British television has cemented its global reputation with a stunning series of victories at the 2025 International Emmy Awards, held on Tuesday 25 November. The nation's creative industry was celebrated on the world stage, with major wins for the period drama Rivals and the BBC comedy Ludwig, alongside a powerful best actress performance by Anna Maxwell Martin.
Top Honours for British Drama and Comedy
The coveted award for Best Drama Series was secured by Disney+'s Rivals. Adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper's bestselling 'bonkbuster' novels, the show became an instant hit following its release in October 2024. It features an ensemble cast including David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, and Aidan Turner, and delves into the extravagant lives of wealthy media figures in the 1980s. The show's success was further highlighted by the announcement in August that Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell would join the cast for its second series.
In a complementary triumph, the Best Comedy award was bestowed upon the BBC's Ludwig. The series stars David Mitchell of Peep Show fame in a dual role, playing puzzle designer John 'Ludwig' Taylor and his missing twin brother, James. Anna Maxwell Martin also features as James's wife, Lucy Betts-Taylor, in the mystery-driven plot.
Celebrating Standout Performances and Documentaries
Anna Maxwell Martin's compelling performance was individually recognised, as she won the Emmy for Best Performance by an Actress. Her award was for her lead role in the ITV true crime mini-series Until I Kill You, a drama based on the autobiography of Delia Balmer, which recounts her harrowing relationship with a serial killer.
Further cementing the UK's success, BBC Two's Hell Jumper claimed the Best Documentary prize. The programme was recognised for its gripping first-person footage documenting a group of volunteers in Ukraine.
A Full Spectrum of British Victories
The winning streak for UK productions extended across several other categories, demonstrating the breadth and depth of British storytelling.
- Kids: Live-Action: The Apple TV series Fallen, a UK production following a 17-year-old girl in a rehab facility, won this category.
- TV Movie/Mini-Series: The BBC's Lost Boys and Fairies, which tells the poignant story of a gay couple's adoption journey, was the winner.
- Current Affairs: Channel 4's Dispatches: Kill Zone: Inside Gaza took home the award for its exploration of Palestinian lives during the sustained bombing after the October 7 attacks in 2023.
The complete list of winners showcases a diverse and powerful year for international television, with British creativity firmly at the forefront.
