Where can I watch Half Man? Here's the full UK episode release schedule for Richard Gadd's new BBC TV drama
Here’s where you can watch the first episode of Half Man in the UK - and when each episode will be available to watch.
Already one of the year’s most talked about television series, Half Man is officially streaming in the UK.
Co-produced by the BBC and HBO, the highly anticipated new drama series comes from Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd. Filmed and set in Glasgow, Gadd stars in the show alongside BAFTA winning actor Jamie Bell, who is known for his roles in films such as Billy Elliot, Filth and All of Us Strangers.
The pair play estranged “brothers” as their lives spirals into chaos, covering the highs and lows of their relationship - and all the chaos in between.
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Gadd’s first TV project since the release of his Netflix sensation, which he first debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe, it is already being described as one of the best shows of 2026 so far.
So if you’re keen to watch it, here is everything you need to know about when and where you can watch Half Man in the UK.
What is Half Man about?
Played by Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell respectively, Half Man follows the lives of brothers Niall and Ruben.
They may not be brothers by blood, but the pair were inseparable as youngsters. One was fierce and loyal, while the other was mild-mannered and meek. They came to know each other only through circumstance, when all they had was each other.
The show picks up when Ruben appears at Niall’s wedding, thirty years later - but nothing is the same, and he isn’t acting like himself. It isn’t long before their lives explode with violence and the narrative shifts to take audiences through the decades of their lives together.
About broken men, Half Man explores brotherhood, violence and how fragile male relationships can be.
Watch the full trailer for Half Man here
Half Man release date
The first episode of Half Man is available to watch from today Friday, April 24 in the UK, with further episodes to follow weekly.
Where can I watch Half Man in the UK?
If you live in the UK, you can watch Half Man exclusively on the BBC.
It will begin streaming first on BBC iPlayer, with episodes then broadcasting on BBC One from 10.40pm on Tuesdays - beginning from April 28.
That means that you can watch the first episode on BBC iPlayer now.
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When will the rest of Half Man be available to watch in the UK?
Likely in part because Half Man is a co-production with HBO, episodes will be released one at a time: on BBC iPlayer from Fridays, and then on BBC One each Tuesday.
In total, there are six episodes of Half Man with each around 45 minutes long. The final episode of the series will arrive on Friday, May 29.
Here is the full UK release schedule for Half Man
On BBC iPlayer:
- Episode 1: Friday, April 24
- Episode 2: Friday, May 1
- Episode 3: Friday, May 8
- Episode 4: Friday, May 15
- Episode 5: Friday, May 22
- Episode 6: Friday, May 29
On BBC One:
- Episode 1: Tuesday, April 28
- Episode 2: Tuesday, May 5
- Episode 3: Tuesday, May 12
- Episode 4: Tuesday, May 19
- Episode 5: Tuesday, May 26
- Episode 6: Tuesday, June 6
It is worth noting, that the current BBC One schedule may be subject to change.
What time are new episodes of Half Man released in the UK?
If you really don’t want the series spoiled for you, the earliest you will be able to watch Half Man in the UK is from around 6am on iPlayer.
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Half Man cast: Here’s who will appear in the series
Leading the cast of Half Man is series creator Richard Gadd, with Bell starring alongside him, the programme dives into their complex relationship.
The younger versions of the boys will be played by Mitchell Robertson - known for roles in Harvest, Curfew and Mayflies - and Stuart Campbell who has previously appeared in SAS Rogue Heroes and The Winter King.
The cast also includes a number of Scottish actors, such as Neve McIntosh, Marianne McIvor, Amy Manson, Stuart McQuarrie and more.
Here is the main cast for Half Man:
- Richard Gadd as Ruben
- Jamie Bell as Niall
- Mitchell Robertson as Young Niall
- Stuart Campbell as Young Ruben
- Neve McIntosh as Lori
- Marianne McIvor as Maura
- Charlotte Blackwood as Young Mona
- Piers Ewart as Young Gus
- Stuart McQuarrie as Mr Jenkins
- Scot Greenan as John
- Calum Manchip as Drew
- Gordon Brown as Murray
You can watch Half Man on BBC One or BBC iPlayer.
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