Words by Chanelle Goddard
British TV shows have always been a hit with global audiences – and with more reason to stay indoors, we pick the best ones to binge or rewatch.
Thanks to streaming sites like Netflix, British shows and actors are having their limelight on the world’s stage, with shows, plots and stories as captivating and as brilliant as anything else. So, with colder nights and more reasons to stay indoors, we’ve picked the best British TV shows to settle down to. But first, how about that cuppa?
The Crown
Historical dramas have been the wave for a while – and this Netflix original perhaps tops them all(sorry, Downtown fans). It follows the story of Queen Elizabeth (obviously), her family, their work, personal and family dramas, and everything else. Written by Peter Morgan, a British screenwriter, and starring the likes of Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Oscar winner Olivia Colman, the series is as entertaining as it is educational.
I May Destroy You
The new generation of British actors and filmmakers – Damson Idris, Michael Ward, Letitia Wright, Lashana Lynch –are supremely talented and effortlessly cool. They’re as at home in Hollywood as they are in London, diverse in talent and interests – and well versed in all the key issues of our time. None more so than Michaela Coel. At the Emmys, she claimed victory with I May Destroy You, a series she wrote, acted in, directed and produced. The series itself follows a woman traumatised by sexual assault, exploring themes of sexual assault and safety.
Behind Her Eyes
If psychological thrillers are your thing, you’ll very much like Behind Her Eyes. The six-episode Netflix Original series has gained the attention of critics the world over, with words like “emotional”, “compelling”, and “suspenseful” regularly used to describe the show. It follows Louise, an ‘ordinary’ single mother who begins an affair with a not so ordinary boss. Any more words and I might spoil the fun. So, I’ll stick to this: twists are a staple of this show.
Humans
Fans of Black Mirror – and every other tech-based series – will like Humans. It’s set in the parallel present (whatever that means) and follows the interactions between humans and the latest must-have gadget – a ‘synth’, which is a highly developed service robot in human form. What could possibly go wrong? Everything and more, it seems.
The show streams on all the major platforms, including Netflix and Channel 4.
Bodyguard
The Bodyguard was a big hit – and if you haven’t seen it, well, why not? Full of action and nail-biting moments, it details the tale of a policeman who works as the close protection officer for the home secretary – or her bodyguard, if you will. For fans of secret-service type dramas, this fits the bill. For those after plot twists, how’s an affair with the home secretary for ya?
Bridgerton
How ever could we leave Lady Whistledown’s town of good looks, countless gossips and brimming romances off this list? Since its launch, the show’s been a hit, with fans captivated by the time period, weird customs and yes, the cucumber cool Regé-Jean Page. Downtown Abbey vibes aside, the show does well to keep viewers entertained with what at times seems like a childish plot: a mad queen, handsome bachelors, and a lady who knows and sees all without being seen.
If you haven’t seen it, best to make haste, as the second season’s been announced by Netflix.
Sex Education
Put it this way: if we left Sex Education off the list, there could well be a riot. And for good reason, too. The show’s been running for three seasons, detailing the highs and lows of school life. The coming-of-age issues discussed – from sexuality to bullying – are done so in a way that informs whilst actually educating audiences. The characters are interesting, and the plot engaging – making it one of the best shows around at the moment.
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