Adolescence Tops Bafta TV Awards 2026 Nominations
Jack Thorne’s intense drama Adolescence has received the highest number of nominations for the 2026 Bafta TV awards. The Netflix psychological crime series, which centers on a teenager accused of murder, leads with 11 nominations.
described the series as "", highlighting its critical acclaim. Notably, Adolescence earned the first Bafta TV performance nominations for supporting actor and actress categories for four of its cast members: Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty, and Owen Cooper.
Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and directed by Philip Barantini, the drama was also nominated for Bafta’s Memorable Moment award. This particular nomination recognizes the scene where the character Jamie snaps at the psychologist, a category uniquely voted on by the public.
Bafta CEO Comments on 2025 Television Achievements
"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 the international series that captured global attention, this year’s nominees demonstrate a medium at its creative peak," said Jane Millichip, CEO of Bafta. "It’s especially exciting to see so many first‑time performance nominees, showcasing the vibrant new talent shaping the future of our industry."
Other Leading Nominated Series
Forty Elephants, a historical drama series created by Steven Knight and based on the all-female crime syndicate of the same name, received seven nominations. These include categories such as drama series, leading actress, and costume design.
Andor, a politically charged, slow-burn thriller set in the Star Wars universe, garnered six nominations. These nominations span costume design, director: fiction, and graphic effects.
Additionally, Waiting for the Night, an adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s acclaimed novel set in 1970s Belfast, also received six nominations. These include limited drama, costume design, director: fiction, and writer: drama.
Additional Nominations and Recognitions
The Great British Bake Off earned five nominations, highlighting presenter Claudia Winkleman and notable performances including the tear-filled, traitorous act by comedian Alan Carr, the faithful Joe Marler, self-effacing strategist Nick Mohammed, and Celia Imrie, whose comedic and candid moments were particularly praised.
Six nominees are participants in Bafta’s talent development programmes. These include Olaide Sadiq and Ellis Howard from Breakthrough 2025; Mawaan Rizwan from Breakthrough 2024; Jack Rooke and Rose Ayling-Ellis from Breakthrough 2022; and Dawn Shadforth from Elevate 2017.
Broadcasters’ Nomination Counts
The BBC leads as the broadcaster with the most nominations, totaling 73. Netflix and Sky follow with 28 nominations each, while received 25 nominations.
