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Will Ferrell news
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The gist
Will Ferrell's Netflix series The Hawk premiered Jul 16, pulling 4.8 million views for episode one.
The show's mixed reviews and Oregon wine shout-out fuel its cultural buzz.
Background
Will Ferrell stars in the new Netflix comedy series The Hawk as fictional golf legend Lonnie 'The Hawk' Hawkins. The show premiered on July 16 and has drawn attention for its portrayal of a crude golfer, as well as for namechecking Oregon's Willamette Valley wine region. Reviews are sharply divided, with some calling it the worst show of 2026 and others praising it as more of the same good stuff.
How it unfolded
- Jul 16, 2026The Hawk premiered on Netflix, with the first episode pulling in 4.8 million views.
- Aug 12, 2026Local viewers in Yuba City were surprised to find Ferrell's character hails from their town, as reported by the Appeal-Democrat.
- Aug 13, 2026Ferrell and his wife Viveca Paulin celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary, with photos shared in the media.
- Aug 14, 2026The Drinks Business reported that the show namechecks Willamette Valley, catching the attention of the region's wineries association. Reviews from the Washington Examiner and Chicago Star Media were published, showing a split in critical opinion.
Who’s saying what
- Critics
- The Washington Examiner called The Hawk 'easily the worst show of 2026 and one of the stupidest I've seen in years.'
- Support
- Chicago Star Media praised the series as 'more of the same—and that's a good thing!'
- Public
- Local viewers in Yuba City were pleasantly surprised to see their town referenced as the character's hometown.