Half Man release date: When is it on?

by

Release date status: Confirmed

First episode release date: 24 April

Release time: 6am, BBC iPlayer

Release pattern: Weekly

Total episodes: Six

Channel/Streaming: BBC & BBC iPlayer

Last updated: 23 March 2026

I remember when Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer first dropped on Netflix – it was everywhere, and everyone was talking about it. After something that impactful, I was really curious to see what he’d create next, knowing he’s such a clever writer and performer.

We’ll find out everything next month when he stars in and created a new BBC and HBO drama called Half Man.

I was really struck by the dynamic between Peter Gadd and Jamie Bell in this film. They play brothers, Ruben and Niall, and even though they aren’t actually related, their connection feels incredibly strong – the kind where you just know they’d do anything for each other. It’s heartbreaking to watch because when that kind of closeness fractures, it’s the most painful break of all.

Read on for all you need to know about Half Man, coming very soon to the BBC.

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Half Man release date: When is it on?

The first episode of Half Man will be available on BBC iPlayer starting April 24th at 6am. It will also air on BBC One later that week, though the exact time hasn’t been confirmed yet.

New episodes will be released weekly and there are six episodes in total.

Is there a trailer for Half Man?

There currently isn’t a trailer for Half Man, but we’ll keep this page up to date when it lands.

While fans waited for the show to air, the BBC and HBO released some photos that gave a clear sense of the dramatic atmosphere to expect.

Who is in the Half Man cast?

Main cast expected to appear includes:

  • Richard Gadd as Ruben
  • Jamie Bell as Niall
  • Mitchell Robertson as young Niall
  • Stuart Campbell as young Ruben
  • Neve McIntosh as Lori (Niall’s mother)
  • Marianne McIvor as Maura (Ruben’s mother)

Plus more, whose roles have yet to be confirmed.

What will happen in Half Man?

Gadd wrote ‘Half Man’ himself. Though the story takes place in Scotland, he says it’s different from his own life – a contrast to his previous series, ‘Baby Reindeer’, which was much more personal.

The story centers on Ruben and Niall, who share a deeply close, brotherly connection despite not being related by blood. They’re complete opposites – one is strong and fiercely loyal, while the other is gentle and quiet. Brought together by tragedy and fate, they rely on each other as their only family.

Thirty years after Niall’s wedding, Ruben unexpectedly appears, and things quickly change. Ruben’s strange behavior leads to a violent outburst, and the story jumps back and forth between the 1980s and the present day, revealing the events that led to this moment.

Half Man follows two men over thirty years, delving into their complex bond, the cycles of violence in their lives, and the delicate nature of friendships between men.

Where can I watch Half Man?

Live: BBC One (time TBC)

Streaming: BBC iPlayer

Catch-up: BBC iPlayer.

Authors

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is TopMob’s Deputy Digital Editor, where she leads new projects and commercial work. Before this, she was Deputy TV Editor for a national publication. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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2026-03-24 02:04