Adolescence Dominates 2026 Bafta TV Award Nominations
Jack Thorne's groundbreaking Netflix drama Adolescence has emerged as the frontrunner for the 2026 Bafta TV awards, leading the pack with an impressive 11 nominations. The psychological crime series, which explores the story of a teenager accused of murder, has been hailed by critics as a near-perfect television achievement, described by the Guardian as "the closest thing to TV perfection in decades."
First-Time Nominees and Major Contenders
The nominations include first-time Bafta TV performance nods for four of its stars: Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty, and Owen Cooper. Additionally, the drama is up for the Memorable Moment award, the only category voted on by the public, for a pivotal scene where the character Jamie confronts a psychologist.
Jane Millichip, CEO of Bafta, commented on the exceptional year for television, stating, "2025 was an exceptional year for television, reflected in 124 nominated programmes that highlight the strength and originality of British storytelling. From powerful documentaries and standout comedy to homegrown drama and international series that captured global attention, this year's nominees demonstrate a medium at its creative peak." She added, "It's especially exciting to see so many first-time performance nominees, showcasing the vibrant new talent shaping the future of our industry."
Other Notable Nominations
Following closely behind Adolescence, Steven Knight's historical boxing drama A Thousand Blows received seven nominations, including categories for drama series, leading actress, and costume design. The politically charged Star Wars spin-off Andor secured six nominations, such as costume design, director: fiction, and graphic effects.
Other highlights include:
- Trespasses, an adaptation of Louise Kennedy's novel set in 1970s Belfast, with six nominations for limited drama and more.
- The Celebrity Traitors earning five nods, featuring presenter Claudia Winkleman and performances by Alan Carr and Joe Marler.
- Amandaland leading comedy nominations with four nods, including best actress in a comedy for Lucy Punch, Philippa Dunne, and Jennifer Saunders.
Breakthrough Talent and Broadcaster Achievements
First-time nominees this year include Ellis Howard for What It Feels Like for a Girl and James Nelson-Joyce for This City is Ours, both competing for best leading actor. Nine-year-old Rafael Mathé is nominated for best supporting actor in The Death of Bunny Munro, while Chyna McQueen receives her first nod for best supporting actress in Get Millie Black.
Six nominees are alumni of Bafta's talent programmes, such as Olaide Sadiq and Ellis Howard from Breakthrough 2025. In terms of broadcasters, the BBC leads with 73 nominations, followed by Netflix and Sky with 28 each, and Channel 4 with 25.
The 2026 TV Baftas ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, 10 May 2026, and will be hosted by comedian Greg Davies, known for his role in Taskmaster.
