Rowan Atkinson is back—and this time, he’s taking on something a little less stingy but a lot more chaotic. Netflix has lifted the curtain on the first festive images from Man vs Baby, the much-anticipated follow-up to Atkinson’s 2022 hit Man vs Bee. The new series promises the same signature physical comedy, but with a surprising twist that might just spark a holiday debate about what really defines peace and chaos during Christmas.
Set to premiere on December 11, the four-part comedy from HouseSitter Productions will once again feature the beloved British entertainer as Trevor Bingley—a man whose knack for attracting trouble remains hilariously unmatched. In Man vs Bee, Trevor’s life spiraled into slapstick mayhem after a tiny, persistent insect turned a simple housesitting gig into a full-blown disaster. This time, he’s traded high-tech doors and luxury security systems for the seemingly calmer halls of a school, working as a caretaker. But just when life seems to have settled... fate adds a new challenge wrapped in swaddling cloth.
According to Netflix’s synopsis, “After a disastrous mansion job, Trevor Bingley swaps housesitting for caretaking at a local school—convinced he’s finally found peace. That is, until the Christmas season brings him an irresistible offer: to watch over a posh London penthouse during the holidays.” But here’s where it gets unexpected: on the very last day of term, the school nativity goes slightly off-script when no one shows up to collect the Baby Jesus prop. The result? Trevor ends up caring for a real baby instead—right in the middle of his new high-end holiday gig. Suddenly, it’s not just marble countertops and priceless ornaments he must guard, but also a tiny human who refuses to stick to any schedule.
New promotional stills from Man vs Baby capture Atkinson at his comedic best. In one shot, he’s balancing two bottles to feed two babies at once; in another, he’s attempting to host a Christmas dinner that looks one mishap away from total collapse. And then there’s the image of Trevor standing dwarfed beside a gigantic Christmas tree—an all-too-familiar sight for fans of his earlier misadventures. The visual cues alone hint that viewers can expect a blend of heartfelt holiday spirit and uncontrollable chaos, topped with Atkinson’s unmistakable physical timing.
The show is the brainchild of Will Davies and Rowan Atkinson, who co-created and wrote the series. Both return as executive producers alongside Chris Clark, while David Kerr—who previously directed Man vs Bee—is back to steer this festive follow-up. Kate Fasulo serves as the series producer, ensuring the same sharp balance of humor, warmth, and visual spectacle that made the first installment an international favorite.
But here’s the twist that could divide fans: will Man vs Baby successfully capture the subtle charm of its predecessor, or will swapping a buzzing insect for a crying baby take the comedy in a riskier direction? Atkinson’s fans have long debated whether slapstick humor still resonates in today’s streaming age—and this series might deliver the answer.
So, what do you think? Does Man vs Baby sound like a heartwarming evolution of Atkinson’s classic comedy style, or do you prefer him battling bees to burping babies? Let us know your take in the comments below!
