Richard Gadd, the Scottish mastermind behind Baby Reindeer, is back with Half Man, a six-episode BBC drama that looks like it’s ready to serve some serious emotional tension. If you thought Gadd’s previous role as Donny Dunn (aka the stalker-baiting, tea-serving legend) was intense, then strap in—Half Man is going to hit different.
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Old Friends, New Tensions
The series, set to air on BBC iPlayer from April 24, 2026, follows the tumultuous reunion of two childhood friends, Ruben (played by Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell), whose bond is tested by 30 years of unresolved tension and violence. But here’s the kicker: this reunion isn’t just awkward—it’s explosive, culminating in a showdown at Niall’s wedding. Oh, and did we mention that Gadd is looking unreal in the trailer? Shirtless, sweat-soaked, and definitely not the mild-mannered guy we saw in Baby Reindeer.
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Forget the usual rom-com fluff. This isn’t about a meet-cute at a coffee shop. Half Man is about the messier, grittier parts of male relationships—the ones that linger like that awkward ex at your best friend’s wedding. The trailer reveals how Ruben and Niall’s friendship has evolved (or imploded, if you will) over the years, with Gadd going full force in his role as the emotionally complex Ruben. Think of it as The Godfather, but make it emotional trauma, and add a bit of muscle for good measure.
A Cast Worth Watching
And it’s not just Gadd bringing the heat. The cast is stacked. We’ve got Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell playing the younger versions of Niall and Ruben, respectively, giving us a peek into their pasts—when things were maybe a little less complicated, but definitely not without their own share of drama. Neve McIntosh plays Niall’s mother, Lori, while Marianne McIvor steps in as Ruben’s mom, Maura. Because, let’s be real, every complicated male friendship needs a couple of well-meaning moms to stir the pot.
Grit, Muscles, and Raw Emotion
What we’re really loving here, though, is the rawness of it all. Gadd isn’t just flexing his muscles for the camera (though, yes, we’re very much here for that); he’s also flexing his acting chops, showing us just how far he’s willing to go for a role. The physical transformation—shirtless scenes, intense confrontations—isn’t just eye-candy (though, sure, it’s that too)—it’s a symbol of the emotional transformation Ruben is going through as he faces the wreckage of his past.
Gadd’s Next Big Hit?
After Baby Reindeer—which, let’s not forget, won Gadd three Primetime Emmys for his writing, producing, and acting chops—Half Man is set to be yet another notch in his belt. Filmed around Glasgow, the series taps into a raw, gritty energy that feels as heavy as it does real. And with a supporting cast that includes Charlie De Melo, Bilal Hasna, Amy Manson, and Anjli Mohindra, we’re all in for an emotional rollercoaster that’s going to make us laugh, cry, and maybe even clutch our pearls.
So, if you’re in the mood for a drama that’s as intense as your last breakup (but with fewer tears, more intense stare-downs, and a whole lot more muscle), Half Man is your new obsession. It’s deep. It’s messy. It’s the kind of television you’ll talk about at brunch, and we can’t wait for it.
Do you think Half Man will be as good as Baby Reindeer? Let us know in the comments.
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