Half Men: BBC reveals first look at Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell
Original drama from the multi award-winning Richard Gadd will air in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland
The BBC has released first-look images from Half Man, a new six-part drama created by multi award-winning writer and actor Richard Gadd, best known for Baby Reindeer and Against the Law. Filming recently concluded in and around Glasgow.
Gadd stars alongside BAFTA winner Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocketman) as estranged “brothers” Ruben and Niall. The newly released stills tease their unexpected reunion after years apart — a meeting that spirals into violence and sets the stage for a story spanning nearly four decades, from the 1980s to the present day. Younger versions of the pair will be played by Mitchell Robertson (Curfew, Mayflies) as Niall and Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, The Winter King) as Ruben.
Described as both intimate and epic in scope, Half Man charts the volatile bond between Ruben and Niall, following them from their teenage years through to adulthood. The series explores love and betrayal, joy and anger, and the shifting notions of masculinity against the backdrop of a rapidly changing city.
Alongside Gadd and Bell, the cast includes Neve McIntosh (Tin Star) as Niall’s mother Lori and Marianne McIvor (Screw, The Nest) as Ruben’s mother Maura. The ensemble also features Charlie De Melo (Rivals), Bilal Hasna (The Agency), Julie Cullen (Traces), Amy Manson (The Nevers), Philippine Velge (The Serpent Queen), Stuart McQuarrie (The Rig), Piers Ewart (The Primrose Railway Children), Scot Greenan (T2 Trainspotting), and newcomers Charlotte Blackwood and Calum Manchip.
Created, written and executive produced by Richard Gadd, the series is directed by Alexandra Brodski (Somewhere Boy, Rivals) and Eshref Reybrouck (Ferry: The Series). Half Man is produced by Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay UK company, for the BBC, BBC Scotland and HBO, with international distribution handled by Banijay Rights. The production is also supported by Screen Scotland.
Half Man (6x45’) is set to premiere in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in the UK and Ireland, and on HBO Max across the US, Latin America and Europe.
Words: Simon Baines
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