Comingsoon.net is taking a look at some of the great shows that have been made in the UK. Check out our picks in the gallery below!
American audiences typically don’t pay too much attention to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). They do, but perhaps they don’t give the BBC enough credit. Think about it, a lot of the shows that are made over overseas (especially the good ones) are on Netflix or some other “Yankee” streaming service after they initially air—never truly absorbing the “BBC” masthead. America always has it’s hand in Britain’s cookie jar; a lot of film legends came from the UK; for example, Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Anthony Hopkins, and Judi Dench all call potato chips crisps. In Hollywood, the BBC may not sound as established as HBO, but it most definitely is.
The BBC is the world’s oldest national broadcasting organization in the world (and perhaps the largest). Over the years the network has produced droves of excellent television shows. The following collection mostly consists of its more contemporary shows as well as some of its older shows (but nothing as old as the BBC itself). These shows not only rival the type of entertainment produced in the states but are often times superior—inspiring and shaping what we see on screen.
The Best BBC Series/Mini-series Ranked
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Spooks (2002–2011)
Also known as MI-5 is some places, this series revolved around a handful of MI5 officers tasked with protecting U.K. from national security threats. Its the type of thrilling, smart and fast-paced show that keeps the viewer guessing.
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Bodyguard (2018-?)
Anchored by brilliant performances by its leads, Bodyguard 's first season combines goosebumps-inducing thrills with genuine emotion and an unconventional look at things like PTSD.
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Luther (2010-?)
Idris Elba's turns out a stellar performance as slightly unhinged detective who, at times, appears eerily seemlier to the criminals he chases. In his wake, the show itself takes a gripping look at the dark side of life.
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Life on Mars (2006-2007)
Who doesn't love time travel. Life on Mars is about a detective that, after getting into a car crash, wakes up in 1973. Clever, funny and retro in a surprisingly contemporary way; Fox tried to adapt a version of the award-winning BBC show, but could never match it.
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The Office (2001–2003)
The show that crowned Ricky Gervais a comic genius and launched an American adaption that captivated billions (simultaneously being a trend setter for all the mockumentarys that followed).
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State of Play (2003)
The show that made journalism bad-ass, immense and anything but fake. State of Play follows a newspaper as it investigates into the death of a political researcher. Yet another show to be Americanized, this time on the big screen.
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Downtown Abbey (2010-2015)
This historical drama, following the Crawley estate, took on a life of its own internationally—basically becoming the go to Edwardian soap (but way better).
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Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Based on Jane Austen's 19th century novel of the same name, this adaptation is arguably superior to its 2005 film counter part.
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Top Gear (1977-2001 & 2002-?)
If the Fast and Furious Franchise were a reality TV show which lacked all of the fluff and got down to mechanical truth, it would be Top Gear.
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Sherlock (2010-?)
The best Sherlock Holmes adaptation featuring the best Sherlock. All hail Benedict Cumberbatch.
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Peaky Blinders (2013-?)
Steven Knight's rock n roll answer to Boardwalk Empire featuring Cillian Murphy as the king of cool.
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Doctor Who ( 1963- 89 & 2005-?)
TV's longest running sci-fi show of all time. 43 years and 723 episodes.
