Bafta unveils International TV category rule changes

Bafta has altered the rules for its International TV category, noting the growth of co-productions and its growing membership outside the UK.

For the first time, all Bafta Television voters will pick the nominations and winners in the International category, rather than a jury system for the second and third rounds of voting.

The arts charity said it is making the change “as part of our commitment to greater member engagement across the TV Awards and in recognition of our global membership”.

It added the move would strengthen the category and “ensure the very best international programmes get the recognition they deserve”.

Hulu/Disney+ drama Shogun won the international gong in May, beating off stiff competition including HBO’s True Detective: Night Country and BBC2 acquisition Colin From Accounts, while the winner in 2024 was Class Act from Netflix, which pipped US titans Succession and The Bear to top spot.

Bafta is also changing the rules around the make-up of the teams behind the shows, adding that it “recognises the increasing trend of international co-productions in our craft TV categories”.

For team submissions with at least five candidates, Bafta is now allowing one exemption for a senior team member who might not be UK-eligible – as long as 80% of the team are UK-eligible and there is a clear reason for the exemption.

“This reflects how our industry works today, while maintaining our commitment to celebrating UK talent and craft,” the organisation said.

The changes were revealed as Bafta opened nominations for its TV and Craft awards, which take place 10 May and 26 April 2026, respectively.

Hilary Rosen, chair of Bafta’s Television committee, said: “In a year when we saw that TV still has the power to spark national debate and where we honoured the exceptional creativity and craft of British and international TV, I’m delighted to open entries again for Britain’s biggest celebration of the small screen.

“This year, the most notable change to the rulebook is the International category, which will now be determined by our 6,000-strong TV voting membership. Awarding creative excellence and inspiring future talent is central to BAFTA’s mission, so we look forward to commemorating the achievements of the exceptional people who bring TV to life on and off-screen next Spring.”

The 2026 awards will showcase programmes broadcast in the UK between 1 January – 31 December 2025.

Fable Pictures’ Mr Loverman was the stand-out winner at this year’s Bafta TV Awards, while Baby Reindeer, Rivals and Slow Horses won multiple gongs in the Craft Awards.