The BBC’s new compelling drama, Half Man, is hitting our screens, and it is quickly becoming a must-watch. The show comes from Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and follows the fractured relationship between two men across 30 years. But a big part of why the show feels so real is down to where they filmed it.
We have put together this guide to all the filming locations used in Half Man.
Half Man Was Filmed in Glasgow and Surrounding Towns
Half Man is set in Scotland and was filmed entirely on location there. The show does not pretend to be somewhere else. The creators chose to film in the real streets of Glasgow and nearby towns. When you watch, you are seeing actual places.
Why Richard Gadd Chose Glasgow for Half Man
Glasgow is not just a backdrop for Half Man. The city changes over the years just like the characters do. Richard Gadd studied at the University of Glasgow for four years. He has strong memories of the city.
Gadd said, “Not only do I have fond memories of my time at university in Glasgow for four years, but I think it’s an amazing cultural city with a huge personality.” He added that Glasgow has become one of the UK’s most formidable cultural hubs. “It almost marries the change that you want to see in the characters across the show,” he explained.
Every Half Man Filming Location in Glasgow
The production used several real Glasgow landmarks. Look for the classic red sandstone tenement buildings in the West End. You might also see the Albert Bridge over the River Clyde near Glasgow Green. The Glasgow High Court building appears in some scenes. These are real, recognizable parts of the city.
The Coronation Restaurant in Glasgow’s Gallowgate is another key spot. It is a well known local restaurant where important scenes between the two leads were filmed. The restaurant sits near the famous Barrowlands market.
Half Man Filming Locations Outside Glasgow: Cumbernauld and Greenock
Filming was not limited to Glasgow city centre. The crew also worked in the nearby town of Cumbernauld. This place has a special connection to the cast. Actor Mitchell Robertson, who plays young Niall, grew up there. Scenes were also filmed in Gibshill, Greenock. These locations help show a wider picture of life in western Scotland.
The Challenge of Filming Half Man in a Scottish Summer
Shooting a show with many night scenes in Glasgow during summer was not easy. Executive producer Sophie Gardiner explained the problem. The sun does not set until 10 pm and rises again at 3:30 am. That left very few dark hours for night filming.
Gardiner said, “Possibly, for a show that has a lot of night exteriors, shooting in Glasgow in the summer is not great.” She added that the crew spent many early mornings in car parks. But she still praised the city. “It’s a really easy city to work in and actually to spend time in when you’re not from there. It’s a welcoming city.”
What Is Half Man About?
The story follows Ruben and Niall, two young men who become brothers in all but blood. Their relationship spans 30 years. The series jumps back and forth in time. It all leads to an explosion of violence when Ruben shows up at Niall’s wedding. The show then goes back to the 1980s to show what broke them apart. Richard Gadd plays the older Ruben. Jamie Bell plays the older Niall. Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson play their younger selves.
Where to Watch Half Man on BBC iPlayer and HBO Max
In the UK, Half Man streams on BBC iPlayer starting at 6 am on Friday, April 24, 2026. New episodes arrive every Friday. The show also airs on BBC One at 10:40 pm on Tuesday, April 28. In the US, the series premiered a day earlier on Thursday, April 23, on HBO and its streaming platform Max. New episodes follow weekly until the finale in late May.
Half Man uses its Scottish settings beautifully. The real streets of Glasgow, the town of Cumbernauld, and the coastal views of Greenock all add weight to the story. If you have ever visited Glasgow, you will recognize the places. If you have not, the show might make you want to go.
Courtesy: Radiotimes
