half man

HALF MAN is a six-part limited series created by, written, and starring Richard Gadd and also starring Jamie Bell.

It is a co-production by Thistledown Pictures and Mam Tor Productions for the BBC and HBO. The series premiered on 23 April 2026 on HBO and 28 April on BBC One (24 April on BBC iPlayer).

Premise

HALF MAN explores manhood, what it means to be a man, the struggle of repression and self-expression over a 30-year-period in the lives of two men.[1]

Niall and Ruben grew up as brothers despite not being related by blood—one strong and fiercely loyal, the other quiet and gentle. Thirty years later, they reunite at Niall’s wedding, but Ruben seems uneasy and on edge; when a sudden act of violence erupts, it sends the story back through their shared past, revealing how their bond was shaped and how even the closest relationships can ultimately fall apart.

Episodes

Picture Title Number Season Number Original Airdate
S1E1 still 1 "Episode 1" 1 1 April 24th, 2026
1987. When their households merge, Niall and Ruben form a close and unsettling bond. An intimate yet epic exploration of what it means to be a man.
S1E1 still 2 "Episode 2" 2 1 May 1st, 2026
1989. Niall is struggling at university when he invites Ruben to join him and his flatmates for freshers' week. What begins with excitement ends in devastating consequences.
E3 Cover "Episode 3" 3 1
1993. Niall is conflicted when asked by his mother to lie in court about Ruben’s violence. Ruben seems to have changed for the better, so the decision weighs heavily on him.
E4 Cover "Episode 4" 4 1
2008. After a breakdown, Niall learns that Ruben has returned. Obsession takes hold, and a charged confrontation forces the brothers to face their fractured past.
E5 still 8 "Episode 5" 5 1
2010. Niall and Ava face major life changes as Ruben struggles with his relationship. An impulsive choice between Mona and Niall has serious consequences for all involved.
Hf landscape "Episode 6" 6 1

Cast and Characters

Main

Supporting

Production

Development

Gadd began writing Half Man in 2019 prior to Baby Reindeer being greenlit, but left it on the shelf to focus on his Netflix show.[2]

The series was announced by BBC One in February 2024. It has Richard Gadd as writer and executive producer. Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck are attached to direct. The series comes from the London-based Mam Tor Productions and Thistledown Pictures with Tally Garner and Morven Reid executive producers for Mam Tor alongside Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. Wendy Griffin is producer.[3] In June 2024, HBO joined the project.[4][5] In November 2024, the project was revealed to have the title Half Man with filming scheduled to commence in Scotland in 2025.[6] Gadd has described the series, previously titled Lions, as being about a pair of brothers.[7]

Casting

Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell were confirmed in the lead roles in November 2024.[8][9][10] In February 2025, Mitchell Robertson, Stuart Campbell, Neve McIntosh, Marianne McIvor, Charlie De Melo, Bilal Hasna, Julie Cullen, Amy Manson, Philippine Velge, Stuart McQuarrie, Piers Ewart, Scot Greenan, Charlotte Blackwood, and Calum Manchip joined the cast.[11]

Filming

Principal photography began in February 2025.[12][13] Filming locations include Glasgow, Scotland.[14][15] In July 2025, it was revealed that filming had been wrapped.[16]

Trivia

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ BBC Radio 6 Music. (April 22nd, 2026) BBC Sounds, Nick Grimshaw Retrieved May 20th, 2026.
  2. ↑ Whittlock, J. (April 24th, 2026) Richard Gadd Reveals Jamie Bell Suggested Him For “Unhinged” ‘Half Man’ Role & Recalls “Famous” Hollywood Actresses Auditioning For ‘Baby Reindeer’ Deadline. Retrieved May 20th, 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 BBC announces new Richard Gadd drama Lions (w/t) (21 February 2024). Retrieved on March 1, 2025.
  4. ↑ White, Peter (June 27, 2024). 'Baby Reindeer' Creator Richard Gadd's BBC Drama Series 'Lions' Boarded By HBO. Retrieved on June 27, 2024.
  5. ↑ Goldbart, Max (February 21, 2024). BBC Unveils Mega 12-Show Drama Slate Featuring 'Dear England' Adaptation Starring Joseph Fiennes, Aimee Lou Wood's Debut Writing Project & Rebecca Hall-Led Series From Element. Retrieved on June 27, 2024.
  6. ↑ Zee, Michaela (November 25, 2024). Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell to Star in HBO, BBC Drama Series 'Half Man'. Retrieved on November 25, 2024.
  7. ↑ Williams, Zoe (18 April 2024). 'I was severely stalked and severely abused': Richard Gadd on the true story behind Baby Reindeer. Retrieved on November 25, 2024.
  8. ↑ Porter, Rick (25 November 2024). 'Baby Reindeer' Creator Richard Gadd to Star With Jamie Bell in HBO-BBC Series 'Half Man'. Retrieved on November 25, 2024.
  9. ↑ "BBC announces new Richard Gadd drama Lions (w/t)". BBC. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
  10. ↑ Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell to star in new BBC drama Half Man (25 November 2024). Retrieved on March 1, 2025.
  11. ↑ "BBC announce cast joining Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell in Half Man". BBC. 25 February 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
  12. ↑ Luxford, Victoria (6 February 2025). 'Baby Reindeer' creator Richard Gadd is filming his new series 'Half Man'. Retrieved on February 20, 2025.
  13. ↑ Calnan, Ellie (19 February 2025). 2025 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland: latest updates. Retrieved on February 20, 2025.
  14. ↑ Trainer, Paul (7 January 2025). Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell to film new HBO drama in Glasgow this year. Retrieved on February 20, 2025.
  15. ↑ Myles, Amy (7 February 2025). Top Netflix actor filming in Glasgow this week. Retrieved on February 20, 2025.
  16. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (14 July 2025). 'Baby Reindeer' Creator Richard Gadd Reveals Cut Episode Where Donny Visited Family in Scotland: Execs Said 'You Need to Give the Audience a Respite'. Retrieved on July 14, 2025.