The drama series 'Adolescence' has achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Royal Television Society Program Awards, securing four significant accolades. This triumph follows its recent recognition at the BAFTA TV Awards nominations, solidifying its position as a standout production in the U.K. television landscape. Owen Cooper, a breakout star from the series, garnered both the Breakthrough Award and Supporting Actor prize, highlighting his exceptional talent. The show also claimed the award for Limited Series and Single Drama, and its producers, Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters, and Matriarch Productions, were honored with a prestigious Judges' Award for their commitment to authentic storytelling.
The Royal Television Society Program Awards, a prominent event in the U.K. television industry, took place at London's JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel. Hosted by comedian and presenter Tom Allen, the ceremony gathered leading figures from the television world to celebrate outstanding achievements. Among the notable attendees were esteemed actors like Erin Doherty, Dylan Llewellyn, Steve Coogan, and Stephen Graham, alongside prominent personalities such as Davina McCall and Alison Steadman. The evening underscored a vibrant period for British television, acknowledging both established talent and emerging voices.
While the BBC led the overall awards count with 16 wins across various categories, including for 'The Celebrity Traitors' and acting honors for Bobby Schofield and Anna Friel from 'Unforgivable,' 'Adolescence' notably dominated the Netflix productions. The BBC also celebrated victories for 'Blue Lights' in the drama series category and Kat Sadler for best writer for 'Such Brave Girls.' Netflix's success was largely propelled by 'Adolescence,' which captured four out of its five total wins, making it a pivotal moment for the streaming giant at these awards.
Owen Cooper's dual wins were a highlight of the evening, recognizing his emerging talent and impactful performance. His co-star, Erin Doherty, presented the Judges' Award to the series' producers, Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters, and Matriarch Productions. Doherty lauded their dedication to providing a platform for underrepresented voices, emphasizing their commitment to sharing narratives from diverse cultural backgrounds and social classes. She remarked on their desire to produce work that gives a voice to the voiceless, particularly focusing on working-class perspectives often overlooked or ignored in mainstream media.
Beyond 'Adolescence' and the BBC's strong showing, other significant awards were distributed across comedy and factual categories. Prime Video’s 'Last One Laughing' won for comedy entertainment, and Steve Coogan was recognized for his comedic performance in 'How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge).' Channel 4’s 'Big Boys' earned the comedy drama award, while the BBC's 'Things You Should Have Done,' featuring Lucia Keskin/Chi With A C, won in the scripted comedy category. The esteemed Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to legendary Monty Python star Michael Palin, celebrating his enduring impact on television. The awards showcased a diverse range of programming, from arts and children's programs to documentaries, underscoring the breadth and quality of U.K. television.
The 2026 Royal Television Society Program Awards served as a significant platform to honor the best of British television, with 'Adolescence' emerging as a major winner. The series' multiple victories, including individual accolades for its stars and producers, reflect its critical acclaim and resonance with audiences and industry professionals alike. The event underscored a commitment to diverse storytelling and recognizing talent across all facets of television production, from compelling dramas to engaging comedies and impactful documentaries.