Our team compiled the best British TV shows and here is what they came up with
British television has come a long way since the 1990s, with TV shows becoming increasingly popular with both viewers and critics alike. From the long-running, much-loved soap operas to comedy panel shows and crime dramas, British TV has provided us with some of the most memorable moments in television history.
Here are the 28 best British TV shows to check out on the streaming service.
1. EastEnders (1985)
EastEnders is a British soap opera that has been running since 1985. It has become one of the most popular and longest-running British TV shows of all time, and follows the lives of the residents of the fictional East London borough of Walford. It is known for its dramatic storylines, and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of working-class life. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 1985 Actors Starring: June Brown, Adam Woodyatt, Danny Dyer, Jessie Wallace, and many more. Why Appreciated: EastEnders has been praised for its realistic and gripping storylines, as well as its exploration of social issues such as racism and domestic violence.
2. Doctor Who (1963)
Doctor Who is a science fiction television show that follows the adventures of a Time Lord known as ‘The Doctor’. The show has been running since 1963, making it one of the oldest and longest-running British TV shows. It follows the Doctor as he travels through time and space, encountering various aliens and monsters along the way. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 1963 Actors Starring: Jodie Whittaker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, and many more. Why Appreciated: Doctor Who has been praised for its mix of science fiction, action, and comedy, as well as its exploration of themes of morality and social justice.
3. Top Gear (2002)
Top Gear is a British motoring show that has been running since 2002. It follows the adventures of presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they test and review the latest cars. The show often features celebrity guests and is known for its light-hearted approach and humorous banter. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2002 Actors Starring: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May, and many more. Why Appreciated: Top Gear has become one of the most popular and successful British TV shows of all time, and has been praised for its mix of humor and motoring knowledge.
4. The Office (2001)
The Office is a British sitcom that ran from 2001 to 2003. It follows the daily lives of the employees of the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company in Slough, England. It is known for its cringe-worthy humor and its realistic portrayal of office life. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2001 Actors Starring: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, and many more. Why Appreciated: The Office has been praised for its original and innovative style of comedy, as well as its exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and ambition.
5. Sherlock (2010)
Sherlock is a British crime drama that has been running since 2010. It follows the adventures of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) and his partner Dr. John Watson (played by Martin Freeman) as they solve various mysterious cases. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2010 Actors Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss, and many more. Why Appreciated: Sherlock has been praised for its thrilling plots, as well as its exploration of modern-day crime and the use of technology in solving cases.
6. Broadchurch (2013)
Broadchurch is a British crime drama that ran from 2013 to 2017. It follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town in Dorset, England. The show is known for its gripping storylines and its exploration of themes such as grief and justice. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2013 Actors Starring: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, and many more. Why Appreciated: Broadchurch has been praised for its realistic and gripping storylines, as well as its exploration of themes such as grief and justice.
7. Peaky Blinders (2013)
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama that has been running since 2013. It follows the adventures of the Shelby family, a gang of criminals living in Birmingham, England in the early 20th century. The show has been praised for its stylish visuals and its exploration of themes such as loyalty and justice. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2013 Actors Starring: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, and many more. Why Appreciated: Peaky Blinders has been praised for its stylish visuals, as well as its exploration of themes such as loyalty and justice.
8. Downton Abbey (2010)
Downton Abbey is a British period drama that ran from 2010 to 2015. It follows the lives of the wealthy Crawley family and their servants in a large country house in Yorkshire, England in the early 20th century. The show is known for its stunning period costumes and its exploration of social issues such as class and gender. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2010 Actors Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, and many more. Why Appreciated: Downton Abbey has been praised for its stunning period costumes and its exploration of social issues such as class and gender.
9. Blackadder (1983)
Blackadder is a British sitcom that ran from 1983 to 1989. It follows the adventures of Edmund Blackadder, a scheming and cunning nobleman, as he attempts to outwit his enemies and gain power. The show is known for its sharp wit and its exploration of themes such as power and ambition. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 1983 Actors Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, and many more. Why Appreciated: Blackadder has been praised for its sharp wit and its exploration of themes such as power and ambition.
10. The IT Crowd (2006)
The IT Crowd is a British sitcom that ran from 2006 to 2013. It follows the adventures of the IT department of the fictional Reynholm Industries. It is known for its quirky humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and technology. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2006 Actors Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, and many more. Why Appreciated: The IT Crowd has been praised for its quirky humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and technology.
11. Misfits (2009)
Misfits is a British supernatural drama that ran from 2009 to 2013. It follows the adventures of a group of teenage delinquents who gain superpowers after being struck by a mysterious lightning storm. The show is known for its dark humor and its exploration of themes such as responsibility and morality. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2009 Actors Starring: Robert Sheehan, Iwan Rheon, Joe Gilgun, and many more. Why Appreciated: Misfits has been praised for its dark humor and its exploration of themes such as responsibility and morality.
12. Luther (2010)
Luther is a British crime drama that has been running since 2010. It follows DCI John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective, as he solves complex and disturbing cases in London. The show is known for its intense storylines and its exploration of themes such as justice and morality. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2010 Actors Starring: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Warren Brown, and many more. Why Appreciated: Luther has been praised for its intense storylines and its exploration of themes such as justice and morality.
13. The Great British Bake Off (2010)
The Great British Bake Off is a British cooking show that has been running since 2010. It follows amateur bakers as they compete to be crowned the UK’s best amateur baker. The show has been praised for its light-hearted approach and its celebration of baking. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2010 Actors Starring: Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc, and many more. Why Appreciated: The Great British Bake Off has been praised for its light-hearted approach and its celebration of baking.
14. Miranda (2009)
Miranda is a British sitcom that ran from 2009 to 2015. It follows the adventures of Miranda, a clumsy and awkward woman trying to navigate her way through life. The show is known for its witty humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and relationships. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2009 Actors Starring: Miranda Hart, Tom Ellis, Patricia Hodge, and many more. Why Appreciated: Miranda has been praised for its witty humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and relationships.
15. Outnumbered (2007)
Outnumbered is a British sitcom that ran from 2007 to 2014. It follows the daily lives of the Brockman family and their three young children. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of family life and its exploration of themes such as parenting and growing up. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2007 Actors Starring: Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, Tyger Drew-Honey, and many more. Why Appreciated: Outnumbered has been praised for its realistic portrayal of family life and its exploration of themes such as parenting and growing up.
16. The Inbetweeners (2008)
The Inbetweeners is a British sitcom that ran from 2008 to 2010. It follows the adventures of four teenage boys as they navigate their way through school, social events, and relationships. The show is known for its crude humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and growing up. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2008 Actors Starring: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, and many more. Why Appreciated: The Inbetweeners has been praised for its crude humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and growing up.
17. Line of Duty (2012)
Line of Duty is a British crime drama that has been running since 2012. It follows the investigations of AC-12, an anti-corruption unit within the police force. The show is known for its intense storylines and its exploration of themes such as justice and morality. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2012 Actors Starring: Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar, and many more. Why Appreciated: Line of Duty has been praised for its intense storylines and its exploration of themes such as justice and morality.
18. Father Ted (1995)
Father Ted is a British sitcom that ran from 1995 to 1998. It follows the misadventures of three Catholic priests living on the fictional Craggy Island, Ireland. The show is known for its absurd humor and its exploration of themes such as faith and friendship. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 1995 Actors Starring: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Pauline McLynn, and many more. Why Appreciated: Father Ted has been praised for its absurd humor and its exploration of themes such as faith and friendship.
19. Gavin & Stacey (2007)
Gavin & Stacey is a British sitcom that ran from 2007 to 2010. It follows the long-distance relationship of Gavin and Stacey, two people from different parts of England. The show is known for its heartwarming humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and family. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2007 Actors Starring: Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, James Corden, and many more. Why Appreciated: Gavin & Stacey has been praised for its heartwarming humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and family.
20. The Thick of It (2005)
The Thick of It is a British political satire that ran from 2005 to 2012. It follows the misadventures of the fictional British government department known as the ‘Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship’. The show is known for its biting satire and its exploration of themes such as power and politics. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2005 Actors Starring: Peter Capaldi, Rebecca Front, Chris Addison, and many more. Why Appreciated: The Thick of It has been praised for its biting satire and its exploration of themes such as power and politics.
21. Life on Mars (2006)
Life on Mars is a British science fiction drama that ran from 2006 to 2007. It follows the adventures of Sam Tyler, a police officer from the present day who finds himself in the 1970s after being involved in a car accident. The show is known for its exploration of themes such as time travel and identity. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2006 Actors Starring: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, and many more. Why Appreciated: Life on Mars has been praised for its exploration of themes such as time travel and identity.
22. Black Mirror (2011)
Black Mirror is a British science fiction anthology series that has been running since 2011. Each episode is a standalone story set in a different world, exploring themes such as technology and society. The show is known for its dark and thought-provoking storylines. Rating: 9/10 Year of Release: 2011 Actors Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, and many more. Why Appreciated: Black Mirror has been praised for its dark and thought-provoking storylines, as well as its exploration of themes such as technology and society.
23. Skins (2007)
Skins is a British teen drama that ran from 2007 to 2013. It follows the lives of a group of teenage friends as they navigate their way through school, relationships, and growing up. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its exploration of themes such as friendship and identity. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2007 Actors Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Joe Dempsie, Dev Patel, and many more. Why Appreciated: Skins has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its exploration of themes such as friendship and identity.
24. Shameless (2004)
Shameless is a British comedy drama that has been running since 2004. It follows the lives of the Gallagher family, a dysfunctional and impoverished family living in Manchester, England. The show is known for its dark humor and its exploration of themes such as poverty and family. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2004 Actors Starring: David Threlfall, Rebecca Atkinson, Jody Latham, and many more. Why Appreciated: Shameless has been praised for its dark humor and its exploration of themes such as poverty and family.
25. The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)
The Inbetweeners Movie is a British comedy film that was released in 2011. It follows the adventures of four friends as they go on holiday to Malia, Greece. The film is known for its crude humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and growing up. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2011 Actors Starring: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, and many more. Why Appreciated: The Inbetweeners Movie has been praised for its crude humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and growing up.
26. The Royle Family (1998)
The Royle Family is a British sitcom that ran from 1998 to 2012. It follows the daily lives of the Royle family, a working-class family living in Manchester, England. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of family life and its exploration of themes such as relationships and growing up. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 1998 Actors Starring: Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Ralf Little, and many more. Why Appreciated: The Royle Family has been praised for its realistic portrayal of family life and its exploration of themes such as relationships and growing up.
27. Bad Education (2012)
Bad Education is a British sitcom that ran from 2012 to 2014. It follows the misadventures of Alfie Wickers, an incompetent and irresponsible teacher, and his students at Abbey Grove school. The show is known for its absurd humor and its exploration of themes such as education and growing up. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 2012 Actors Starring: Jack Whitehall, Sarah Solemani, Mathew Horne, and many more. Why Appreciated: Bad Education has been praised for its absurd humor and its exploration of themes such as education and growing up.
28. Spaced (1999)
Spaced is a British sitcom that ran from 1999 to 2001. It follows the adventures of two flatmates, Daisy and Tim, as they navigate their way through London life. The show is known for its quirky humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and creativity. Rating: 8/10 Year of Release: 1999 Actors Starring: Simon Pegg, Jessica Stevenson, Nick Frost, and many more. Why Appreciated: Spaced has been praised for its quirky humor and its exploration of themes such as friendship and creativity.
Since the 1990s, British television has come a long way and has provided us with some of the most memorable and beloved TV shows of all time. From comedies to dramas and science fiction to crime, British TV has something for everyone. These 28 popular British TV shows are just a few examples of the many great shows that have come out of Britain in the past few decades.