‘Roosters’ (2025) Netflix Series Review - Navigating Modern Masculinity with Humor

Netflix’s Roosters is a refreshingly self-aware Dutch comedy that takes a playful jab at modern masculinity while giving its characters just enough depth to make their struggles feel real. It follows four longtime friends—Mike, Ivo, Daan, and Greg—who find themselves at a crossroads in life as the traditional roles they once held begin to crumble around them. Whether it's shifting gender dynamics, evolving relationships, or professional uncertainty, they’re forced to reevaluate what it truly means to be a man in today’s world.

At its core, Roosters is about four men who feel increasingly out of place in their own lives. Mike, once a confident provider, now struggles to accept that his wife earns more than him, throwing his sense of self into chaos. Ivo, a self-proclaimed ladies' man, finds his old-fashioned charm no longer works in the dating scene. Daan, deeply committed to his marriage, is blindsided when his wife suggests an open relationship, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew about love and fidelity. Greg, the most outwardly progressive of the group, grapples with internal contradictions as he tries to balance his ideals with his own insecurities.

What makes Roosters stand out is its ability to make these dilemmas both hilarious and painfully relatable. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it never reduces its characters to mere caricatures. There’s something endearing about watching four grown men fumble through conversations about feminism, therapy, and personal growth with the awkwardness of teenagers at their first school dance. Their blunders are often cringe-worthy, but they're never completely unsympathetic—these are men genuinely trying, even if they fail spectacularly along the way.

The performances bring this balance of humor and sincerity to life. Jeroen Spitzenberger, Waldemar Torenstra, André Dongelmans, and Benja Bruijning play off each other effortlessly, their chemistry making it easy to believe that these men have been friends for years. Their dynamic is filled with the kind of easy banter that only comes with time, but beneath the jokes and teasing, there’s a real sense of camaraderie. The supporting cast, particularly the women in their lives, bring their own perspectives into the mix, ensuring the show never turns into a one-sided pity party about how hard it is to be a man in the 21st century.

Visually, Roosters leans into its Dutch setting with natural ease. The cinematography captures a stylish yet grounded version of urban life, filled with cozy cafes, sleek office spaces, and intimate home settings that make the characters' personal struggles feel all the more tangible. The soundtrack, featuring contemporary Dutch music, subtly reinforces the show’s tone—lighthearted yet introspective.

One of the series’ greatest strengths is how well it balances humor with social commentary. It’s self-aware enough to poke fun at its characters without making them into villains or martyrs. Mike’s bruised ego, Ivo’s outdated playboy tactics, Daan’s romantic idealism, and Greg’s performative wokeness are all fair game, yet the show never veers into outright mockery. Instead, it presents these men as works in progress, stumbling through personal growth in ways that are both hilarious and occasionally touching.

That being said, Roosters isn’t without its flaws. Some storylines feel a little too predictable, especially for those familiar with its Spanish predecessor, Alpha Males. While the Dutch setting adds its own cultural nuances, certain arcs unfold almost identically, making it feel like a well-executed cover song rather than an entirely original composition. At times, the humor leans on familiar tropes—awkward therapy sessions, disastrous attempts at modern dating, and the inevitable "man-bonding" moments that come off a little too scripted.

Additionally, while the show does a solid job of exploring masculinity in transition, some of its deeper themes don’t always get the space they deserve. Certain emotional beats are wrapped up a little too neatly, and a few conflicts resolve themselves before they have a chance to develop fully. It’s entertaining, but it occasionally feels like it’s skimming the surface rather than diving into the complexities it teases.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Roosters is an easy, enjoyable watch. Its six-episode format makes it a breezy weekend binge, with just enough substance to keep it from being forgettable. It’s a show that understands its audience well—those who can laugh at outdated male archetypes while still feeling a pang of recognition in the characters' struggles.

In the end, Roosters isn’t trying to be a groundbreaking social commentary. It’s a smart, funny, and self-aware exploration of men navigating a world that no longer plays by the rules they grew up with. While it doesn’t always hit the deepest emotional notes, it delivers plenty of laughs and just enough insight to make it worth the watch. Whether you're tuning in for the humor, the performances, or just to see four grown men desperately try to stay relevant, Roosters is a series that delivers exactly what it promises—a fun, thoughtful take on modern masculinity.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times