British TV shows have a long history of producing some of the best and most popular television programs in the world. From classic dramas to modern comedies, here are some of the best British TV shows ever made.
- Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a science-fiction TV show that first aired in 1963 and has since become a cultural icon in the UK and worldwide. The show follows the adventures of a Time Lord, known as the Doctor, who travels through time and space in a TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) spaceship. The show has a massive following and has been on the air for over 50 years, with multiple actors portraying the Doctor throughout the show’s history.
- Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is a period drama that aired from 2010 to 2015, following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century. The show was praised for its stunning costumes and production design, as well as its portrayal of the social changes that took place during the time period.
- Sherlock
Sherlock is a modern-day take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular detective and Martin Freeman as his sidekick, Dr. John Watson. The show has a unique visual style and is known for its clever writing and exceptional performances.
- Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a science-fiction anthology series that explores the dark side of technology and its effects on society. Each episode features a different cast and storyline, but all share a common theme of exploring the potential consequences of technological advancements.
- Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a crime drama set in Birmingham, England, during the aftermath of World War I. The show follows the lives of the Shelby family, who run a gang known as the Peaky Blinders. The show is praised for its exceptional performances, stylish production design, and its portrayal of the social and political climate of the time period.
- The Crown
The Crown is a historical drama that follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, starting from her ascension to the throne in 1952. The show has been praised for its meticulous attention to detail and its exceptional performances, with Claire Foy and Olivia Colman both earning critical acclaim for their portrayals of the Queen.
- Luther
Luther is a crime drama starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, a detective who becomes embroiled in a series of complex cases. The show is known for its gritty realism and exceptional performances, particularly from Elba, who has been praised for his portrayal of Luther.
- Broadchurch
Broadchurch is a crime drama that follows the investigation of the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town in England. The show explores the impact of the murder on the town’s residents and the detectives tasked with solving the case. The show has been praised for its exceptional performances and its portrayal of grief and trauma.
- Fleabag
Fleabag is a comedy-drama that follows the life of a young woman known only as Fleabag, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as she navigates her way through love, loss, and family drama. The show is known for its dark humor and exceptional writing, with Waller-Bridge earning critical acclaim for her performance and writing.
- Gavin & Stacey
Gavin & Stacey is a comedy that follows the lives of a young couple, Gavin and Stacey, as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. The show is known for its humor and heart, with exceptional performances from its cast, particularly from James Corden and Ruth Jones, who also co-created the show.