Will Ferrell’s ‘The Hawk’ Recap and Ending Explained: Season 1 Finale Surprises

Will Ferrell has made his mark with his first true television series, and ‘The Hawk’ has sparked plenty of conversation following its Season 1 finale. This Netflix golf comedy centers on Lonnie ‘The Hawk’ Hawkins, who was once the top golfer in the world but is now striving to achieve a career Grand Slam that has eluded him for years.

The series combines Ferrell’s trademark chaos with a surprisingly heartfelt family drama, and the finale successfully delivers both elements. With a shocking revelation, a broken engagement, and a costly missed putt, there’s much to dissect regarding how ‘The Hawk’ concludes its inaugural season.

The Season 1 finale focuses on the U.S. Open, where Lonnie finally has a chance to complete the elusive Grand Slam. However, he faces off against his own son, Lance Hawkins, portrayed by Jimmy Tatro, as well as his long-time rival Golden Fisk, played by Luke Wilson.

Lonnie manages to recover on the 18th hole but ultimately loses by a single point to Lance, who triumphs by outsmarting his father rather than outplaying him. The finale ties together various threads that have developed throughout the season, particularly the intense father-son rivalry that has characterized much of ‘The Hawk’ since its premiere.

Lance had convinced his mother Stacy, played by Molly Shannon, and consequently Lonnie, that he was four million dollars in debt to loan sharks who would harm him if he didn’t win the tournament and the cash prize to settle the debt. This unexpected twist adds a dramatic flair to the golf comedy, leading to an emotional climax in the final round.

In the pivotal moment of the match, Lance gets under his father’s skin by using Lonnie’s childhood golf club for his final successful shot. Lonnie ends up shanking his putt and losing the match, immediately claiming that he missed on purpose.

At that moment, Lance reveals that he lied about the loan sharks all along, and instead of getting angry, Lonnie feels proud of his son for successfully outsmarting him. This unexpected resolution fits the show’s chaotic tone perfectly, even if it’s an unusual note for a season finale.

The finale leaves the possibility of a comeback open, as Lonnie seems genuinely uncertain whether he missed the putt intentionally or choked under pressure. This ambiguity is likely intentional, providing ‘The Hawk’ with ample opportunity for a second season if Netflix decides to continue the story.

Earlier in the finale, Radford, played by David Hornsby, proposes to Stacy while they relax by the pool, expressing that her happiness is what brings him peace. However, Stacy’s reaction is unexpected as she laughs instead of responding, prompting Radford to ask her to at least think about it.

By the end of the episode, Stacy tells Radford that she cannot marry him because she still loves Lonnie, effectively closing the door on that engagement almost as quickly as it opened. She ultimately chooses to support her estranged husband and son during their final playoff moment together, despite having previously sworn off golf in frustration earlier in the season.

This decision follows Stacy listening to a voice message from Lonnie in the car with Radford, where he expresses a desire for their family to be whole again. It’s a dramatic twist that adds emotional depth to ‘The Hawk,’ balancing the comedic elements with genuine stakes.

‘The Hawk’ was created by Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, and Chris Henchy, with Ferrell starring as Lonnie alongside Molly Shannon. The ensemble cast also features Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Luke Wilson, Chris Parnell, Katelyn Tarver, David Hornsby, Gabriel Hogan, and Aida Osman.

The project underwent a lengthy development process, initially announced under the title ‘Golf’ in 2024 before a cast overhaul led to its retitling as ‘The Hawk’ in March 2026. David Gordon Green, known for directing episodes of the HBO comedy ‘Eastbound and Down,’ directed the premiere and several episodes of ‘The Hawk.’

Critics have noted that the show carries some of the same irreverent tone that defined ‘Eastbound and Down,’ which is unsurprising given the overlapping creative team. One review described the first season as a loose and enjoyable outing, even while acknowledging that the show isn’t necessarily clamoring for a second season.

So did Lonnie really miss that putt on purpose, or did Lance’s mind games truly get the better of the Hawk when it mattered most? Share your thoughts on that final swing and whether you believe a Season 2 comeback is on the horizon.