Netflix’s provocative drama Baby Reindeer is leading the pack at the upcoming BAFTA TV awards, garnering an impressive eight nominations, including Best Actor for its creator Richard Gadd. The Scottish comedian shines in the lead role, while Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau are recognized for their supporting performances as Martha and Teri, respectively.
Several other major programs are hot on the heels of Baby Reindeer, with ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Disney+’s Rivals, and Apple TV+’s Slow Horses earning six nominations each. These shows highlight the diversity and depth of storytelling across British and international television.
Entertainment heavyweights Ant and Dec (Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway), Claudia Winkleman (The Traitors), and Stacey Solomon (Sort Your Life Out) are competing for the Best Entertainment Performance accolade.
Meanwhile, the drama category showcases fierce competition among critically acclaimed series such as Sherwood, Blue Lights, the superhero saga Supacell, and the period epic Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Notably, Damian Lewis has earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of Henry VIII in Wolf Hall, though Mark Rylance misses out on a nod for his role as Thomas Cromwell, a surprising omission given his victory in 2016.
Documentaries like the BBC’s Life and Death in Gaza shine with four nominations, while scripted comedies such as Brassic, Ludwig, and Alma’s Not Normal continue to delight audiences, with Sophie Willan up for Best Female Comedy Performance following her previous BAFTA win.
The BAFTA chair Sara Putt remarked on the caliber of this year’s nominees: “These awards celebrate the exceptional creativity and craft of British and international television, and the talented individuals who bring these stories to life.”
Hosted by Alan Cumming, the BAFTA TV Awards will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday, May 11. With compelling narratives and stellar performances at the forefront, this year’s event promises to be an unmissable celebration of television excellence.
