The series "Man vs Baby" soared to the top of the Netflix charts in less than 24 hours, pushing "Stranger Things" to an unusually second position. The rapid rise of this British miniseries, released worldwide on December 11, was ensured by a name we thought would be with us forever: Rowan Atkinson. Yes, Mr. Bean, and no, it's definitely not a coincidence.
The series is a direct continuation of "Man vs Bee," another Netflix hit from 2022. It tells the story of Trevor Bingley, an ordinary, somewhat bewildered man who, after a traumatic event involving a bee, works as a school janitor.
In the new series, the hero agrees to a simple job of watching over an empty penthouse in London in the lead-up to Christmas. Sounds easy, right? Until a baby ends up under his care after a Christmas performance. Diapers, bottles, and smart alarms...
Behind this well-oiled, farcical machine is a proven creative duo: Rowan Atkinson and William Davies, who worked on the film "Johnny English." Director David Kerr creates a carefully crafted chamber drama where every high-tech gadget becomes a potential threat. The action turns into a domestic battlefield, with the baby as the main obstacle.
The series meets all modern requirements. Short episodes, four of which last about thirty minutes, universal visual humor, minimal dialogue, and a naive hero facing a highly developed world. At 70 years old, Rowan Atkinson has rediscovered the art of silence, prolonged looks, and overly dramatic gestures.
The result: first place in over 75 countries, from France to Canada, including Germany and South Africa. A Christmas series without snow and Santa Claus, but above all, with a subtle sense of humor and timing.
