Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The beginning of 2026 was marked by the arrival of a new comedy series on the Netflix streaming platform, titled "Free Bert."
The series officially launched on January 22, 2026, featuring comedian Bert Kreischer as the main star and co-creator.
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"Free Bert" offers a unique premise, with Kreischer playing an exaggerated version of himself, similar to Larry David's portrayal in "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
The series focuses on Kreischer and his family's attempts to adapt to the luxurious lifestyle of the Beverly Hills community after their children are enrolled in an elite private school.
The series draws heavily from Kreischer's personal life as a father and husband, presenting both challenges and relatable humor.
"Free Bert": A Laugh-In, Realistic Comedy on Netflix
The six-episode series "Free Bert" depicts Bert Kreischer's struggle to balance his identity as a shirtless "party king" comedian with the demands of being a "perfect" father in the formal Beverly Hills neighborhood.
One of Kreischer's trademarks, his frequent shirtlessness, is the central focus explored in the series, creating humorous conflict as he struggles to fit in.
Kreischer and his family face pressure to "dress up" and suppress their wild instincts in order to fit in with a socially demanding society.
The series also features a variety of well-known guest stars, including T-Pain and Rob Lowe, as well as supporting actors like Chris Witaske of "The Bear" and Matthew Del Negro of "Mayor of Kingstown." Arden Myrin plays LeeAnn, Kreischer's wife.
With a relatively short runtime, "Free Bert" is an appealing choice for viewers looking for a lighthearted yet laugh-out-loud show.
Initial Critic Response to "Free Bert"
Since its release on January 22, 2026, "Free Bert" has attracted a large following of fans, who claim to have binged the entire series in a short time.
One fan described "Free Bert" as "pure chaotic fun in the best way," praising the sharp writing, quick-fire humor, and likable characters.
Another fan added that Kreischer's Bert is incredibly entertaining, and the supporting cast is well-matched, making each episode feel like it builds momentum without dragging.
They praised the series as smart, unique, and genuinely funny.However, critical reviews for "Free Bert" have been mixed.
The Hollywood Reporter opined that while the series manages to tell a neat story in six episodes, "it's not particularly funny."
However, they praised the series' teen stars as the show's funniest element, who "steal the show."
On the other hand, CBS's Gayle King gave a positive review after watching the entire series, despite initially feeling uncomfortable with the depiction of children and their blunt language.
At the time of writing, "Free Bert" does not yet have an official score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, but it already get 70% score from audience.
Other Popular Netflix Series in January 2026
In addition to "Free Bert," January 2026 also featured a variety of other Netflix series that successfully captured the attention of global audiences. From mystery thrillers to period dramas, the platform continues to offer a diverse range of content.
- His & Hers: This six-episode psychological thriller series has been trending at number one worldwide on Netflix for two consecutive weeks since its premiere on January 8, 2026. Starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, this suspenseful murder mystery series has dominated the global charts throughout January 2026.
- Agatha Christie's Seven Dials: Chris Chibnall's new adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Seven Dials Mystery" is a three-part murder mystery miniseries. Despite mixed reviews, the series has remained the number two show on the platform since its release on January 15, 2026.
- Bridgerton: Season 4 Part 1: The fourth season of this Regency-era drama is scheduled for release on January 29, 2026. This season will follow Benedict Bridgerton as he meets the mysterious "Lady in Silver" at the season's masquerade ball.
Netflix also has a number of other noteworthy series coming in January 2026, including "Falling Skies" (Seasons 1-5), available starting January 1, "Found" (Seasons 1-2) starting January 2, and "The Following" (Seasons 1-3), returning to Netflix starting January 3.
Rotten Tomatoes' recommendations for this month include "Land of Sin" and "Run Away."
Meanwhile, TV Guide highlights "His & Hers" as a surprising murder mystery and "Death by Lightning" as a well-acted historical drama, as well as "Stranger Things," all seasons of which are still a highlight.