Will Ferrell’s ‘The Hawk’ on Netflix A Guide for Parents Concerned About Content

Netflix has just released Will Ferrell’s latest comedy series, and the platform’s rating system is already signaling to families that this might not be the best choice for a family movie night. ‘The Hawk’ follows washed-up golf pro Lonnie Hawkins as he pursues one last chance at fame, but the content has sparked discussions that go beyond the humor.

The series is rated TV-MA, and various outlets have reported that this rating was assigned with careful consideration. Parents browsing Netflix for family-friendly options are quickly realizing that this series is not suitable for younger audiences.

‘The Hawk’ carries a TV-MA rating due to its mature themes, frequent strong language, and crude sexual humor. It is designed for adult viewers, and those under 17 may find the content inappropriate. This serves as a clear warning from the streaming service.

While the series may be suitable for mature teens aged 16 to 17 with parental guidance, it is not recommended for younger viewers, according to a breakdown from a parents guide. Even this recommendation comes with significant caveats given the content packed into the ten episodes.

Interestingly, Netflix’s official page cites violence, substance use, language, and smoking as reasons for the TV-MA rating, while sex and nudity are notably absent from that list, as they do not play a significant role in the show. Thus, while the show earns its rating, it may not be for the reasons some viewers might expect.

Parents should pay particular attention to the dialogue in ‘The Hawk’. The series features frequent and extreme use of expletives, with characters often expressing themselves using coarse language. One outlet noted that the first episodes include a particularly harsh slur used multiple times, highlighting the unfiltered nature of the writing.

A review from WRAL added another layer of caution, mentioning the inclusion of a slur offensive to the LGBTQ community, along with dialogue that may be off-putting to some viewers. This level of detail is not typically found in a standard golf comedy trailer.

Profanity and crude insults are prevalent throughout nearly every episode, according to a parents guide resource covering the season. Coupled with the crude sexual humor, it is evident that the show is crafted for adult audiences rather than a mixed family crowd.

In addition to language, the series does not shy away from depicting substance use. Alcohol consumption is common, with multiple scenes showcasing partying and intoxication. This fits the narrative of former athletes grappling with midlife crises, but it is another point for parents to consider.

Although violence is cited as a reason for the TV-MA rating, it is not the main focus of the show. One outlet clarified that since this is not a crime thriller, there is minimal aggression, with light violence used primarily for comedic effect. The rating reflects the overall tone rather than intense action.

The emotional material is where the show delves deeper. ‘The Hawk’ explores themes of aging, addiction, career pressures, and toxic family dynamics, which underlie the comedic chaos. Critics have noted that this layered storytelling gives ‘The Hawk’ more depth than a typical slapstick comedy.

This emotional weight was intentional, as Ferrell and Molly Shannon revealed in an interview with Forbes prior to the July 16 premiere. They acknowledged that audiences may be surprised by the emotional depth beneath the humor, drawing from their own experiences as parents to portray two exes navigating the complexities of co-parenting.

The consensus from various sources is that ‘The Hawk’ is not suitable for family viewing. Intended for mature audiences due to its TV-MA rating for language, violence, and substances, this series may not be the right choice for family night, despite its humor.

For parents who permit older teens to watch, resources suggest previewing episodes first. This includes discussing the difference between satire and real-life behavior, especially regarding family conflict and addiction, and preparing teens for strong language, adult humor, and emotionally complex characters before hitting play.

The cast features recognizable names beyond Ferrell, including Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Chris Parnell, Luke Wilson, and Aida Osman, all revolving around a story about pursuing past glory on the golf course. While the premise may seem harmless, the execution reveals much sharper edges once the episodes begin.

With all ten episodes of ‘The Hawk’ now available for streaming, families face the decision of whether Ferrell’s brand of chaos is appropriate for teens. Given the mature content throughout the episodes, where do you think the line should be drawn for younger viewers eager to watch Lonnie’s comeback story?