“Adolescence,” the acclaimed Netflix series, has garnered significant recognition ahead of the Royal Television Society (RTS) Program Awards 2026, leading all contenders with a remarkable six nominations. This achievement solidifies its standing as a critical darling, following its impressive eight Emmy wins last year. The nominations span various categories, highlighting the show's strong performances, including nods for actors Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty. The BBC, a powerhouse in British broadcasting, leads the overall nominations with an impressive 47, demonstrating its continued dominance, particularly in the comedy genre. The awards promise to be a celebration of outstanding television, honoring talent across a diverse range of programs and platforms.

“Adolescence” Shines Brightest at Royal Television Society Program Awards 2026

On March 10, 2026, the Royal Television Society (RTS) unveiled the comprehensive list of nominees for its prestigious Program Awards, an event proudly partnered with Cast & Crew. The ceremony, slated for March 24, 2026, will be masterfully hosted by the celebrated comedian and presenter, Tom Allen, promising an evening of wit and recognition. Among the diverse array of television programs vying for accolades across 29 competitive categories, Netflix's compelling series, "Adolescence," emerged as the frontrunner, securing an impressive six nominations. This includes individual acting honors for its talented cast members, Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty, underscoring the depth of talent within the production.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) demonstrated its formidable presence in the television landscape, accumulating a grand total of 47 nominations. The broadcaster's comedic offerings particularly captivated the judges, with all four nominations in the scripted comedy category going to BBC productions: "Here We Go," "Such Brave Girls," "How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)," and "Things You Should Have Done." Beyond comedy, other noteworthy series also received significant attention. Apple TV+'s acclaimed drama "Slow Horses," Channel 4's popular "Big Boys," and ITV's intriguing "Code of Silence" each secured three nominations in various scripted categories, signaling a vibrant and competitive year for British television.

In addition to its ensemble recognition, Erin Doherty, a standout from "Adolescence," also received a nomination for her performance in Disney+'s "A Thousand Blows." She joins a strong field of contenders in the leading actress category, including Aimee Lou Wood from "Toxic Town" and Saskia Reeves from "Slow Horses." The leading male actor category features Anthony Boyle for "House of Guinness" and Bobby Schofield, co-starring with Friel in another production.

The newly expanded Entertainment and Reality category sees popular shows like "Race Across the World" and "The Celebrity Traitors," both from Studio Lambert for the BBC, along with E4's "Married at First Sight UK," competing for top honors. Claudia Winkleman, host of "The Celebrity Traitors," also earned a well-deserved nod for entertainment performance. The RTS's esteemed Breakthrough Award, which acknowledges emerging on-screen talent, recognized Ellis Howard for "What It Feels Like for a Girl," Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie for "Just Act Normal," Maximilian Fairley for "Unforgotten," and Owen Cooper for his compelling work in "Adolescence."

This year's RTS Program Awards nominations reflect a rich tapestry of creativity and talent across the United Kingdom's television industry, promising a captivating ceremony that celebrates the best of British broadcasting.

The robust list of nominations for the RTS Program Awards underscores the dynamic and high-quality programming currently enriching the television landscape. The widespread recognition of diverse shows, from compelling dramas to engaging comedies and insightful documentaries, highlights the industry's commitment to storytelling excellence. It's particularly encouraging to see both established broadcasters like the BBC and newer platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+ being celebrated, indicating a healthy competitive environment that ultimately benefits viewers. The awards not only honor the hard work of creatives and performers but also serve as a vital platform for showcasing innovative content and inspiring future generations of television professionals. This event reinforces the cultural significance of television and its enduring power to entertain, inform, and move audiences.