The nominees for the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards were announced on March 27, 2025, showcasing a diverse array of talent and programming that reflects the best of British television. Leading the pack is Netflix's dark comedy series Baby Reindeer, which has garnered an impressive eight nominations, including a leading actor nod for its creator Richard Gadd, who portrays the traumatized comic Donny Dunn. The show has sparked considerable attention and controversy, with Gadd's character based on his own experiences of being stalked, prompting a real-life lawsuit from a woman claiming to be the inspiration for the character.
Following closely behind are several contenders with six nominations each, including ITV's hard-hitting drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which sheds light on the wrongful prosecutions of subpostmasters due to a faulty IT system, and Disney+'s high-camp drama Rivals, adapted from a novel by Dame Jilly Cooper. Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, featuring Oscar winner Gary Oldman, also joins the ranks with six nods.
In the comedy categories, Lolly Adefope, Kate O'Flynn, Anjana Vasan, and Sophie Willan have all been nominated for Female Performance in a Comedy, while Nabhaan Rizwan is up for Male Performance in a Comedy for his role in Kaos. The nominations reflect a wide range of comedic styles and narratives, showcasing the richness of the genre.
In addition to the individual performances, the Entertainment Performance category features popular names such as Graham Norton, Joe Lycett, Romesh Ranganathan, and Rob Beckett, alongside Ant & Dec and Claudia Winkleman. The nominations highlight the vibrant landscape of entertainment programming, with shows like Horrible Histories being recognized in both the Children's Scripted and Children's Craft Team categories.
Notably, Baby Reindeer also earned nominations for Jessica Gunning, who plays the stalker Martha, and Nava Mau, who portrays Teri, Donny's girlfriend. Both actresses are competing for the Supporting Actress award, showcasing the depth of talent within the show. The series is also nominated in the Limited Drama category, competing against One Day, Lost Boys and Fairies, and Mr Bates Vs the Post Office.
In the leading actress category, Monica Dolan is nominated for her role as Jo Hamilton in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which has drawn significant attention for its portrayal of the subpostmaster scandal that saw over 700 individuals wrongly prosecuted. Other nominees include Anna Maxwell Martin for Until I Kill You, Billie Piper for Scoop, and Marisa Abela for Industry.
As the excitement builds for the BAFTA Television Craft Awards, scheduled for April 27, 2025, and the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises on May 11, 2025, hosted by Alan Cumming, the nominations are a testament to the creativity and resilience of the television industry. Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, remarked, "2024 was a standout year for television, testified by the 134 brilliant programmes nominated by BAFTA members. The power of television to drive national conversation, to tap into the stories of public interest, and to inspire societal change, is second to none. And to do this through every genre is even more impressive."
In a surprising turn, Strictly Come Dancing has failed to receive an expert BAFTA nomination for the first time in its history, despite being a mainstay since its debut in 2004. The show, which has won multiple awards in the past, is still in contention for the Memorable Moment Award, decided by public vote. This year, the show has faced scrutiny, including allegations against pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, who has since quit the show after years of participation.
As the nominations reflect a mix of established favorites and fresh talent, the BAFTA TV Awards promise to be a celebration of the diverse narratives that have captivated audiences over the past year. With a wide range of genres and innovative storytelling, viewers can expect a thrilling ceremony that highlights the best of British television.
