Top 25 British TV Shows
Here is a list of the top 25 British TV shows.
In this list you will witness a lot sitcoms, dramas and mysteries, from classics to some new exciting series and some you might have not heard of, either way you should pay attention to every single one in this list.
Important notification is that the list has no order, it’s completely random. Here we go!
Best British TV Shows Ever
Not Going Out
Created by: Lee Mack
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Not Going Out was created by Lee Mack, the series started airing in 2006. Thus far there have been 43 episodes of this comedy. The creator of the show plays the protagonist as-well.
Lee goes from job to job, he is unmotivated and lives by the grace of his Californian landlady. Their friendship starts to change as he starts developing feeling for her, he is now torn between pursuing her or staying loyal to his friend, who is Kate’s ex-boyfriend.
The show has been on air for 7 seasons now, a great comedy that you should pay attention to.
Shameless
Created by: Paul Abbott
Genre: Black Comedy
Running Time: 60 mins
Original Channel: Channel 4
Shameless was started airing in 2004, it was created by Paul Abbott. There have been 139 episodes, the show ended in 2013.
It’s about a young group of siblings abandoned by their parents, they try to make it in the world with their humor and positive outlook on life. They see their salvation in Steve, a young kid who falls for Fiona, he eldest sister.
11 seasons is the total of the show, an American remake was made in 2011. It’s a great show with a lot of black humor.
Green Wing
Created by: Victoria Pile
Genre: Serial Sitcom
Running Time: 50-55 mins
Original Channel: Channel 4
Green Wing was created by Victoria Pile. The series was on air from 2004 to 2007. In that timeline there have been 17 episodes, 1 special and 2 shorts.
It’s a comedy sketch hospital type of show. The series was created by the same team led by Victoria Pile that created Smack The Pony. It’s setting takes place in a hospital but the show doesn’t use any medical story-line.
There are a lot of signature jokes on the show, Guyball, about hair and many more, watch the show and see for yourself.
Being Human
Created by: Toby Whithouse
Genre: Supernatural Drama
Running Time: 58 mins
Original Channel: BBC Three
Being Human was on air from 2008 until 2013. The show was created by Toby Whithouse, 37 episodes and 5 seasons is the total of the show.
It’s a great supernatural and horror series where a werewolf, a ghost and a vampire try to get along and live together. They try to live alongside the humans in a normal cohesive way.
This show has been one of the most popular in BBC’s iPlayer. If you like horror and/or supernatural dramas then you might enjoy this one.
Doctor Who
Created by: Donald Wilson, C.E. Webber, Sydney Newman
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Running Time: 45 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Doctor Who is an all-time classic. It firstly started airing in 1963, we will take a look at the 2005 version. Matt Smith was the latest Doctor, now its’ Peter Capaldi.
It’s very known what this show is all about, an alien time travels alongside his companions. Matt Smith has done extremely well as the last Doctor, I wish Peter Capaldi all the best as the new Doctor, a great actor and a great choice for the role.
This show will last forever and we are all very grateful for that. So if you are searching for a British TV show to start watching next, this is one of the best!
The Fall
Created by: Allan Gubitt
Genre: Crime Drama
Running Time: 60 mins
Original Channel: BBC Two
The Fall was created by Alan Gubitt, It started airing last May. So far there have been 5 episodes. It’s one of the best crime dramas as long as British series are concerned.
A great thriller studying two hunters, but two very different ones. One hunts and kills while the other, a female detective tries to stop him. Very few episodes but definitely worth your time.
Here’s for a lot more episodes of this very entertaining show.
Misfits
Created by: Howard Overman
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Running Time: 45 mins
Original Channel: E4
Misfits is on air from 2009, it was created by Howard Overman. So far there have been 37 episodes and 5 seasons of the show.
A group of young people get struck by lighting while doing community work, shortly after, they start developing superpowers. It is a great supernatural series with a lot of great characters.
The show received good reception, it’s a new union with great humor. One of the best teenage British TV shows.
Luther
Created by: Neil Cross
Genre: Psychological Crime Drama
Running Time: 57 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Luther was created and written by Neil Cross, three seasons and 14 episodes is the total of this extraordinary crime drama. Idris Elba did a fantastic job in this show, the series was on air from 2010 to 2013.
His passions are his biggest enemy, a genius crime detective and his vices. One of my favorite shows, just brilliant…I am sure you will enjoy this one, as far as crime dramas go, this one wins.
A lot of positive reviews, there could be a fourth season or a movie made but nothing is for certain at the moment. This may be the best British crime drama series.
Spooks
Created by: David Wolstencroft
Genre: Spy
Running Time: 60 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Spooks was on air for nine years, from 2002 to 2011. 88 episodes and 10 whole seasons of this entertaining spy series. The show is also known as MI-5.
MI-5 is UK’s domestic intelligence organization, the show revolves around their involvement in various missions. 007 anyone, great series that lasted for this long for a reason.
A video game was made based on the show, you should really watch this one.
Extras
Created by: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC Two
Extras was created by Ricky Gervais, the creator of The Office and Stephen Merchant. They both star in the show as-well, there have been 13 episodes and 12 seasons.
Andy Millman is a wannabe actor, he has an awful agent and ends up as an extra, it doesn’t end well for him. Ricky Gervais knows how to make sitcoms, you will probably like this one, especially if you liked his previous work.
US version was made the same way a US version was made from the Office.
The Thick Of It
Created by: Armando Iannucci
Genre: Political Satire
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC Four
The Thick Of It was on air from 2005 to 2012. In that timeline there have been 24 episodes and 4 seasons. Peter Capaldi is the star of the show, his performance was absolutely brilliant.
The Minister of Social Affairs is working with not that bright helpers, one of the funniest series I have ever watched. The new Doctor, Peter Capaldi made this show what it is, kudos to him.
Unfortunately there are only 24 episodes, in Britain TV shows like this one have the advantage of using profound language more freely than their colleagues in the US have.
The IT Crowd
Created by: Graham Linehan
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 24 mins
Original Channel: Channel 4
The IT Crowd was created by Graham Linehan, the show was on air for 7 years, it started airing in 2006. 4 seasons + special and 25 episodes is the sum of the show.
The daily life of a group of technical support workers who work for a large corporation. Another great sitcom from British TV.
If you like geeky series then this one might be your new favorite. The show has received great critical acclaim, you should not miss this one.
Downton Abbey
Created by: Julian Fellowes
Genre: Period Drama
Running Time: 47-53 mins
Original Channel: ITV
Downton Abbey was created by Julian Fellowes, the show has been on air since 2010. Since then there have been 34 episodes, it is one of the mostly appreciated series.
It’s about the Crawley family and their servants, the setting takes place just before the World War One. One of the best dramas in the you will find, the characters, the dialog, it’s all astonishing.
Hopefully we will see a lot more from this great show. The reception couldn’t have been better, the critics love this show and so will you. Best British drama series, maybe ever!
Peep Show
Created by: Andrew O’Connor, Sam Bain, Jesse Armstrong
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 24 mins
Original Channel: Channel 4
Peep Show was created by the trio of Sam Bain, Jesse Armstrong and Andrew O’Connor. The show started airing in 2003, thus far there have been 48 episodes.
Mark and Jez are no ordinary people, they have two things in common, their lives are not as anyone’s else’s and they live together. The British certainly know hot to make a good sitcom, this one is a great example for that.
There is a reason that this show has lasted for this long, highly appreciated and worthy of your time.
Black Mirror
Created by: Charlie Brooker
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Running Time:
Original Channel: Channel 4
Black Mirror was created by Charlie Brooker, the show started airing in 2011 and so far there have been only 6 episodes and 2 seasons.
An anthology series that promotes the dark side of technology and life, what a great show this is, you will love it. Each episode has a different setting, cast and so on.
There will be more episodes of this spectacular show, start watching it.
Sherlock
Created by: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat
Genre: Crime Drama
Running Time: 85-90 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Sherlock was created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, there are 3 seasons and 9 episodes of this crime drama. It was based on Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Sherlock and doctor Watson solve crimes in modern London. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the role of his life in this great crime drama.
This one is one of my favorite series, everything about these nine episodes is pure brilliance, if by any chance you have missed them then you have to give this show a chance. You will absolutely love it. So this may be the best and the most anticipating British TV show.
Life on Mars
Created by: Matthew Graham, Ashley Pharoah, Tony Jordan
Genre: Police Procedural
Running Time: 60 mins
Original Channel: BBC One
Life on Mars was on air for a year, from 2006 to 2007. It was created by Tony Jordan, Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah.
It’s a great time travel TV show, after a terrible car crash Sam Tyler wakes up in 1973. Many countries have made an own adaptation of this great series.
16 episodes and 2 seasons is the total of the show, make sure you watch it.
My Mad Fat Diary
Created by: Tom Bidwell
Genre: Comedy Drama
Running Time: 45 mins
Original Channel: E4
My Mad Fat Diary was created by Tom Bidwell, it is on air from last year. 13 episodes and 2 seasons so far of this fairly new TV show.
Rae has been in a psychiatric hospital for the past 4 months while everyone believed that she was abroad in France. After the return, she started getting back in touch with her best friends and the rest of the group.
It’s a great comedy and drama show, the critical response has been generally positive.
Skins
Created by: Bryan Elsley, Jamie Brittain
Genre: Teen Drama
Running Time: 44-48 mins
Original Channel: E4
Skins has been on air for 6 years, from 2007 to 2013. It was created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain, the series has 61 episodes and 7 seasons.
Trying to grow up and find love is a lot harder when you have bad parenting and even worse teaching. This is a great story about British teens trying to do exactly that.
A lot of positive reviews for this British teen drama, another series with an American remake.
Miranda
Created by: Miranda Hart
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC Two
Miranda was created by Miranda Hart, its on air from 2009. 18 episodes and three seasons is the total so far, it used to air on BBC Two but from 2012 it started airing on BBC One.
Miranda is a socially awkward tall girl who often gets called “Sir”. She is a constant disappointment to her mother who wishes for her to get a real job and get married.
The first seasons was proclaimed as one of the top 10 forthcoming series. Great show that is deservedly on the list.
Coupling
Created by: Steven Moffat
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC Two
Coupling was written by Steven Moffat, it’s been on air from 2000 to 2004. Thus far there have been 28 episodes and 4 seasons.
It’s a never ending quest to find true love, six best friends discuss and help each-other in their quest. One of the best British sitcoms you will watch, it received huge praise and it was all deservedly.
It was directed by Martin Dennis, if there is a British sitcom you should watch then this is probably the right choice, because its on of the best British comedy TV shows.
Episodes
Created by: David Crane, Jeffrey Klarik
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC Two
Episodes started airing three years ago, it was created by Jeffrey Klarik and David Crane. There are 25 episodes and three seasons of this sitcom. Matt LeBlanc, played Joey in Friends is the star of the show.
Two British writers and producers have a hit series and a great marriage, things seemed like they couldn’t get better. That’t until a third party got involved.
The response was fairly positive especially from the American critics, highly recommended.
Bad Education
Created by: Jack Whitehall
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: BBC Three
Bad Education is on air since 2012, thus far there have been 19 episodes and 3 seasons. The series was created and written by Jack Whitehall. The main star of the show is the same man.
Great series where the teacher is the bigger kid than the kids he teaches. A very interesting and successful concept.
The British press wasn’t impressed by the show, the reception was mixed and negative the most. An American adaptation was made of the TV show.
The Inbetweeners
Created by: Damon Beesley, Iain Morris
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 25 mins
Original Channel: E4
The Inbetweneers was on our TV’s from 2008 to 2010. In that period there have been 18 episodes and 3 seasons. The TV show was created and written by Damon Beesley and Iain Morris.
It’s about a suburban teenager named Will McKenzie and his three friends. You will witness things like school bullying, male bonding, broken family life et cetera.
The average viewers per episode was around half a million, this is another series with an American adaptation, a movie was also made.
Spaced
Created by: Simon Pegg, Jessica Stevenson
Genre: Sitcom
Running Time: 25 mins
Original Channel: Channel 4
Spaced was created by Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson. The series was on air for two years, from 1999 to 2001. There are 14 episodes and 2 seasons of this sitcom. The main cast includes the creators of the show.
Two friends pretend to be a couple in order for them to live in the the only apartment they can afford, the setting takes place in North London.
An American remake was supposed to be made but there were a lot of negative reaction from the creators and the fans alike.
