British television productions celebrated an extraordinary victory at the International Emmy Awards, claiming an impressive seven awards during a glittering ceremony in New York City on Monday, 24th November 2025. The UK's creative sector demonstrated its global appeal by winning top honours across multiple categories, including best drama, best comedy, and best mini-series.
Major Wins for Drama and Comedy
The award for best drama was presented to Rivals, the popular Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper's 1980s bonkbuster novels. Produced by ITV Studios' company Happy Prince, the series features an all-star cast including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Danny Dyer. Its success has been so significant that a second series is currently in production, scheduled for release in 2026.
In the comedy category, the BBC's Ludwig emerged victorious. The series stars David Mitchell in a dual role as a puzzle master who impersonates his missing police chief twin brother to solve crimes. When it aired a year ago, Ludwig became the BBC's most successful comedy-drama in over six years, captivating 10 million viewers. Filming for the highly anticipated second series is now underway.
A Standout Night for Anna Maxwell Martin
Actress Anna Maxwell Martin enjoyed a particularly triumphant evening, securing two International Emmy awards. She was recognised for her performance in the BBC's Ludwig and separately for her leading role in ITV's harrowing short series Until I Kill You. The latter is a true crime production based on Delia Balmer's book Living with a Serial Killer, in which Martin portrays a woman enduring horrific abuse while failing to receive protection from the system.
Critical Acclaim for Diverse UK Productions
The award for best movie or mini-seriesBBC Three's Lost Boys & Fairies. This critically acclaimed drama, set in Cardiff and featuring musical numbers, follows a gay couple navigating the adoption process. The series was praised for its emotional depth and for tackling complex themes such as trauma, drug abuse, and homophobia.
Other notable British wins included Fallen, which won best kids live-action show. This supernatural teen romance is an adaptation of Lauren Kate's 2009 novel.
In the current affairs category, Channel 4's Dispatches: Kill Zone: Inside Gaza received the Emmy. The documentary provided a raw and harrowing account of the Palestinian experience during the Israeli military's assault on Gaza, as witnessed by children, journalists, and doctors.
This remarkable haul of seven International Emmys underscores the continued strength and global impact of the British television industry, with public service broadcasters and streaming platforms alike producing world-class content that resonates with international audiences and critics.
