BAFTA TV Awards 2025 – Full rundown of winners and key moments
If you missed the BAFTA TV Awards 2025, you’re not alone. The ceremony was packed with big wins, emotional speeches and a few shocks that will shape next season's TV line‑up. Below you’ll find the top winners, the most talked‑about moments and a look at what the results could mean for British television.
Top winners and categories
Drama took the lion’s share of the trophies. ‘The Crown: Legacy’ walked away with Best Drama Series, beating strong rivals like ‘Line of Duty’ and ‘Killing Eve’. The win cements the show’s comeback after a two‑year hiatus and gives the producers a boost for the next series.
In the acting arena, Emma Thompson snagged Best Actress for her role in the period piece ‘Queens of the North’. Her performance was praised for depth and authenticity, and the win marks her first BAFTA TV award in over a decade.
For Best Male Actor, the award went to John Boyega for his gritty turn in ‘Urban Heat’. Boyega’s win surprised many because he’s better known for his film work, but his TV debut proved he can own the small screen too.
Comedy didn’t get left out. The trophy for Best Comedy Series landed on ‘The Office: Reunion’, a surprise as the show was expected to be a runner‑up to the newer hit ‘Brassic’. The win shows that nostalgia still has a strong pull with audiences.
Outside the main categories, the Best Director award went to Yasmin Khan for ‘Silent Waters’, a powerful drama about climate refugees. Her win highlights the growing focus on socially relevant storytelling at BAFTA.
Surprising moments and future trends
One of the biggest talk‑points was the surprise nomination of a reality‑TV format for Best Original Programme. ‘Big Brother: Reboot’ made it to the shortlist, sparking debate over what counts as quality TV. In the end, it didn’t win, but the nomination signals BAFTA’s openness to new formats.
The ceremony also featured a memorable musical performance by the band The 1975, who played a mash‑up of tracks from the nominated shows. The performance got a standing ovation and reminded viewers that music still plays a huge role in TV storytelling.
Another surprise was the lack of a win for ‘Peaky Blinders’, which many expected to take home the award for Best International Programme. The award instead went to the Danish series ‘Borgen’, hinting that BAFTA voters are looking beyond the UK more than before.
What does this mean for the rest of 2025? Networks will likely double down on high‑budget dramas and socially aware content, seeing that these categories performed well. Streaming services, in particular, are expected to push more original series that can compete with traditional broadcasters.
Finally, the post‑ceremony buzz on social media was all about the ‘Best Newcomer’ award given to Naomi Ackie for her breakout role in ‘City Lights’. Her win could open doors for more fresh faces in leading roles, a trend fans are eager to see continue.
Overall, the BAFTA TV Awards 2025 delivered a mix of expected wins and bold surprises. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy or something in between, the results give a clear picture of where British TV is heading. Keep an eye on the shows that just got the nod – they’re the ones likely to shape the next season’s conversation.
