BBC Commissions Richard Gadd Drama Half Man

BBC has commissioned Half Man, a six-episode drama from Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Against the Law), for BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.

Gadd will star alongside BAFTA-winning actor Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocket Man). The series follows estranged “brothers” Niall and Ruben, whose lives are thrown into disarray and violence when Ruben unexpectedly shows up at Niall’s wedding. The story spans almost 40 years, covering their meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults.

Half Man is being produced by Mam Tor Productions for BBC, BBC Scotland and HBO. The six-part series is created, written and executive produced by Gadd. Additional executive producers are Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.

Wendy Griffin (Limbo, The Lost King) is a producer. Alexandra Brodski (Somewhere Boy, Rivals) and Eshref Reybrouck (Ferry: The Series, Cheyenne & Lola) are attached to direct.

Half Man is set to air in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in the U.K. and on HBO in the U.S.

Banijay Rights is handling international distribution outside of the U.K. and Ireland and the U.S.

“I am delighted to confirm I will be playing Ruben in the newly crowned Half Man for the BBC/HBO alongside the incomparable Jamie Bell,” Gadd said. “When I wrote the show, I did it with him in mind, never thinking for a second we would manage to land him. So, I could not be happier for everything that has come to pass in getting him on board. He is one of the greatest actors of his generation, and I am so looking forward to seeing what he does with the role. Thanks to all the staff at the BBC, HBO and Mam Tor Productions for making it all happen. I cannot wait to work with you all in the months ahead.”

Bell commented, “I’m so excited to join this incredible creative team. Richard has once again crafted something poignant and singular. I’m honored to have been asked to bring this to life with him.”

“We are thrilled that the extraordinary talent that is Richard Gadd has agreed to play Ruben in Half Man and are overjoyed to have found the perfect Niall in the exquisite Jamie Bell,” said Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions. “We cannot wait to see these incredible actors spar, as they bring these complex, charismatic and mercurial men to life.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added, “It’s been such a privilege to see Half Man take shape and to know that cameras will be rolling soon. In Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell we have the perfect Ruben and Niall—two characters like no other, whose epic journey through the decades we can’t wait to have on the BBC.”

“Half Man is a brilliant example of BBC Scotland’s ambition to bring high-quality drama, rooted in Scotland, to audiences in Scotland, the U.K. and the world,” said Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland. “We’re delighted to be announcing this exciting casting news today and look forward to seeing Richard and Jamie bring these complex and powerful characters to life.”

Kara Buckley, senior VP of HBO drama programming, commented, “Like so many others, we were wowed by Richard Gadd’s acting prowess in Baby Reindeer and have long admired Jamie Bell. We simply can’t think of a better duo to bring this powerful story to life.”