Man Vs Baby

Man vs. Baby feels like a series you absolutely shouldn't overestimate. I started it without high expectations, and perhaps that's precisely the right mindset. Rowan Atkinson does what he does best again: falter, be silent, watch, and react just a little too late. It remains charming, even if you've already mastered the art.

The series relies heavily on relatable chaos. A baby, an overcrowded house, and a man completely unable to cope. The jokes are rarely surprising, but often kind. I found myself not laughing out loud, but still watching. That perhaps speaks volumes.

What Man vs. Baby is, above all, is safe. Safe for Christmas, safe for the whole family, safe for Netflix. It lacks a sharp edge, and at times it feels more like a long Christmas episode than a proper series. At the same time, there's something reassuring in that predictability.

For me, this is the kind of book you put on in the evening because you don't want to think about anything. Not memorable, not innovative, but also not annoying. Just a small, warm dose of Rowan Atkinson, and sometimes that's more than enough.

This is clearly not the best Rowan Atkinson we're used to, nor is it an original story. We've seen it before in other versions.