did, we’ll be hearing about "Lonnie Juice" for the next decade.
