Adolescence makes Bafta TV Awards history as Netflix drama bags major record after latest award wins

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Greg Davies hosted the evening's proceedings, which featured musical performances from Cat Burns and AURORA.Stephen Graham secured the Leading Actor prize for his role in the series, marking his first Bafta acting award.Owen Cooper, the 16-year-old from Warrington, claimed the Supporting Actor trophy, completing an extraordinary collection of major television honours for his debut screen performance.The teenager had previously become the youngest performer to sweep the four main American TV prizes, winning the Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Sag Award and Critics' Choice Award.Wow, it's heavy that, to be fair. A year ago, I was presenting an award, and now I'm collecting one. This is a bit mad, Mr Cooper said upon receiving his Bafta.The young actor paid tribute to The Beatles, quoting John Lennon: You won't get anything unless you have the vision to imagine it.Christine Tremarco collected the Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of Mr Cooper's on-screen mother, Manda Miller.Her victory came as something of a surprise, with Ms Tremarco beating co-star Erin Doherty, who had been nominated for her performance as psychologist Briony Ariston.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSBBC slammed by Gaza documentary makers as film bags Bafta TV Awards despite impartiality controversyJeremy Clarkson ridicules Zack Polanski after local election remarks: 'Not very good at adding up!'Bafta TV Awards 2026 red carpet: All the best and worst looks as stars arrive in LondonOh my goodness. Thank you so much Bafta, Ms Tremarco said as she accepted the prize.I feel so privileged to be standing up here holding this Bafta. I feel so honoured to be part of Adolescence.She continued: I hold this Bafta high. To Hannah Walters and Stephen Graham, thank you so much. Thank you for believing in me. This is to us all.Both Ms Tremarco and Mr Cooper were first-time Bafta winners, as was Mr Graham.Executive producer Mark Herbert accepted the Limited Drama award alongside the cast and creative team, praising the writing partnership of Jack Thorne and Mr Graham.Your amazing script - it ripped out our hearts and punched us in the gut, Mr Herbert said.He also revealed the production's guiding principle: On our call sheet, we had the words 'Don't be a d**k,' that was our motto.The drama cast Mr Cooper when he was just 13 years old, with no prior professional acting experience.Adolescence became the second most-watched English-language programme in Netflix history and ignited a national conversation about online safety and incel culture.The series prompted co-writer Mr Thorne to meet prime minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street to discuss the issues it raised. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter