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Oct 26, 2023 · There's a whole world of television out there that touches on everything from Queen Elizabeth's early reign to time-traveling lovers, so here's a list of some of the best British TV shows...
- Planet Earth. According to NME, "Planet Earth" is one of the most expensive nature documentaries ever commissioned by the BBC. This lavish budget is apparent in every frame: "Planet Earth" is absolutely gorgeous.
- Fawlty Towers. After John Cleese left "Monty Python's Flying Circus," his next project was "Fawlty Towers." Created and written by Cleese and Connie Booth, the show, which was first broadcast in 1975, is set in a fictional Torquay hotel run by Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil.
- The Office. "The Office" is the brainchild of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Gervais stars as David Brent, the incompetent manager of a fictional paper company.
- Doctor Who. "Doctor Who" first appeared on television screens in 1963. In the years since, it's featured a huge variety of storylines, themes, sci-fi conceits, and actors, and become a genuine phenomenon.
- Best British Crime Dramas
- Best British Sci-Fi and Fantasy Shows
- Best British Period Dramas
- Best British Sitcoms
Killing Eve
Seasons: 3 (2018-present) Where to stream: Hulu This supremely addictive crime thriller, produced by BBC America, stars Sandra Oh as an intelligence agent obsessed with female serial killers. She meets her match in the mysterious Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer, and their cat-and-mouse game quickly turns into something very twisted and very personal. Smart, funny and violent, each season of Killing Eve is helmed by an exciting female filmmaker, including Fleabag'sPhoebe Waller-Bridge (see b...
Luther
Seasons: 5 (2010-2019) Where to stream: HBO Max The world’s no. 1 crushIdris Elba stars as John Lucas, an obsessive and hot-tempered police detective who lives dangerously close to the edge. Bloody, tragic and riveting, Luther features an unforgettable love-hate interest in Ruth Wilson’s charming psychopath Alice Morgan.
Prime Suspect
Seasons: 7 (1991-2006) Where to stream: Hulu, BritBox In the years leading up to her first Oscar nomination, Dame Helen Mirren won three BAFTA awards for her now-iconic performance as the tough, brilliant Jane Tennison on Prime Suspect. At the beginning of the long-runningshow, Tennison is trying to prove herself as one of London’s first female detective chief inspectors; in later years, the character falls into alcoholism and personal crises, but never loses her edge. Related: OutlanderStars...
Doctor Who
Seasons: 13 (2005-present) Where to stream: HBO Max Few shows have as much as history as the BBC’s seminal sci-fi series (which first premiered in 1963), but don’t let that scare you. Rebooted in 2005, the saga of a mysterious time traveler known only as The Doctor is an irresistible adventure, pivoting effortlessly between past and future, sci-fi and fantasy, mystery and romance. A new storyline begins whenever the title role is recast, so beginners can jump in at season 1 (Christopher Eccle...
Black Mirror
Seasons: 5 and a film (2011-present) Where to stream: Netflix At its best, this twisty sci-fi anthology series is chilling, thought-provoking and inventive. At its worst, it’s downright sadistic. Still, the very best episodes are essential viewing. Start with numbers 1-4, skip the interactive movie, and don’t miss “San Junipero” or “USS Callister.”
Good Omens
Seasons: 1 (2019-present) Where to stream: Amazon Prime Based on the 1990 bestseller by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, this irreverent fantasy epic tells the time-and-dimension-hopping story of an angel (Michael Sheen) and a demon (David Tennant) who team up to try and prevent the apocalypse. Related: Best TV Shows of All Time
Poldark
Seasons: 5 (2015-2019) Where to stream: Amazon Prime Romance and melodrama abound in this rousing 18th century tale. Englishman Ross Poldark (dreamboat Aiden Turner) returns from fighting in the American Revolutionary War to find his family in ruins and the woman he loves engaged to another man. Can Poldark restore his family’s estate and learn to love again? Can he take off his shirt a lot in the process? We bet you know the answer.
Downton Abbey
Seasons: 6 (2010-2015) Where to stream: Amazon Prime, Britbox Unless you’ve been living in a hole in the ground, you’re familiar with the international sensation that is Downton Abbey. (Even if you have been living in a hole in the ground, you’ve probably heard at least one earthworm attempt a Lady Grantham impression.) Whether you’re new to Julian Fellowes’ addictive turn-of-the-century drama or you’ve watched it so much that you’re practically a member of the Crawley family, now is the perf...
Upstairs Downstairs
Seasons: 5 (1971-1975) Where to stream: BritBox Done with Downton? Step back in time and watch the show that inspired it. Co-created by star Jean Marsh (who plays the head house parlor maid), Upstairs Downstairs chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Bellamy family and their servants between the years 1903 and 1930. Despite its lean production values (the first several episodes were shot in black and white), the ‘70s hit remains a highly enjoyable drama with a stellar cast. (And if you do w...
Seasons: 2 (2016-2019) Where to stream: Amazon Prime If you’re not yet aboard the Phoebe Waller-Bridge train, start here. The actress, writer and fashion icon broke out with this tour-de-force black comedy, about a witty London woman barreling through life after the sudden death of her best friend. Season 1 is shocking and hilarious, but the second (the “hot priest” season) cemented Fleabag as an instant classic. Related: Fleabagat 50: Phoebe Waller-Bridge Says She Wouldn't Mind Revisiting th...
The Office
Seasons: 2 plus a Christmas special (2001-2003) Where to stream: Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, BritBox You’ve watched theAmerican show a million times. Do you really need to see the original? Why yes, yes you do. Ricky Gervais’workplace comedy is leaner and meaner than the long-running NBC adaptation, telling its timeless boss-from-hell story in just 13 perfect episodes.
The Vicar of Dibley
Seasons: 3 plus assorted specials (1994-2007) Where to stream: BritBox Created by quintessential British rom-com writer Richard Curtis (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Love Actually),The Vicar of Dibley stars comedy legend Dawn French as the first female priest assigned to a provincial village church. The cast of quirky characters is wonderful, but it’s French’s kindhearted performance and comic timing that elevate this one to a classic.
Jul 1, 2024 · Our list of 35 of the best British TV shows includes hits like Baby Reindeer and new dramas like Industry streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, & Max.
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Feb 24, 2023 · Here are 50 of the best British TV shows to watch, for fans of Bridgerton, The Crown, and anyone hoping to channel their inner Kate Middleton.
Aug 6, 2024 · From period pieces like 'The Crown' and 'Peaky Blinders' to modern romances like 'Heartstopper,' here are the 23 best British shows on Netflix right now.
Mar 30, 2020 · From fourth-wall-breaking comedies to police procedurals, GamesRadar+ ranks the best British shows
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