Half Man: First Look at HBO and BBC Drama About Two Glaswegian Brothers

HBO and the BBC have released the first look at Half Man, a six-episode drama created, written and executive produced by Richard Gadd. Starring Gadd opposite Jamie Bell, the series follows two Glaswegian brothers whose long-simmering violence erupts at a wedding and sends them spiraling back through four decades of their lives, from the 1980s to the present day. Filming recently wrapped in and around Glasgow, and Half Man is slated to premiere in 2026 on HBO Max in the United States, Latin America and Europe, alongside BBC platforms in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The series centers on Ruben and Niall, portrayed by Gadd and Bell, whose estranged bond becomes the catalyst for a sprawling, character-driven narrative. As the brothers oscillate between troubled adolescence and adulthood, the show promises a portrait of loyalty, rage, and reconciliation set against a rapidly changing city and world. The official synopsis emphasizes the highs and lows of their relationship, noting “all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.” The storytelling structure involves flashbacks that trace how the brothers’ bond evolves over time, offering a wide...