The BAFTA TV Awards 2025 lit up London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 11 with glitz, glam, and gut-wrenching performances that had the nation talking. Hosted with wit and flair by the charismatic Alan Cumming, the ceremony celebrated the very best in British television—and what a night it was!
From shows that shook the nation to performances that left us speechless, here’s a human-friendly dive into what went down at this year’s star-studded event.
🏆 Top Winners That Stole the Show
🔹 Mr Bates vs The Post Office – Truth Triumphs
The ITV drama walked away with the coveted Best Limited Drama award. The show stirred national outrage and empathy by dramatizing one of Britain’s biggest miscarriages of justice. Toby Jones' gripping portrayal was powerful enough to silence an entire room.
“This series gave a voice to the voiceless. We’re honored,” said the cast, visibly moved.
🔹 Baby Reindeer – Hauntingly Brilliant
Netflix’s psychological powerhouse didn’t disappoint either. Jessica Gunning won Best Supporting Actress for her chillingly real role that blurred the lines between victim and villain.
“It was terrifying, it was personal, and it was raw. I put my whole soul into it,” Gunning shared.
🔹 Mr Loverman – A Quiet Revolution
In a deeply touching moment, Ariyon Bakare won Best Supporting Actor for Mr Loverman, based on the acclaimed novel. His role as a closeted Caribbean man navigating love and identity in later life deeply resonated with the audience.
🌍 Celebrating Global Stories
British television stood shoulder to shoulder with the world:
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Shōgun (FX) earned the International Award—a cinematic, samurai-era saga that wowed critics and fans alike.
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Docuseries Say Nothing also made waves, reflecting TV’s power to dive deep into truth.
😂 Laughter, Legacy & Love
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Alma’s Not Normal brought the laughs and won Best Scripted Comedy—a working-class comedy with heart.
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Kirsty Wark received the BAFTA Fellowship, celebrating decades of broadcasting excellence.
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Lenny James (Mr Loverman) and Marisa Abela (Industry) took home Leading Actor and Leading Actress, both delivering performances that left us stunned and inspired.
🎬 Standout Moments of the Night
✨ Baby Reindeer’s raw honesty had viewers in tears.
✨ Shōgun’s win emphasized the rise of globally admired storytelling.
✨ Alan Cumming’s cheeky monologue poked fun at the BBC and streaming wars alike.
✨ A surprise standing ovation for postmaster campaigners brought a real-world touch to the glitz.
✨ Heartfelt tributes to TV legends lost this year reminded us of the legacy behind the lens.
🎥 BAFTA 2025 Winners: Quick Highlights
Category | Winner |
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Best Drama Series | Blue Lights |
Best Limited Drama | Mr Bates vs The Post Office |
Leading Actor | Lennie James – Mr Loverman |
Leading Actress | Marisa Abela – Industry |
Supporting Actor | Ariyon Bakare – Mr Loverman |
Supporting Actress | Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer |
Scripted Comedy | Alma’s Not Normal |
International Award | Shōgun |
BAFTA Fellowship | Kirsty Wark |
💬 Why It Matters
The BAFTAs remind us that television isn’t just entertainment—it’s storytelling that can spark change, challenge power, celebrate diversity, and heal hearts.
From bold dramas to unsung stories, BAFTA 2025 honored TV that mattered.