Netflix Comedy Free Bert Turns Beverly Hills Upside Down

Netflix has a knack for producing shows that spark conversation, but few recent comedies have landed with as much gleeful chaos as Free Bert. Premiering globally on January 22, 2026, this original series thrusts standup comic Bert Kreischer into the heart of Beverly Hills’ image-obsessed society, with results that are as cringe-worthy as they are hilarious. The six-episode first season dropped all at once, offering fans worldwide a binge-worthy dose of family dysfunction, social satire, and—of course—Kreischer’s signature shirtless antics.

At its core, Free Bert is a semi-autobiographical comedy that sees Kreischer playing a version of himself: a well-meaning but perpetually embarrassing dad navigating the treacherous waters of elite private school parenthood. As detailed by Reelgood, the show "follows Bert Kreischer as he attempts to survive Beverly Hills society after enrolling his daughters in an elite private school." What begins as a simple parenting decision quickly spirals into a series of social missteps, power games, and escalating parental anxiety. The stakes are high, and the laughs—often at Bert’s expense—are even higher.

The ensemble cast is a who’s who of comedic talent. Arden Myrin shines as LeeAnn Kreischer, Bert’s long-suffering but equally sharp-witted wife. Their daughters, Georgia (Ava Ryan) and Ila (Lilou Lang), bring their own energy: Georgia, the perpetually mortified teen, and Ila, the world-weary preteen with wisdom beyond her years. Rounding out the cast are Chris Witaske and Mandell Maughan as the Vanderthals—the school’s power couple—plus Rashal James as Carl and a host of Beverly Hills parents and students who raise the stakes at every turn.

The show wastes no time establishing its irreverent tone. The opening episode, "The Crowd Pleaser," sets the stage as Bert’s identity crisis collides with his daughters’ desperate attempts to fit in. According to Decider, the series opens with a meta moment: "People sing happy birthday to Rob Lowe (playing himself), who introduces his favorite comedian, Bert Kreischer (also playing himself)." Bert’s infamous shirtless bit is met with raucous applause, but Lowe’s advice—"the shirt bit is universal and Bert should just concentrate on that"—lands with a thud. As Bert tells his wife LeeAnn, his act is more than just a bare belly and a beer in hand, even if that’s what the crowd wants.

The real trouble begins when Bert’s desire to help his daughters goes spectacularly awry. Trying to boost Georgia’s popularity, he appears on T-Pain’s livestream and, in a classic case of foot-in-mouth, makes a joke about his teenage daughter’s sex life. The fallout is swift and brutal: the popular girl at school, Kiersten Vanderthal (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), shares the clip on TikTok, turning Georgia into the target of cyberbullying. As DVDfever describes, "whatever Bert does in reaction, including as Kiersten’s parents are called into the school to discuss their daughter’s bullying, he still comes off worse in this."

It’s not just the kids who are at war. The culture clash between the Kreischers and the Beverly Hills elite is on full display when Bert reports the bullying incident, unaware that Kiersten’s parents, Landon and Chanel Vanderthal, are among the school’s biggest benefactors. His attempt to play by the rules only deepens the divide, especially after he lampoons Landon in his standup routine. The resulting social fallout is both excruciating and hilarious, as Bert and LeeAnn are summoned to the headmaster’s office to watch clips of Bert’s set circulating on social media.

Throughout the season, the show mines comedy gold from the family’s attempts to fit in—or, more often, their spectacular failure to do so. Each episode pushes the Kreischers deeper into social chaos, from disastrous brunches to blackmail-fueled boys’ trips and the climactic school royalty ceremony. As Reelgood notes, "Free Bert proves that being yourself can be the boldest rebellion." Beneath the raunchy humor and slapstick set pieces, there’s a sincere exploration of modern parenting anxiety and the pressure to conform.

Critics have been quick to place Free Bert in the lineage of sitcoms where comedians play fictionalized versions of themselves—a tradition dating back to It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and Seinfeld, and more recently seen in Louie, Maron, and Ramy. But as Decider points out, "Kreischer and his co-creators credit for putting him in a situation that has a lot to do with his comedy persona but isn’t just about that persona." The show’s family dynamic sets it apart: LeeAnn is just as capable of getting her hands dirty as Bert, but she’s determined to keep the family’s reputation intact. The kids, meanwhile, are free to curse both at home and in public—a nod to the impossibility of policing language when your dad’s career is built on blue material.

Performance-wise, Arden Myrin is a standout, striking a "good balance as LeAnn; even though she is trying to make sure the Kreischers keep a low profile at the new school, she is also married to Bert for a reason," according to Decider. Lilou Lang brings a deadpan charm to Ila, avoiding the over-the-top precociousness that often plagues sitcom kids. And, naturally, Bert Kreischer’s willingness to lampoon himself is the show’s beating heart. As Rob Lowe quips in the pilot, "I don’t know why you’re not busting that motherfucker off 20 times a show," referring to Bert’s shirtless routine.

Beyond the comedy, Free Bert offers a sharp look at the unspoken rules of image-driven communities and the lengths parents will go to protect—or promote—their children. It’s a world where social media mishaps carry real-world consequences, and the line between public persona and private life is razor-thin. The show doesn’t shy away from mature themes or language, earning its TV-MA rating for content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Swearing is par for the course, and the kids are often just as salty as the adults.

For those wondering about accessibility, Free Bert is available to stream on Netflix in over 190 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. All six episodes can be downloaded for offline viewing on supported mobile devices via the Netflix app, and the series supports HD and 4K streaming on a wide range of smart TVs, streaming devices, computers, and gaming consoles. Multiple audio languages and subtitles are available, making it easy for a global audience to dive in.

Behind the scenes, the series is co-created by Bert Kreischer, Jarrad Paul, and Andrew Mogel, who also serve as executive producers and writers. The creative team includes directors Bert Kreischer, Andrew Mogel, and Jarrad Paul, with music by Jeff Cardoni and Michael Amodio producing. The result is a show that’s as much about Kreischer’s comedic persona as it is about the universal struggles of parenting, fitting in, and staying true to oneself.

In a television landscape crowded with formulaic sitcoms, Free Bert stands out for its willingness to embrace discomfort, lampoon privilege, and find humor in the messiest corners of family life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kreischer’s standup or just in the mood for a sharp, heartfelt comedy, this series is worth a spot on your watchlist.