8 British TV Shows You Should Be Watching
- Nov 10, 2017
- 7 min read
I, like many Americans before me, have been swept up in a wave of Anglophilia. Whenever I see or experience something from the UK, I always think "the British just do it better." Granted, I understand that they sell milk in bags--why?!
When I call myself an Anglophile, it would perhaps be more accurate to say Anglomaniac. I love England a lot--the history, literature, and definitely the accents. One thing that I particularly appreciate is British TV. From reality shows, to drama and sci-fi, I think the UK simply knows how to put together a fantastic TV show. Below are 8 of my favorite shows that I frequently recommend to other people (in no particular order). Some of these are more well known than others, but I believe they are all equally worth watching.
1. Doctor Who
How could this not be on the list? Doctor Who is a classic in the British TV world, and has been on air for more than fifty years. The show was originally made to be an educational program for children, but the writing quickly evolved into that of a science fiction narrative. The show was rebooted in 2005, which is the season I began with. This show is definetly goofy, but well worth giving a shot. Watch through a few episodes to see if you can get into it (you should!). If you can make it past the bad visual effects and unbelievable plot lines, you'll be able to enjoy a truly delightful show.
The Plot: Doctor Who is about the adventures of The Doctor, and his many companions. The characters travel around in a machine called the TARDIS which also has the ability to travel in time. Since The Doctor is a Time Lord, he has the ability to "regenerate" -- that is, completely change his physical form in an act of healing if he is ever seriously injured. This allows for a turnover in the acting of the main character every few seasons. As for me, 10 (David Tennant) will always be my Doctor.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
2. Sherlock
Sherlock is another widely watched and adored BBC show, and for good reason. Sherlock consistently brings thoughtful writing, top-notch acting, and one of the best TV friendships a person can watch. Each season is only three ( 1.5 hour long) episodes, so there really aren't any excuses for not logging on and watching it now.
The Plot:
Sherlock is a modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic mystery novels. This show manages to present the story in a modern time without losing the nature of the original work (I'm looking at you Elementary). The show stars the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in the roles of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, respectively.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Merlin
Merlin is another show where one must get past some initial goofiness to see through to the wonderful writing and characters within. I am often surprised by how few people have heard of or watched Merlin. Merlin and Arthur have perhaps my absolute favorite on-screen friendship. This show has quite a bit of humor, but not at the cost of the writing. The character development is truly genious, inspiring, and heartbreaking all at once.
The Plot:
Merlin is about the adventures of Merlin and Arthur early in life-- the pilot begins with their first-ever meeting. Arthur is still a prince and Merlin ends up becoming his servant--in a Camelot where magic is punishable by death. The show centers around the characters Merlin, Arthur, Gwenevire, and Morgana as they interact with one another and protect Camelot. Expect frequent episodes with classic characters such as Morgana, King Uther, and the Knights of the Round Table.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. The Great British Baking Show
Now, I don't normally like reality TV, despite my deep childhood love of HGTV and Food Network (any Good Eats fans out there?). However, this show is just too cute not to list. The contestants are so nice to each other, and the relationships between the hosts and judges are precious. I believe the show has changed quite a bit now due to network issues of some kind or another, so when I list this I am referring to the classic seasons with Paul and Mary as judges. This is the most British show ever to British.
The Plot:
As a reality show, there isn't a plot per say. This is an original take on the hundreds of baking competitions out there. All of the contestants are home bakers, not professionals, which adds a bit of relatibility I think. Also, (because the British are better) everyone is super nice to each other and always helping one another out, which you never see on American shows (we have a show called Cutthroat Kitchen for goodness sakes).
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. Broadchurch
Oh. My. Gosh. This show guys. Everything about it is just...phenomenal. I want to give special attention to the production value. Everything from the writing, to the acting and the production, is all expertly done. The cinematography is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. I first watched this with my family in just a few days when almost all of us had pneumonia. Some people may be familiar with the show because of its American counterpart, Gracepoint (don't ever watch that one, it pales in comparison). One final note I think I should mention: this show is TV-MA for a reason. While there isn't very much violence or too much language, the show contains some very mature themes, and occasionally has what my mom would call "fast-forwardable"(i.e. sexual) scenes. Themes include child murder, statutory rape, and, in the third season, the plot centers around the rape of a woman at a party. The show tends to address sensitive topics well, but they are something to be aware of before you sit down to binge.
The Plot:
David Tennant and Olivia Coleman absolutely steal the show in a story about a small peaceful town that unexpectedly has to deal with the murder of a child. Coleman plays a detective who is a long-time resident of the town; Tennant plays the head detective who recently transferred after a work scandal. The show balances in a mini-season this one plot, focusing not only on the case but also on how it affects the town-- from the family and friends of the victim, all the way down to the local journalists and clergy. The final and third season recently aired in the US.
Where to Watch: Netflix
6. Endeavor
Endeavor, much like Sherlock, consists of very short seasons with episodes about an hour and a half in length. I've seen a lot of basic mystery shows, and a lot of British ones in particular, and honestly, not that many are great. Something about them just seems dull. Maybe the plot is too simple, or maybe they focus on the plot too much (at the expense of not giving characters a developed story arch). Endeavor manages to avoid all of these pitfalls and create a innocently simple but captivating show.
The Plot:
Endeavor tells the story of the young detective Morse during his days as a police officer in Oxford (watching the show Inspector Morse first is not necessary). Each episode contains a new mystery for the highly lovable Morse to solve, from serial killers with an interest in opera to good old fashioned bank robberies gone wrong.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, PBS
7. Downton Abbey
Downton is another that is well-known and renowned in the US. I admit, it took a long time before I was willing to give this show a try. Dramas aren't normally my thing, and when people would describe the show to me, I thought it sounded horribly dull. But, I did finally give it a shot, and am I ever happy I did. My family watched it together just after the final season aired, and had watched the show in its entirety in just a couple of months. Even my very hardcore, action-loving brothers were hooked. The show is admittedly a bit like a soap opera, but dang they just do it so well. From the Dowager's witty one-liners, to every viewer's mutual dislike of Edith, this is a show you want to be a part of.
The Plot:
Downton centers around an aristocratic British family in the 1910's and 20s, and focuses equally on the family and the "downstairs" eclectic group of servants. Not much of a hooking premise for those of us who like lots of action and comedy, but it is so worth it, I promise.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, PBS
8. Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife is another drama that is produced well enough so as never to be boring. I tend to watch this show sporadically, and find that while it isn't the most binge-able show, it is still worth the watch.
The Plot:
Call the Midwife is exactly what it sounds like: a drama about midwives. The show is set in a poor outskirt of London, post WWII. The main characters are midwives/nurses who live with a group of nuns, most of whom are also midwives. The show deals with poverty, human rights issues, the elderly, abortion, and more. It only takes a few episodes before you look beyond the dramatic home births depicted, and begin to be more interested in the personal lives of the nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House.
Where to Watch: Netflix
There it is folks. My top 8 British TV shows that I most highly recommend. There are shows from all sorts of genres, so I think everyone should be able to find a show that they can enjoy. There are a few new shows I am watching now, so maybe I'll post a part-two in the future.
I really hope you try at least one of these the next time you fall into a post-show depression, and leave a comment if there are any shows you think I missed!
All images from imdb.com
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