BBC’s breathtaking drama Half Man is the best show of 2026 and appointment TV at its finest

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Occasionally, a TV show breaks through all the options and truly captures the public’s attention. In 2025, it was Adolescence, and in 2024, Baby Reindeer did just that. Now, Richard Gadd – the creator and star of Baby Reindeer – has done it again with Half Man, a new fictional drama coming to the BBC. And we think it’s even more impressive than his previous work.

The story begins with a sudden act of violence on Niall’s wedding day. A tense and angry man named Ruben arrives, hinting at a shared history. The eight-episode series will reveal their past through flashbacks and present-day events.

The story begins at a wedding – a place of celebration and love – which immediately creates a strong contrast with the underlying tension and potential for violence. This setup perfectly highlights the complex relationship between Niall and Ruben. They offer each other stability and comfort in a chaotic world, but also carry deep emotional wounds that affect each other.

Okay, so I just finished watching Half Man, and honestly, it’s going to hit different for everyone, and that’s what makes it so good. A lot of people will probably immediately think about the whole toxic masculinity thing, and yeah, that’s definitely there. But it’s way more complex than just that. What you take away from it really depends on what parts connect with you personally. The writing and acting are just so good, it’s one of those shows where your own interpretation really matters, and it’s totally valid no matter what you focus on.

“Half Man” is a complex story about two men who meet during difficult times in their lives. They form a strong, loving connection, but their relationship is also troubled and chaotic, stemming from both their own inner turmoil and the world around them.

Richard Gadd returns as Ruben, this time playing the older version of himself, and delivers a remarkably different performance, showcasing a new range of acting skills. Jamie Bell, a BAFTA winner and the original inspiration for the role, is a brilliant match as the grown-up Niall. Both actors expertly portray moments of both strength and weakness, openness and resistance, as the story unfolds.

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While the established actors are fantastic, Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell truly shine as the younger versions of the main characters. Their scenes together are some of the most compelling in Half Man, and they’re essential for making the audience connect with and care about these characters at various points in the story – a connection that’s surprisingly complex.

Supporting characters like Lori and Maura, the mothers of Niall and Ruben, are well-developed and add layers to the narrative. However, it’s the intense connection between the two main characters that truly drives the story in Half Man, making it captivating even when it’s difficult to watch.

Half Man explores morally ambiguous characters, portraying them as deeply flawed and complex. It challenges the idea of a simple ‘perfect victim,’ encouraging viewers to empathize with even the most difficult people.

The show features some intensely difficult and upsetting scenes, occasionally pushing the boundaries of good taste. However, it consistently manages to tie these moments back to a larger purpose or meaning. While the subject matter could easily have been exploited for shock value, the show avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on thoughtful storytelling.

The series occasionally feels like it’s losing direction in the middle, but it consistently recovers and becomes sharply focused again, just when you might think you’re losing interest.

Half Man raises difficult questions about the impact of trauma on who we become, and how we balance acknowledging past hurt with taking responsibility for our actions. The show doesn’t offer easy answers or take sides; it deliberately leaves viewers to grapple with these uncomfortable ideas themselves.

The show explores compelling themes of identity and self-acceptance, especially regarding LGBTQ+ experiences. It highlights that overcoming internal struggles and shame can be the hardest part of coming to terms with who you are, even when loved ones already accept you.

Even though Half Man deals with weighty themes, you can still see Gadd’s background in comedy shining through. The show has genuinely funny lines, and moments of humor appear, but they’re often quickly followed by something serious or unsettling, creating a jarring effect.

Half Man skillfully balances emotional release with fear, humor with revulsion, constantly engaging the viewer. It demands your full attention – and that’s a good thing, as it respects your intelligence.

We won’t give away any spoilers, but the last half of the final episode is incredibly gripping and immersive television – you’ll truly feel what the characters are going through. The creator, Gadd, has said it’s some of his strongest work, and we agree.

Honestly, when the movie ended, I was completely speechless. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ruben and Niall long after the credits finished rolling – they really stuck with me!

The new series, Half Man, will be available on BBC iPlayer starting Friday, April 24th. It will also air on BBC One soon after, with new episodes released each week.

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2026-04-21 16:23