The Brits are identified for a lot of issues: wet climate, fish and chips, 1,200 years of royal household drama. Most crucially, the English have demonstrated a expertise for creating high quality tv. Whether or not you're after a comfy interval piece full of beautiful robes and smoldering glances or a thriller comedy informed in a cat-and-mouse type, BritBox presents one thing for each technology and style.

Go forward and follow that British accent as you absorb Leisure Weekly’s record of the 23 finest exhibits streaming on BritBox.

01 of 23

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1989–2013)

Based mostly on the enduring whodunit novels by Agatha Christie, Poirot follows the titular meticulous French detective (David Suchet) as he will get to the underside of gripping, thrilling homicide mysteries. Set in Britain and varied places around the globe through the roaring '20s and glamorous '30s, this sequence options sufficient artwork deco interiors, flapper clothes, and cigarette smoke to fulfill any interval drama lover. —Meg Walters

The place to observe Agatha Christie’s Poirot: BritBox

Solid: David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran

02 of 23

Being Human (2008–2013)

This fan-favorite sci-fi dramedy follows a trio of supernatural beings integrating with fashionable society. Werewolf George Sands (Russell Tovey) and vampire John Mitchell (Aidan Turner) are finest pals who do their finest to accommodate their explicit wants with a view to slot in. They resolve to maneuver right into a home collectively, not realizing it’s already inhabited by a ghost named Annie Sawyer (Lenora Crichlow).

Mixing a number of genres, Being Human is self-aware sufficient to know the inherent comedy in its premise however nonetheless makes you care about the primary trio and their all-too-human efforts to seek out acceptance. —Kevin Jacobsen

The place to observe Being Human: BritBox

Solid: Lenora Crichlow, Russell Tovey, Aidan Turner, Sinead Keenan, Michael Socha

03 of 23

A Little bit of Fry & Laurie (1987–1990)

This lesser-known British present is the car that shot Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry to fame. Earlier than they have been identified for his or her extra severe performing roles, this duo, who initially met at college, made a splash with their sketch comedy, which incorporates a supporting solid that features the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Phyllida Legislation, Imelda Staunton, and plenty of different icons of British TV.

On A Little bit of Fry & Laurie, the pair write and act in hilarious, bitingly intelligent comedian sketches that poke enjoyable at the whole lot and everybody. It's straightforward viewing that can depart you in stitches. —M.W.

The place to observe A Little bit of Fry & Laurie: BritBox

Solid: Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie

04 of 23

Blackadder (1983–1989)

This comedic historic sitcom follows a bloodline of self-interested, formidable males by a number of eras. Every of the 4 seasons is about in a unique time interval, beginning with Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) and his affiliate Baldrick (Tony Robinson) on the finish of the British Center Ages, adopted by their descendants throughout Queen Elizabeth I’s reign; then two extra descendants through the Regency period; and eventually a fourth technology throughout World Warfare I. Filled with gags and a intelligent perspective on British historical past, Blackadder is crucial viewing on BritBox. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Blackadder: BritBox

Solid: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson

05 of 23

Blue Lights (2023–current)

Police procedurals are a dime a dozen on British tv, however this common sequence about three new recruits to a Belfast police station stands other than the extra commonplace fare. Blue Lights follows former social employee Grace Ellis (Siân Brooke), the opinionated Annie Conlon (Katherine Devlin), and the charming however inept Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff) as they navigate the precarious nature of their job, experiencing harassment, witnessing gang violence, and making robust calls.

The sequence balances varied tones deftly, portraying the tradition of violence within the metropolis with correct realism however making room for humor as wanted. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Blue Lights: BritBox

Solid: Siân Brooke, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Richard Dormer

06 of 23

Chewing Gum (2015–2017)

Based mostly on her one-man present Chewing Gum Goals, Michaela Coel created, wrote, and starred on this two-season sitcom a few younger non secular girl making an attempt to lose her virginity. Coel performs Tracey Gordon, a store assistant who now not needs to maintain her sexual needs in test and goes on a mission to do the deed.

Naturally, the awkwardness of intercourse and relationships within the fashionable age comes into play, and Coel’s penchant for observational humor and farce makes this an uncomfortably lifelike but hilarious watch. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Chewing Gum: BritBox

Solid: Michaela Coel, Robert Lonsdale

07 of 23

Physician Who basic period (1963–1989)

In terms of British TV, few exhibits can boast the cult following or icon standing loved by Doctor Who. This legendary family-friendly sci-fi sequence has been cherished by quite a few generations because it first hit screens in 1963, and now, you possibly can watch almost all of its basic period on BritBox.

The present follows the Physician (performed by quite a few Brits over time), a human-like alien who, alongside together with his human “companions,” travels by time within the magical phone box-shaped TARDIS, encountering creatures and well-known figures from the previous as they rewrite occasions in historical past. —M.W.

The place to observe basic Physician Who: BritBox

Solid: William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison

08 of 23

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

Downton Abbey took the world by storm with a window into the lives of these on the grand titular property — each the historic Crawley household (Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith) and their servants downstairs (Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt).

Crammed with intrigue, secrets and techniques, rivalries, romance, plot twists, and swoon-worthy costumes, Downton Abbey is stuffed to the brim with our favourite British tropes. However, in the end, it is a interval drama that places girls on the heart of the story. As creator Julian Fellowes informed EW, "The present is about feminine independence." —M.W.

The place to observe Downton Abbey: BritBox

Solid: Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle

09 of 23

Extras (2005–2007)

Ricky Gervais went from deriding workplace tradition to lampooning present enterprise with this acclaimed two-season gem. He stars as Andy Milliman, an aspiring actor who is generally solely provided work as an additional for movie and TV, alongside his finest buddy, Maggie (Ashley Jensen). The sequence options at the very least one main cameo per episode from a star enjoying an exaggerated model of themselves, whom Andy sometimes tries to schmooze with to enhance his standing within the trade.

Mixing Gervais’ trademark cringe comedy with an underlying emotional resonance for anybody who’s toiled away at their desires for years, Extras is without doubt one of the finest showbiz satires on the market. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Extras: BritBox

Solid: Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Service provider, Shaun Williamson, Shaun Pye

10 of 23

The Fall (2013–2016)

This gripping crime drama follows Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) as she engages in a sport of cat and mouse with serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). Gibson diligently tracks Spector — who places up a entrance as a household man — and his sample of focusing on younger feminine professionals.

The sequence delves into the psychology of each characters, giving perception into how they’re every outlined by their explicit obsessions, and the way these manifest in very alternative ways. —Okay.J.

The place to observe The Fall: BritBox

Solid: Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan

11 of 23

Home of Playing cards (1990)

Earlier than the six-season U.S. remake, there was this riveting miniseries a few British politician’s ruthless quest for energy. Ian Richardson stars as Frank Urquhart, the Home of Commons Chief Whip who subtly (and not-so-subtly) manipulates his associates and a younger journalist with whom he’s having an affair. And, as with the Netflix model, Frank lets us experience his Machiavellian schemes by breaking the fourth wall.

Universally acclaimed upon its launch, Home of Playing cards is pure Shakespearean drama for a cynical fashionable age. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Home of Playing cards: BritBox

Solid: Ian Richardson, Susannah Harker, Miles Anderson, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Malcolm Tierney

The 22 best British TV shows and where to stream them The 25 best British shows to enjoy on Netflix 12 of 23

The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Nobody actually is aware of what sort of enterprise is being run in The IT Crowd, and that vagueness simply accentuates the comedy. This beloved sitcom facilities on three members of the IT division on the fictional Reynholm Industries — technicians Roy (Chris O'Dowd) and Maurice (Richard Ayoade) and their (paradoxically) technologically illiterate supervisor Jen (Katherine Parkinson).

Confined to the dingy basement, the motley crew doesn’t get a lot respect, however their dynamic is hilariously relatable for anybody simply making an attempt to make it by the day in a dead-end workplace job. —Okay.J.

The place to observe The IT Crowd: BritBox

Solid: Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, Matt Berry

13 of 23

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge went by a interval within the late 2010s the place she may do no flawed, and the primary season of Killing Eveis included in that evaluation. This British spy thriller follows an MI5 agent (Sandra Oh) and a psychopathic serial killer (Jodie Comer) as they interact in a cat-and-mouse sport of looking one another. Waller-Bridge served as the primary season’s head author earlier than passing the torch, and every of the following three seasons is crafted by a unique feminine head author.

Tailored from the Villanelle novel sequence, this antihero drama presents nice performing, stunning costuming, and thrilling technique, all tied up in distinctly British packaging. As EW’s author notes within the recap of the sequence finale, "Killing Eve is commonly a lot enjoyable, second to second, that you simply begin to overlook how very, basically unhealthy these individuals are.” —Ilana Gordon

The place to observe Killing Eve: BritBox

EW grade: B+

Solid: Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia, Owen McDonnell

14 of 23

Legislation & Order: UK (2009–2014)

The primary American sequence to be tailored for British TV was none aside from — dun-dun — Law & Order. Dick Wolf took his operation throughout the pond to supply eight seasons of Legislation & Order: UK, all of which aired on ITV. Now working throughout the British authorized system, Individuals is perhaps shocked by the variety of wigs worn in courtroom, however the present’s fundamental construction and arc are the identical.

The U.Okay. model follows Detective Sergeant Ronnie Brooks (Bradley Walsh) as he works instances in London’s Main Incident Unit, mentors his junior accomplice, Detective Sergeant Matt Devlin (Jamie Bamber), and makes an attempt to contend together with his private life. Legislation & Order: UK is identical present Individuals know and love, however with recent characters, completely different accents, and a brand new nation’s authorized system to navigate. —I.G.

The place to observe Legislation & Order: UK: BritBox

Solid: Bradley Walsh, Jamie Bamber, Harriet Walter, Ben Daniels, Freema Agyeman

15 of 23

Luther (2010–2019)

This addictive crime procedural stars Idris Elba as John Luther, a Detective Chief Inspector haunted by the awful nature of his chosen profession. Every episode finds him investigating a heinous crime and chasing down the perpetrators. All through the sequence, he additionally develops an uneasy relationship with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), a psychopathic mastermind killer whom he begins to worth as an asset in his investigations.

Elba, in a Golden Globe-winning efficiency, is endlessly compelling because the broody title character, elevating what may have been a typical crime drama with ambiguity and nuance. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Luther: BritBox

Solid: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Paul McGann, Warren Brown, Dermot Crowley

16 of 23

Mr. Bean (1990–1995)

Individuals are seemingly finest acquainted with Rowan Atkinson by his work on the vacation movie Love Really. (Atkinson performs the jewellery counter clerk whose deliberate reward wrapping drives Alan Rickman's character to close breakdown.) However Brits finest know the actor from Mr. Bean, his 15-episode sitcom which aired for 5 years on ITV.

Atkinson performs the titular function, a clueless man who lives alone, not often speaks, and struggles to exist as a useful grownup on the planet. The present is a examine in character creation, bodily comedy, and nonverbal storytelling. As a former EW senior author explains in an outline of Atkinson’s work, “Fairly merely, he’s one of many best silent comedians alive.” —I.G.

The place to observe Mr. Bean: BritBox

Solid: Rowan Atkinson

17 of 23

The Workplace (2001–2003)

When you concentrate on The Office, most individuals recall the long-running American sitcom, however it all started with this British authentic starring (and co-created by) Ricky Gervais. Filmed within the mockumentary format, the cringe comedy follows employees at a paper firm led by buffoonish boss David Brent (Gervais), whose self-awareness is worlds other than how his staff understand him.

The sequence solely lasted 12 episodes plus a Christmas particular, however its well-observed commentary on office tradition and immediately distinct characters helped encourage quite a few variations around the globe. —Okay.J.

The place to observe The Workplace: BritBox

Solid: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Criminal, Lucy Davis

18 of 23

Satisfaction and Prejudice (1995)

Whereas there are dozens (and dozens) of interval dramas to select from on BritBox, few are as much as par with 1995’s Pride and Prejudice. This six-part miniseries follows the novel to a tee, taking viewers on the well-known enemies-to-lovers romance of the snobbish Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) and the free-spirited Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle).

With beautiful costumes, pitch-perfect performances, and a few of the finest sexual stress ever seen on TV, this basic Jane Austen adaptation is a must-watch for interval drama followers. —M.W.

The place to observe Satisfaction and Prejudice: BritBox

Solid: Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth, Adrian Lukis, Alison Steadman, Benjamin Whitrow

19 of 23

Prime Suspect (1991–2006)

Helen Mirren elevated her stardom along with her award-winning flip as Jane Tennison on this sharp police procedural. As a uncommon feminine Detective Chief Inspector, Tennison should take care of sexism from male colleagues, although her tenacity proves them flawed time and time once more.

Over the course of 15 episodes, the sequence touches on quite a few socially related themes, from misogyny to institutionalized racism to abortion, whereas unafraid to painting Tennison as a flawed individual with loads of vices. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Prime Suspect: BritBox

Solid: Helen Mirren, John Benfield, Richard Hawley

20 of 23

QI (2003–current)

The Brits aren't simply identified for his or her interval dramas and thrillers — in addition they make a few of the world's finest panel exhibits. QI, a questionnaire-style sequence, options the legendary Stephen Fry within the function of schoolmaster (from 2003 to 2016), Alan Davies because the naughty schoolboy, and a rotating solid of comedians, actors, and politicians as the opposite panelists.

Questions revolve across the extraordinary little-known information that span science, historical past, tradition, and nearly each different subject underneath the solar. Put together to be taught a couple of "fairly fascinating" tidbits and chuckle so much on the way in which. —M.W.

The place to observe QI: BritBox

Solid: Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Alan Davies

21 of 23

Purple Dwarf (1988–1999; 2009–2020)

Cult favourite sci-fi comedy Purple Dwarf is without doubt one of the longer sequence on this record, however it’s well worth the funding. A lowly technician named Dave Lister (Chris Barrie) is aboard a mining spacecraft referred to as Purple Dwarf and positioned in stasis, the place he lays suspended in animation for 3 million years. He lastly awakens and is astonished to learn the way lengthy it’s been, now accompanied by solely a hologram of his former co-worker; a humanoid evolution of his cat; and the ship’s laptop.

The crew engages in all method of house journey (and time journey) shenanigans, and the sequence evolves drastically over its wholesome authentic run from 1988 to 1999 and its revival from 2009 to 2020. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Purple Dwarf: BritBox

Solid: Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Norman Lovett, Hattie Hayridge

22 of 23

Sherlock (2010–2017)

Over the course of 4 seasons, this tackle Arthur Conan Doyle’s good detective has grow to be the definitive model for Twenty first-century audiences. Benedict Cumberbatch stars because the hyper-observant Sherlock Holmes, who groups up together with his flatmate, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman), to unravel notably difficult instances and face basic foes like Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott in a breakout function), all whereas bickering with one another.

What makes Sherlock such a satisfying watch is the way it updates Doyle’s Nineteenth-century tales for the fashionable age, in addition to the charming interaction between Cumberbatch and Freeman. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Sherlock: BritBox

Solid: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott

23 of 23

Vera (2011–2025)

Brenda Blethyn stars because the no-nonsense Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope on this long-running crime drama, based mostly on the ebook sequence by Ann Cleeves. Vera is doggedly dedicated to her work to the purpose of sacrificing a private life — although she actually has her demons, notably the loss of life of her father.

Like Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher on Homicide, She Wrote or Peter Falk's Frank Columbo on Columbo, Vera is presented at deducing the reality, and Blethyn’s complicated, vanity-free efficiency makes the sequence a refreshing different to different crime dramas of its selection. —Okay.J.

The place to observe Vera: BritBox

Solid: Brenda Blethyn, Jon Morrison, Riley Jones, Kenny Doughty, Ibinado Jack

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