27 Brilliant British Series That Absolutely Belong on Your Watchlist

27 Brilliant British Series That Absolutely Belong on Your Watchlist

British television has earned a reputation for producing some of the most compelling, innovative, and unforgettable shows in the world. From gripping crime dramas to heartfelt comedies, these series offer something special that keeps audiences coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for mystery, romance, humor, or intense thrills, this list will introduce you to the best British shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

1. Skins

Bold and unapologetic, Skins redefined teen television with its raw look at youth, rebellion, and identity in modern Britain. Each generation of characters faces the highs and lows of growing up with brutal honesty that never feels fake or forced.

The show doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like mental health, substance use, and complicated relationships. Instead, it treats these issues with respect while capturing the chaotic energy of being young.

What makes it special is how each character gets their own episode to shine, revealing depths you might not expect. Unforgettable energy and genuine emotion make this required viewing.

2. Broadchurch

A haunting seaside mystery that explores grief, guilt, and community in the wake of tragedy. When a young boy is found dead on the beach, the entire town of Broadchurch becomes entangled in secrets and suspicion.

David Tennant and Olivia Colman lead the cast with performances that feel achingly real and emotionally raw. The beautiful coastal cinematography contrasts sharply with the dark subject matter, creating visual poetry.

This beautifully shot drama is as emotional as it is suspenseful, examining how tragedy ripples through a tight-knit community. Every character feels fully realized, making the mystery deeply personal.

3. Sex Education

Witty, inclusive, and refreshingly frank, this coming-of-age series breaks taboos while delivering heart and humor in equal measure. Otis, the son of a sex therapist, starts an underground clinic at his school to help classmates with their relationship problems.

The show tackles everything from sexuality to consent with surprising maturity and genuine warmth. Its colorful world feels both stylized and authentic, creating a unique visual identity.

Lovable characters make every episode a joy to watch, whether they’re navigating first love or dealing with family drama. The series proves that talking openly about difficult topics can be both entertaining and educational.

4. The Crown

Lavish and meticulously crafted, The Crown dramatizes the reign of Queen Elizabeth II with elegance and emotional depth. From her early days as a young queen to the challenges of modern monarchy, the series explores the personal cost of duty.

Exquisite performances from rotating casts capture different eras of the Queen’s life with remarkable attention to detail. The production design, costumes, and historical accuracy make each episode feel like stepping into the past.

Its attention to history makes it one of television’s most sophisticated dramas, balancing political intrigue with intimate family moments. Royal watchers and history buffs alike will find plenty to admire.

5. Black Mirror

A chilling anthology that examines the dark side of technology and modern society. Creator Charlie Brooker crafts standalone stories that feel uncomfortably close to reality, exploring how our devices and digital lives might betray us.

Each episode is a self-contained story that provokes, unsettles, and lingers long after the credits roll. From social media nightmares to artificial intelligence gone wrong, the scenarios feel disturbingly plausible.

The series works as both entertainment and warning, making you question your relationship with technology. Some episodes are heartbreaking, others terrifying, but all are unforgettable explorations of where we’re headed.

6. Safe

This taut thriller from Harlan Coben explores the secrets that surface after a teenage girl goes missing in a seemingly perfect suburban community. What starts as a frantic search quickly unravels into something far more sinister.

Twists, tension, and strong performances keep viewers guessing until the very end. Every character seems to be hiding something, and trust becomes impossible as the investigation deepens.

The gated community setting creates an ironic backdrop where safety is just an illusion. Michael C. Hall anchors the series with a desperate father’s determination to find the truth, no matter what it costs him or his neighbors.

7. Kiss Me First

Merging real life with virtual reality, this techno-thriller delves into online escapism and its dangerous consequences. Lonely teenager Leila finds refuge in a virtual world called Azana, where she meets the enigmatic Tess.

When Tess asks Leila to assume her identity in the real world, the boundaries between digital and physical reality blur dangerously. The show’s stylish visuals contrast the gray British reality with Azana’s neon-soaked fantasy landscapes.

It’s a thought-provoking exploration of identity and disconnection in the digital age, examining how we create personas online. The series raises questions about who we really are when nobody knows our true identity.

8. Happy Valley

Unflinching and emotionally powerful, this police drama follows a determined Yorkshire sergeant balancing personal pain with professional duty. Catherine Cawood is still grieving her daughter’s suicide when the man responsible for her death returns to town.

Sarah Lancashire’s commanding performance anchors one of Britain’s most compelling crime series. Her character is tough, vulnerable, and absolutely real in ways that make every scene crackle with intensity.

The Yorkshire setting adds bleakness and beauty to the story of trauma, revenge, and resilience. Happy Valley doesn’t flinch from showing the toll that violence takes on everyone it touches.

9. Downton Abbey

A sweeping period piece capturing the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants through societal change. Set in the early 20th century, the show explores how World War I and social upheaval transform British society.

Elegant storytelling, rich detail, and exquisite costumes make it a timeless classic. The series balances upstairs aristocratic drama with downstairs servant stories, giving equal weight to all characters.

From forbidden romances to inheritance disputes, Downton Abbey delivers satisfying drama wrapped in gorgeous production design. The show became a cultural phenomenon by making history feel intimate and emotionally engaging for modern audiences.

10. Fleabag

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s razor-sharp writing and fearless performance redefine modern dark comedy. Playing a woman navigating grief, family dysfunction, and London life, she breaks the fourth wall to bring viewers into her messy world.

Hilarious yet deeply moving, Fleabag is a masterclass in vulnerability and wit. The show doesn’t apologize for its flawed protagonist, instead celebrating her humanity in all its complicated glory.

Season two introduces the Hot Priest, creating one of television’s most electric and heartbreaking romances. What starts as outrageous comedy transforms into something profound about connection, faith, and self-acceptance.

11. Line of Duty

Tense, intricate, and expertly plotted, this police procedural keeps audiences hooked with shocking twists and moral ambiguity. Anti-Corruption Unit 12 investigates fellow officers suspected of crimes, creating constant tension about who can be trusted.

The show’s exploration of corruption within law enforcement is both riveting and intelligent. Creator Jed Mercurio crafts labyrinthine plots that reward careful attention while delivering satisfying payoffs.

Interrogation scenes crackle with verbal sparring as investigators try to break suspects using procedure and psychology. Each season builds toward explosive revelations that reshape everything you thought you understood about the characters and their world.

12. Peaky Blinders

Stylish, gritty, and steeped in post-World War I atmosphere, this crime saga follows the ambitious Shelby family as they build their empire in Birmingham. Cillian Murphy delivers a magnetic performance that pulls you into the dangerous world of razor blades and political power plays.

Every frame looks like a work of art, blending historical drama with gangster intensity in ways that feel fresh and thrilling. The show’s soundtrack featuring modern music over period visuals creates an unforgettable viewing experience.

From family loyalty to brutal betrayals, the series explores what people will sacrifice for power and survival in a changing world.

13. Top Boy

Gritty and socially charged, Top Boy offers an unflinching look at life on London’s housing estates. The series follows drug dealers Dushane and Sully as they navigate the dangerous world of gang violence and survival.

Sharp writing and powerful performances make it one of the most authentic portrayals of urban Britain. The show doesn’t glamorize the lifestyle but instead shows the limited options and systemic failures that trap people in cycles of violence.

Top Boy examines friendship, loyalty, and ambition against a backdrop of poverty and crime. Its honest depiction of street life earned it critical acclaim and a devoted following.

14. Anatomy of a Scandal

This gripping courtroom drama dissects privilege, power, and reputation in the British elite. When a charismatic politician is accused of a shocking crime, his wife must confront uncomfortable truths about the man she married.

Sharp dialogue and stylish presentation deliver both intrigue and emotional heft. The series moves between courtroom proceedings and flashbacks, gradually revealing the full picture of what really happened.

Questions about consent, entitlement, and justice drive the narrative forward with increasing urgency. Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend give complex performances as a couple whose perfect life unravels under public scrutiny and private doubt.

15. Derry Girls

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland, this coming-of-age comedy captures the chaos of teenage life amid political unrest. Erin and her friends navigate school, boys, and family while the Troubles rage in the background.

Irreverent, heartfelt, and hilarious, it’s a love letter to friendship and resilience. The show finds humor in everyday teenage disasters while acknowledging the serious historical context without being overwhelmed by it.

The girls’ complete self-absorption creates comedy gold as world-changing events barely register against their personal dramas. Derry Girls celebrates the universal experience of being young and ridiculous, no matter what’s happening around you.

16. Killing Eve

Twisting the spy-thriller genre, this cat-and-mouse story between an MI6 agent and an unpredictable assassin brims with dark humor and electric chemistry. Eve becomes obsessed with tracking Villanelle, while the assassin becomes equally fascinated with her pursuer.

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer make every encounter unforgettable with performances that crackle with tension and attraction. The show subverts expectations by making both women complex, flawed, and utterly compelling.

From Paris to Berlin to London, the globe-trotting adventure serves up gorgeous locations and even more gorgeous fashion. Killing Eve is as much about obsession and identity as it is about espionage.

17. Baby Reindeer

Based on a true story, this haunting psychological drama explores obsession and trauma with raw honesty. Comedian Donny Dunn’s life spirals after a simple act of kindness toward a troubled woman leads to relentless stalking.

Richard Gadd’s performance is fearless, vulnerable, and impossible to forget, especially since he lived through these events. The series doesn’t just examine stalking but also masculinity, victimhood, and the complicated nature of trauma.

Baby Reindeer refuses to offer easy answers or comfortable resolutions. Instead, it presents a deeply personal story that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about vulnerability, power, and healing.

18. Misfits

Brilliantly irreverent, this sci-fi dramedy follows a group of young offenders who gain supernatural powers after a freak storm. Instead of becoming traditional superheroes, they’re more concerned with surviving community service and dealing with personal problems.

Witty, weird, and endlessly original, it’s British genre television at its best. The powers reflect each character’s personality and insecurities in clever ways, from invisibility to immortality.

Misfits balances crude humor with genuine heart, creating characters you root for despite their flaws. The show proves that superhero stories don’t need big budgets or earnest heroism to be absolutely captivating.

19. Bodyguard

Explosive and politically charged, this modern thriller follows a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial government minister. David Budd struggles with PTSD while navigating the dangerous world of political intrigue and terrorism.

Packed with tension and high-stakes twists, it’s a masterclass in suspense from the creator of Line of Duty. The show opens with a heart-stopping train sequence that immediately establishes the level of intensity to expect.

Richard Madden’s performance earned him a Golden Globe as he portrays a man torn between duty and personal beliefs. Bodyguard examines security, trust, and the psychological cost of violence.

20. The Fall

Slow-burn and atmospheric, this psychological cat-and-mouse thriller pairs Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan in a chilling game of pursuit. Detective Stella Gibson arrives in Belfast to catch a serial killer who targets professional women.

The show’s meticulous pacing and moral complexity elevate it above typical crime drama. Unlike most thrillers, we know the killer’s identity from the start, making the tension about when and how he’ll be caught.

Gillian Anderson commands every scene as the brilliant, unflappable detective who refuses to play by traditional rules. The Fall explores violence against women with unflinching honesty and psychological depth.

21. Adolescence

An intimate portrayal of teenage vulnerability and social pressure, Adolescence captures the uncertainty of growing up in a digital world. Following a group of students navigating friendships, relationships, and self-identity, the series feels remarkably authentic.

Subtle performances and emotional realism resonate deeply, avoiding the over-dramatization common in teen shows. The series examines how social media amplifies every insecurity and mistake, making adolescence even more challenging than before.

Rather than offering simple solutions, the show honestly depicts the messy process of figuring out who you are. Mental health, peer pressure, and family expectations collide in ways that feel genuine and relatable.

22. One Day

Spanning two decades, this romantic drama follows Emma and Dexter as their lives intersect each year on the same date. July 15th becomes a window into their evolving relationship, from university friends to something far more complicated.

Poignant and beautifully written, it’s a meditation on time, love, and missed chances. The structure allows us to see how people change while certain connections remain constant, no matter how much life pulls them apart.

Watching them grow, succeed, fail, and find their way back to each other creates an emotional journey unlike any other. One Day understands that timing is everything in love.

23. Call the Midwife

Set in postwar London, this tender period drama celebrates compassion, resilience, and community through the eyes of midwives. Working in the impoverished East End, these women witness both the joy of new life and the harsh realities of poverty.

The show balances social realism and emotional storytelling, addressing issues like infant mortality, disability, and women’s health with sensitivity. Its portrayal of nuns and nurses working together creates a unique ensemble cast.

Call the Midwife has endeared itself to millions through its genuine warmth and historical authenticity. Each birth story becomes a window into 1950s and 60s British society.

24. Ghosts

A delightfully quirky comedy about a couple who inherit a haunted mansion filled with eccentric spirits. Alison and Mike plan to turn Button House into a hotel, but the ghosts have other ideas about their home.

Sharp humor and warmth turn the supernatural into something endearingly human. Each ghost represents a different era of British history, from a caveman to a 1980s politician, creating wonderful comedic contrasts.

The show explores themes of found family and learning to live with people (or spirits) vastly different from yourself. Ghosts proves that the afterlife can be hilarious, touching, and surprisingly relatable all at once.

25. Luther

Dark, brooding, and brilliantly acted, Luther follows a detective consumed by the crimes he investigates. John Luther’s genius for solving cases comes with a dangerous inability to separate his work from his personal life.

Idris Elba’s magnetic performance anchors a series both thrilling and psychologically intense. His Luther is a man constantly teetering on the edge, willing to bend rules and risk everything to catch killers.

The show creates a nightmarish vision of London where evil lurks in unexpected places. Luther’s complicated relationship with psychopath Alice Morgan adds fascinating moral ambiguity to an already complex character study.

26. The Stranger

Secrets unravel fast in this suburban thriller where a mysterious woman exposes hidden truths. Adam Price’s comfortable life implodes when a stranger reveals that his wife faked her pregnancy, setting off a chain of devastating revelations.

The show delivers a gripping mix of suspense, deceit, and emotional unraveling that keeps you on edge. Every character harbors secrets, and the stranger’s appearances trigger cascading consequences throughout the community.

Harlan Coben’s trademark twists come fast and furious, making it nearly impossible to stop watching. The series explores how lies, even those told with good intentions, can destroy everything we think we know.

27. Heartstopper

Gentle, heartfelt, and beautifully inclusive, this coming-of-age romance celebrates young love and self-discovery. Charlie and Nick’s relationship develops with such sweetness and authenticity that it feels revolutionary in its kindness.

The show’s warmth and genuine emotion have made it a defining series for a new generation. Animated flourishes bring the graphic novel source material to life, adding visual charm to tender moments.

Rather than focusing on trauma, Heartstopper shows LGBTQ+ youth experiencing joy, support, and acceptance. The series proves that stories about young queer love can be hopeful, wholesome, and absolutely captivating without relying on suffering.