Netflix's 'Adolescence' emerged as the undisputed frontrunner at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards, claiming four trophies: Limited Drama, Leading Actor for Stephen Graham, Supporting Actor for Owen Cooper, and Supporting Actress for Christine Tremarco.

All three actors were first-time BAFTA winners, highlighting the show's breakout impact. The drama’s dominance reflected both critical acclaim and awards momentum from earlier wins at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards and the Emmys.

Stephen Graham earned his first BAFTA Television Award for Leading Actor, after eight nominations in acting categories, for his compelling portrayal of Eddie Miller.

Miller is a beleaguered plumber and father serving as his 13-year-old son’s “appropriate adult” during a police arrest that devastates his family.

Graham, who also co-created, co-wrote, and executive produced “Adolescence” alongside playwright Jack Thorne, produced the series through Matriarch Productions, co-founded with his wife Hannah Walters.

His performance also garnered a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor, a Golden Globe Award for best actor, and a Critics’ Choice Awardfor best actor in a limited series.

Graham, who was accorded the OBE for services to drama in the 2023 New Year Honors, expressed his gratitude, noting, “I’ve been nominated eight times and it’s the first time I’ve won. Nice one BAFTA, this is lovely.”

He also shared an inspiring message for young viewers: “No matter where you’re from, anything is possible.”

Graham triumphed over fellow nominees Colin Firth, Ellis Howard, James Nelson-Joyce, Matt Smith, and Taron Egerton.

Owen Cooper, a fast-rising British star, secured the BAFTA TV Award for Supporting Actor for his role as Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old at the heart of the series.

This win completed an astonishing full set of major awards for Cooper’s first-ever screen role, making him the youngest actor to win the Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Actor Award, and Critics Choice for a single performance.

Cast at just 13 years old with no prior professional acting experience, Cooper’s portrayal, particularly in his central episode filmed in a single, continuous, hour-long take opposite Erin Doherty (who played clinical psychologist Briony Ariston), received significant critical acclaim.

He beat Ashley Walters (also from “Adolescence”), Fehinti Balogun, Joshua McGuire, Paddy Considine, and Rafael Mathé for the award.

Cooper, reflecting on his win, stated, “Wow, it’s heavy that to be fair. A year ago this time last year I was presenting an award and now I’m collecting one, so this is a bit mad.”

He humorously added that the three things needed for success are “One, an obsession. Two, a dream. And three, the Beatles.”

Christine Tremarco, who played Jamie’s mother, Manda Miller, also received the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress on the same night.

“Adolescence,” directed by Philip Barantini, is a Netflix series known for its unique style where each episode is filmed in one continuous shot.

It was released on March 13, 2025, and became one of Netflix’s most-watched English-language shows.

The story follows Jamie Miller, a teenager arrested for allegedly stabbing a classmate, and shows how the case affects his family, the detective in charge, and a psychologist involved in the investigation.

The series was highly praised and won many major awards, including BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, and other film awards.

The series sparked a vital national conversation in the U.K. about online safety, incel culture, and the pressures facing young men.

Co-writer Jack Thorne even met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street to discuss these subjects, and Netflix made the series available to schools as a free teaching resource, highlighting its significant societal impact.