The Hollywood Reporter

Richard Gadd on the Inspiration for 'Half Man,' 'Baby Reindeer' Success, What Makes Him Laugh & More

Richard Gadd sits down to discuss the creative spark behind his new series Half Man and reflect on the unexpected cultural impact of his earlier work, Baby Reindeer. He describes Half Man as a fictional study of two "broken men" wrestling with masculinity, a theme that mirrors his own personal crisis and informs the show’s tone. Gadd explains that the project has consumed him for two years, with endless edits and constant revisions until the recent trailer finally made the work feel tangible. He credits Baby Reindeer’s success to its willingness to defy television conventions, delivering a raw emotional roller‑coaster that audiences hadn’t seen in recent years. He name‑checks Succession as the last series that left him "jaw to the floor," using it as a benchmark for what television can achieve artistically. Gadd also reveals his comedic palate: deliberately awkward, almost unfunny jokes that tap into a child‑like immaturity, a style he first explored in his stand‑up and carried into Baby Reindeer. The conversation underscores a broader shift toward darker, more introspective comedy on mainstream platforms, suggesting that Gadd’s blend of personal vulnerability and experimental humor could influence future creators seeking to push narrative boundaries.