The Netflix original drama Adolescence dominated the 2026 Bafta Television Awards on Sunday night, securing a record-breaking four victories and cementing its place in television history. The hard-hitting series, which became a national talking point following its release in March 2025, won the prestigious award for Best Limited Series. According to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters, the production’s sweep across acting categories marked the highest number of wins for a single show in the history of the Bafta TV Awards ceremony.
The evening’s most historic moment belonged to 16-year-old actor Owen Cooper, who became the youngest person ever to receive a Bafta for Best Supporting Actor. Cooper’s portrayal of a teenager accused of murdering a female classmate had already earned him an impressive collection of trophies, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. In his emotional acceptance speech, the rising star paid a heartfelt tribute to the Beatles. Quoting John Lennon, Cooper told the audience that achieving great things requires the vision to imagine them first. He noted that success requires an obsession, a dream, and the inspiration of the legendary Liverpool band.
The night also marked a career milestone for veteran actor Stephen Graham, who secured the Best Leading Actor award after seven previous nominations. Graham, who played the father of Cooper’s character in Adolescence, used his platform to encourage young actors from diverse backgrounds. He emphasized the obligation of performers to tell the truth about the human condition and to share beautiful stories with the world. Following Cooper’s lead, Graham also concluded his speech with a reference to the Beatles, stating that "all you need is love." The emotional connection between the on-screen father and son resonated throughout the ceremony.
In the category for Best Leading Actress, Narges Rashidi was honored for her powerful portrayal of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in the BBC One drama Prisoner 951. Rashidi, who was born in Iran, dedicated her award to the real-life Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family, who were present at the event. She spoke about the resilience and dignity displayed by the family during Zaghari-Ratcliffe`s six-year imprisonment in Tehran. Additionally, ITV’s Code of Silence, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis as a deaf woman assisting police investigations, was named Best Drama Series, highlighting the industry`s continued focus on inclusive storytelling.
The reality and entertainment categories also saw significant wins for fan-favorite programs. The Celebrity Traitors, which drew over 15 million viewers last year, took home the trophy for Best Reality Programme. Comedian Alan Carr’s participation in the show was voted by the public as the Year`s Most Memorable TV Moment, providing one of the night`s lighter highlights. Meanwhile, Prime Video’s Last One Laughing caused an upset by beating established BBC titles to win Best Entertainment Programme. Bob Mortimer’s performance in the series also earned him a Bafta for Best Entertainment Performance, capping off a night that celebrated both groundbreaking drama and high-quality popular entertainment
