BBC’s ‘masterpiece’ 6-part drama leaves viewers begging for more after debut

Half Man is created by Richard Gadd, who stars as the formidable Ruben opposite Jamie Bell’s Niall in this twisty psychological drama

BC viewers have been left begging for more episodes of Half Man, the “masterpiece” six-part psychological drama that landed with its debut episode on Friday.

Starring Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Against The Law) and Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocketman), the six-parter charts the toxic highs and lows of two men, Ruben and Niall, whose fierce and loyal relationship is tested over the years.

© BBC/Mam Tor Productions/Anne Binckebanck
Ruben (RICHARD GADD), Niall (JAMIE BELL)

Created by Richard, and marking his first on-screen project since his award-winning Netflix series Baby Reindeer, Half Man is one of the most highly anticipated dramas of spring and landed on iPlayer on Friday and HBO on Thursday.

Since then, it’s found itself in the Top 10 most-watched TV show charts for both BBC iPlayer and HBO Max, and has earned a 74 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Keep reading to find out what viewers are saying about the new show, including that all-important release schedule…

What have viewers said about Half Man?

The series has proven a hit with critics and viewers alike, with one person penning on Rotten Tomatoes: “A gripping mesmerising drama! I could not take my eyes away from the first episode. The lead actors are brilliant and the initial episode clearly lays ground for twists and turns awaiting later on. Another masterpiece of story telling from Richard Gadd, and great acting from him and the other leads.”

Meanwhile, another person penned: “Absolutely loved it! So sad it’s only one episode a week in the UK! I’m not used to waiting,” while a third added: “First episode was absolutely mad!!!!! I can’t wait to keep watching.”

© BBC/Mam Tor Productions/Anne Binckebanck
Jamie Bell plays Niall

Critics were equally positive about the new show, with The Guardian penning: “Richard Gadd’s at it again. His unforgiving new drama tackles the damage men do to each other head on, by pulling out his insides and smearing them everywhere. Every man should watch this queasy masterpiece.”

Meanwhile, The Times added: “Richard Gadd’s BBC drama about the twisted bond between two men over 30 years may be violent, but its nihilism is mesmerising and powerful.”

© BBC/Mam Tor Productions/Anne Binckebanck
Lori (NEVE McINTOSH), Young Niall (MITCHELL ROBERTSON)

What is Half Man about?

The six-part limited series follows Niall and Ruben, two completely opposite men who become bound as brothers.

The synopsis reads: “One, fierce and loyal. The other, meek and mild-mannered. Inseparable youth. Brought into each other’s lives through death and circumstance, all they have is each other…

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Mam Tor Productions/Anne Binckebanck
As well as starring, Richard Gadd created, wrote, and executive produced in the upcoming series.

“But when Ruben turns up at Niall’s wedding three decades later, everything seems different. He is on edge. Shifty. Not acting like himself. And soon, an explosion of violence takes place which catapults us back through their lives, from the eighties to the present day.

“Capturing 30 years in the lives of these broken men, Half Man explores brotherhood, violence, and the intense fragility of male relationships. After all, when things fall apart… it is sometimes the closest relationships which break the hardest.”

Who stars in Half Man?

Richard and Jamie are joined by Mitchell Robertson (Curfew, Mayflies), Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, The Winter King), Neve McIntosh (Shetland, Chemistry of Death) and Marianne McIvor (Screw, The Nest).

© BBC/Mam Tor Productions/Anne Binckebanck
Viewers are itching to watch the next episode

 Half Man release schedule

Half Man is available to watch on the BBC in the UK and on HBO in the US, where the show is landing every Thursday at 9pm ET. The BBC iPlayer release schedule is as follows:

Episode 1 – available now
Episode 2 – lands 1 May 2026
Episode 3 – lands 8 May 2026
Episode 4 – lands 15 May 2026
Episode 5 – lands 22 May 2026
Episode 6 – lands 29 May 2026