‘Adolescence’ leads 2026 Bafta TV nominations with 11 nods
“This year’s nominations reflect a television industry operating at a high level of creative output, with both domestic and international productions securing wide recognition.”
The television drama Adolescence, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, has received the highest number of nominations for the 2026 British Academy Television Awards, securing a total of 11 nominations, according to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
The psychological crime series, centred on a teenager accused of murder, was also directed by Philip Barantini. It has been shortlisted across multiple categories, including acting nominations for Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper.
The show is additionally nominated in the “memorable moment” category, the only award decided by public vote, for a scene involving a confrontation between the central character and a psychologis.
Jane Millichip, chief executive of British Academy of Film and Television Arts, said the nominations reflected a strong year for television. She stated that a total of 124 programmes had been recognised, highlighting both the originality and range of storytelling across genres.
Millichip also noted the presence of a significant number of first-time nominees, indicating a broadening talent base within the industry.
Among the first-time nominees are Ellis Howard for What It Feels Like for a Girl and James Nelson-Joyce for This City Is Ours, both nominated in the leading actor category. Narges Rashidi has been nominated for leading actress for her role in Prisoner 951.
In supporting categories, Rafael Mathé received a nomination for his role in the adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel The Death of Bunny Munro, while Chyna McQueen was recognised for her performance in Get Millie Black.Several performers secured multiple nominations.
Aimee Lou Wood is nominated for her roles in The White Lotus and Film Club, while Doherty received nominations for both Adolescence and A Thousand Blows. Rose Ayling-Ellis, who previously won the breakthrough star award in 2022, is nominated for supporting actress for her role in Reunion, a British Sign Language thriller.
The period drama A Thousand Blows, created by Steven Knight and based on the historical Forty Elephants crime syndicate, secured seven nominations, including recognition in drama series, leading actress and costume design categories.
The Andor series, a politically themed production set within the Star Wars franchise, received six nominations spanning categories such as costume design, director: fiction and visual effects. Another six nominations were awarded to Trespasses, based on Louise Kennedy’s novel set in 1970s Belfast, including recognition for limited drama, writing and direction.
In the entertainment category, The Celebrity Traitors received five nominations. These include recognition for presenter Claudia Winkleman and participants such as Alan Carr, Joe Marler, Nick Mohammed and Celia Imrie.Comedy programming also featured prominently.
Mandaland emerged as the most-nominated show in its category with four nominations, including acting nominations for Lucy Punch, Philippa Dunne and Jennifer Saunders. It will compete for best scripted comedy alongside Big Boys, How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) and Things You Should Have Done, created by Lucia Keskin.
Factual programming, Louis Theroux received a nomination in the documentary category for his BBC production The Settlers. Channel 4’s Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was not broadcast by the BBC, has been nominated in the current affairs category.
The nominations also include participants associated with BAFTA’s talent development initiatives, such as the Breakthrough and Elevate programmes. Among those recognised are Olaide Sadiq, Ellis Howard, Mawaan Rizwan, Jack Rooke, Ayling-Ellis and Dawn Shadforth.Broadcaster representation shows BBC leading with 73 nominations.Netflix and Sky each received 28 nominations, followed by Channel 4 with 25.
The 2026 British Academy Television Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 10 and will be hosted by Greg Davies.
