Record-breaking Bafta haul 'absolutely magical'

The head of the production company behind Netflix drama Adolescence has described the show's record Bafta TV awards haul as "absolutely magical".

The hard-hitting show was named best limited series as well as picking up awards for its stars Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and Christine Tremarco.

The latest success marks a remarkable year for the four-part show, having also claimed eight Emmys and four Golden Globes.

Mark Herbert, CEO of Sheffield-based Warp Films, said he hoped the show's success could inspire the next generation of filmmakers, adding: "You don't have to be posh or privileged, if you work hard and you work with good people, I think anything can be done."

Adolescence tells the story of a 13-year-old boy, played by Cooper, accused of murdering a female classmate.

It has received widespread praise for shining a light on the impact of smartphones and social media on teenagers.

After scooping honour after honour since its release in March 2025, Sunday's Bafta TV ceremony marked the last event of the awards season, leaving Herbert feeling wistful.

"We were all really happy, but it's a bit like a wrap party," he said.

"You know that that's kind of it and you're not going to have this journey, you're not going to see these people for a while, but we've become such a close family."

He said, despite breaking the record for the most wins at the Bafta TV Awards in a single year, the highlight of the night had been seeing Stephen Graham win his first Bafta, after seven previous nominations.

"We just all wanted it so much for Stephen and then when he won, it was just like the icing on the cake," he said.

Herbert said he was now ready to get back home to South Yorkshire.

"I think it'll process in a couple of days," he admitted.

"When I get back to Sheffield and see my mates in Fagans, and my wife and my family, that'll be when it sinks in.

"What I hope this does is give people in Sheffield, the next generation of filmmakers, the confidence to give it a go.

"You don't have to be in London, you don't have to be posh and privileged, it's hard in this industry, but if you work hard and you work with good people, I think anything can be done."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North