10 British Shows You Have to Watch
6. Broadchurch
This gripping crime series follows the death of a young boy in a sleepy seaside town. As the residents reel from this tragedy, the hunt for the murderer begins, and inevitably gossip and speculation rolls into town like a dense coastal fog.
David Tennant is grand as the moody detective, while Olivia Colman brings some much needed humanity and warmth to the team. What occurred after it’s debut in the UK was a near nationwide shutdown every time an episode aired, with drove of people glued to their TV screens to see the outcome.
Seriously, watch it. Catch Broadchurch on Netflix.
7. Luther
Starring the incomparable Idris Elba, Luther is centred on titular character John Luther, a London based chief inspector.
From episode one you begin to build a profile of John, but prepare to be bowled over. What follows in the following four seasons delivers psychological twists and turns, gritty murders, and a stunning portrait of modern day London.
Be warned though, this series is not for the faint hearted.
Luther is currently available on Netflix.
8. Peep Show
Peep Show follows the dysfunctional lives and relationship between Mark, a gloomy and cynical loan manager, and his slacker roommate Jez. The two characters are written to perfection and possess a comedic balance from the off, one that most shows only achieve after years of fine tuning.
The writing is razor sharp, but the pinnacle is the format; each show is filmed in POV with Jez and Mark providing the hilarious voiceover and channeling their innermost thoughts. You’ll be crying with laughter and cringing yourself silly.
You can check out Peep Show on Hulu.
9. Sherlock
Sherlock is one show to come from the UK and simply blow the world over. Despite this, I still feel that it’s status as television gold is still yet to be solidified overseas.
Steven Moffat, (showrunner for Doctor Who) and Mark Gatiss are at the helm of this modern day adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. The complex story arcs, impeccable writing, cinematography, and staggering acting by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman renders Sherlock simply one of the greatest TV shows ever.
You can stream Sherlock on Netflix.
10. Absolutely Fabulous
Absolutely Fabulous follows the hedonistic, champagne-quaffing lives of Eddie (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley). Occasionally they dabble in PR and fashion, but they seem to spend all their time behaving like unruly teenagers.
Through a haze of Bollinger and cigarette smoke, the show established the formula for every “bad girl” comedy since its conception. Absolutely Fabulous is not just impeccably written, but showcases the very best in British female comedic performance.
You can check out Absolutely Fabulous on Netflix, Hulu or Britbox.
Do you agree with our list? What are some of your favorite British shows? Sound off in the comments below.
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Sam Wilkinson
Sam Wilkinson is a resident of London who studied English Literature at Portsmouth University. He works as an assistant producer and researcher at an animation studio in East London, sometimes watching Netflix in the corner of his screen (whoops). While he’s an avid Doctor Who, Stranger Things, and House of Cards fan, new drama is his bread and butter. Ben and Jerry are currently his bingeing companions of choice.