Another winter, another Christmas movie. This holiday season is bringing a new dose of chaos to Netflix. This time it arrives in the form of Man vs. Baby, a Christmas special. Naturally, it has left fans wondering whether the roots are in a previous film of a similar title, and the same lead cast. With the return of Rowan Atkinson’s signature physical comedy and the familiar misadventures that defined Man vs. Bee, viewers are keen to know how this festive episode fits into the growing universe of slapstick storytelling. 

The answer arrives quickly. It also reveals something interesting about Netflix’s approach to expanding its list of holiday soirees.

The answer is, yes. As per Netflix, the Christmas special Man vs. Baby is a direct continuation of Man vs. Bee, the 2022 Netflix series built and developed by Rowan Atkinson himself. The special picks up the same comedic spirit, bringing back Atkinson’s well-known talent for physical humor. 

The four-episode series’ return to Netflix brings Trevor Bingley back into another whirlwind of festive chaos. The Christmas special is written by Atkinson and William Davies and directed by David Kerr, essentially a collaboration of the original Man vs. Bee team. What is more interesting to see is how they connect the two shows. The characters are the same, but the storyline? Similar, except the Bee.

The story now follows Trevor, a divorced school caretaker trying to stay afloat financially during the holidays. When he finds himself a high-paying housesitting offer from millionaire clients, it seems like the perfect solution to his money troubles. But everything unravels when a lost baby from the school nativity play ends up with him on the job. The set up is perfect for a holiday adventure filled with mishaps, misunderstandings, and the signature slapstick humor.

Rowan Atkinson, AKA Mr Bean, Returns to Netflix With a Twist: All We Know of His New Comic Gold

However, how exactly will it continue the Man vs Bee storyline? Here is what we know. 

The special expands Trevor’s universe, supported by a cast featuring Robert Bathurst, Nina Sosanya, Susannah Fielding, and more. The Christmas special deepens the playful world first introduced in Man vs. Bee by exploring Trevor’s character beyond the original house-sitting disaster. Instead of repeating the same bee-centric formula, the story widens the chaos to a domestic setting.

Here, Trevor faces a new kind of responsibility. The shift from mere pest-hunting to childcare allows the viewers to witness fresh gags. It is truly Atkinson’s presence that keeps the comedic timing alive in both series. It also builds on the idea that Trevor simply attracts catastrophe wherever he goes.

The expansion also hints at Netflix’s growing interest in episodic holiday content. This lighthearted theme show with a quick comedic pace makes it a strategic release designed to capture seasonal audiences. There is no confirmation of additional specials yet, the structure of the new episode shows that the format is flexible enough to continue evolving. 

Ultimately, Man vs. Baby stands as an entirely original Netflix series, one that extends Trevor Bingley’s chaotic world without drawing from any book.

How Are Fans Reacting to the Rowan Atkinson “Anxiety Inducing” Comedy ‘Man vs Bee’? Does It Bring Back Mr Bean in All His Glory?

Are you watching Man vs. Baby this holiday season? Share your thoughts on Trevor’s latest misadventure with us.