Richard Gadd's 'Half Man' Gets BBC iPlayer Launch Date — Here's What We Know
Richard Gadd, the Scottish writer and actor who captivated audiences worldwide with Baby Reindeer, has confirmed that his highly anticipated follow-up drama Half Man will arrive on BBC iPlayer on 24 April 2026, with episodes dropping weekly at 6am.
The six-part series, a co-production between the BBC and HBO, stars Gadd alongside BAFTA-winning actor Jamie Bell in a story that spans three decades and explores the fragility of male friendship, brotherhood, and violence. It will also air on BBC One and BBC Scotland, with its US debut on HBO on 23 April.
What Is 'Half Man' About?
The drama follows Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Richard Gadd) — two men who are "not related in blood but the closest you can get." Their story begins with an explosion of violence at Niall's wedding, which propels the narrative back through 30 years of their lives, from the 1980s to the present day. The series explores how the closest bonds can break the hardest when things fall apart, examining themes of loyalty, masculinity, and the long shadow of the past.
Gadd has revealed that the idea for Half Man actually predates Baby Reindeer, with the first episode written before his breakthrough series was even commissioned. "I wanted it to be on the BBC," Gadd said, citing his admiration for the channel and its commitment to bold, impactful storytelling.
The Cast
Alongside Gadd and Bell, the series features Neve McIntosh as Niall's mother Lori, Marianne McIvor as Ruben's mother Maura, and a supporting cast including Anjli Mohindra, Charlie De Melo, and Amy Manson. Filming wrapped in 2025 in and around Glasgow, Scotland.
Why It Matters
Baby Reindeer became a global phenomenon in 2024, winning multiple BAFTAs and Emmy Awards and sparking widespread conversation about stalking, trauma, and male vulnerability. Expectations for Half Man are correspondingly high, and the BBC's decision to co-produce with HBO signals confidence that Gadd's new work has the potential to reach a similarly vast international audience.
For UK viewers, the series represents one of the most eagerly awaited television events of 2026 — a chance to see whether Gadd can follow up one of the most acclaimed British dramas in recent memory.
Source: BBC Media Centre.
