Awards season may technically calm down after the Oscars, but TV fans know the BAFTA Television Awards always bring the drama, the emotional speeches, and at least one moment that has the internet collectively yelling, “Wait, WHAT just happened?” And yep, the 2026 ceremony is almost here.
This year’s BAFTA TV Awards are airing on Sunday, May 10, 2026, live from London’s Royal Festival Hall. UK viewers are completely set thanks to the BBC carrying the ceremony live. For fans in the United States, though? Things are a little more complicated. It seems like American viewers are getting more of a highlights-and-red-carpet situation this year rather than full live coverage.
Still, there’s a lot to be excited about heading into one of television’s biggest nights.
What Time Do the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards Start?
The 2026 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises will broadcast at 7:00pm BST on Sunday, May 10 via BBC One and BBC iPlayer. That translates to 2:00pm ET and 11:00am PT in the United States.
The ceremony will once again take place at London’s Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall, which honestly feels like the perfect backdrop for an event that somehow manages to be classy, chaotic, emotional, and meme-worthy all at once.
This year’s host is Greg Davies, best known by many fans as the towering and hilariously intimidating face of “Taskmaster.” Davies is taking over hosting duties after Alan Cumming hosted the ceremony in 2025.
And let’s be real: Greg Davies hosting an awards show feels like a recipe for absolute comedic gold. The man can roast contestants over the smallest thing for an entire season of “Taskmaster,” so viewers are probably in for some wonderfully awkward celebrity moments in the best way possible.
Can You Stream the BAFTA TV Awards in the United States?
Here’s where things get a little messy.
Back in 2024, BritBox announced a deal involving both the Film BAFTAs and the TV BAFTAs that would carry through 2025, per Variety. This gave U.S. viewers a much easier way to watch the ceremonies. Earlier this year, the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards also partnered with E! for American coverage.
But as of now, there has been no official announcement confirming that the full 2026 BAFTA TV Awards ceremony will stream in the U.S. after it airs.
So unfortunately, American fans may need to avoid spoilers on social media if they’re hoping a streaming option pops up later. And considering how quickly award show moments spread online now, that is definitely easier said than done.
The good news? The official BAFTA YouTube channel is expected to provide red carpet coverage, interviews, and highlights from the ceremony.
Honestly, the BAFTA red carpet alone is usually worth tuning in for. British television stars tend to bring a very different energy compared to Hollywood awards shows. It’s a little more relaxed, a little more chaotic, and sometimes delightfully self-aware. Basically, the vibes are strong.
What Categories Are Included This Year?
The 2026 BAFTA TV Awards are celebrating everything from scripted dramas to reality television to live event coverage. This year’s categories include:
- Actor in a Comedy
- Actress in a Comedy
- Children’s: Non-Scripted
- Children’s: Scripted
- Current Affairs
- Daytime
- Drama Series
- Limited Drama
- Entertainment
- Entertainment Performance
- Factual Entertainment
- Factual Series
- Fellowship
- International
- Leading Actor
- Leading Actress
- Live Event Coverage
- News Coverage
- P&O Cruises Memorable Moment
- Reality
- Scripted Comedy
- Short Form
- Single Documentary
- Soap
- Special Award
- Specialist Factual
- Sports Coverage
- Supporting Actor
- Supporting Actress
It’s a stacked lineup that really highlights how wide the television landscape has become lately. Prestige dramas are obviously going to grab headlines, but the reality and entertainment categories are often where some of the most passionate fan reactions happen online. Never underestimate TV fans defending their favorites. Never.
The P&O Cruises Memorable Moment category is also returning this year, and that one always sparks debate because it was voted on by the public.
Why This Year’s Ceremony Feels Especially Fun
It seems like the BAFTA TV Awards continue to grow in global popularity every year, especially as British television keeps dominating streaming conversations worldwide. Between breakout dramas, sharp comedies, and reality shows that somehow become instant internet obsessions, UK television has had a massive impact far beyond Britain.
Simone Pennant is receiving the Special Award this year. Plus, performances from Cat Burns and AURORA have already been announced.
So even if U.S. viewers are stuck piecing together clips and highlights for now, there’s still plenty to look forward to.
And honestly? Award shows are always more fun when social media turns into a live group chat anyway.
