20 Must-Watch British TV Shows That Will Blow Your Mind

Summary

British TV shows offer hidden gems that haven't been discovered by mainstream audiences, showcasing the country's dry wit and localized observations.

Underrated shows like Ghosts and Lovesick showcase a wide range of voices and explore thought-provoking real-life stories. Happy Valley and A Spy Among Friends, in particular, deserve a fresh wave of recognition among American viewers due to their captivating narratives and distinctive viewpoints.

British TV has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with beloved series like Downton Abbey and Fleabag. However, there are still hidden treasures awaiting discovery by mainstream viewers. These lesser-known gems originate from both local British networks such as BBC and ITV, as well as streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. What sets these shows apart from their American counterparts is their distinct dry wit and keen observations of the ever-changing social and cultural landscape in Britain. They defy the stereotypes often associated with British television, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual period dramas.

In recent years, American viewers have been introduced to popular British shows on Netflix, including Sex Education, Peaky Blinders, and The Crown. Even older series like House and Luther have experienced a resurgence in popularity since becoming available for streaming. However, amidst these well-known titles, there are still a few hidden gems that remain underrated. From comedic yet tragic stories to thought-provoking crime dramas, these shows showcase diverse voices from the United Kingdom. They tackle challenging real-world narratives and are driven by the vibrant creative minds behind them, truly embodying the spirit of diversity in British television.

10 Ghosts (2019-Present)

9 I May Destroy You (2020)

Ghosts, originally a BBC sitcom, served as the inspiration for the American supernatural comedy of the same name. The show centers around the haunting of a decaying country house by its ghostly inhabitants. By skillfully satirizing common paranormal tropes, Ghosts transforms its seemingly uncomplicated premise into a poignant exploration of love and loss. Each ghost hails from a specific historical era and possesses a unique motive for haunting the main characters. However, the harmonious relationship that develops between the humans and their spectral companions makes Ghosts a heartening viewing experience for both young and old.

Michaela Coel, the Emmy-winning writer and comedienne, first gained recognition in the country for her work on the sitcom Chewing Gum. However, a traumatic incident during her early career led Coel to draw inspiration from real-life events for her new project, I May Destroy You. This dark comedy delves into the life of a writer who undergoes a life-altering experience of sexual assault at a nightclub. Balancing moments of human tragedy with observational humor, I May Destroy You tackles challenging questions in the wake of the #MeToo movement. With its multi-faceted tones and social commentary, Coel's series can be argued to be on par with a critically acclaimed tragicomedy like Fleabag, sparking important conversations.

8 Happy Valley (2014-2023)

Sarah Lancashire delivers an exceptional performance as Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the gripping police procedural drama, Happy Valley. With each season focusing on a specific crime, the series captivates viewers with its exploration of the lead investigator's personal and professional battles. From the dry humor-filled dialogues to the moments of poignant silence that slowly build tension, Happy Valley offers a fulfilling experience for those who appreciate patience in storytelling. Despite earning four BAFTA Awards, this BBC One original remains relatively unknown in the United States. However, given Americans' fondness for beloved genre shows like True Detective and Mare of Easttown, it is time for Happy Valley to garner renewed interest.

7 Man Like Mobeen (2017-Presents)

The lead character in Man Like Mobeen and his Pakistani-origin British friends encounter daily misfortunes. Instead of focusing on racial stereotypes, this binge-worthy comedy series creates tension from ordinary situations to shed light on the challenges faced by many British immigrants. With showrunner Guz Khan delving into the emotional struggles of Mobeen Deen, a former criminal, Man Like Mobeen stands out as one of the most underrated British shows available on Netflix.

6 Spaced (1999-2001)

Before the critically acclaimed Three Flavours Cornetto movies, the comedic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost teamed up with filmmaker Edgar Wright for a lesser-known sitcom. Spaced revolves around two strangers, played by Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, who unexpectedly become roommates. Within this new living arrangement, the mismatched leads, along with Pegg's on-screen best friend portrayed by Nick Frost, engage in absurd and wacky adventures on a daily basis. Additionally, some episodes take viewers on surreal and imaginary journeys. Showcasing Edgar Wright's talent for crafting creatively absurd humor with limited resources, Spaced foreshadowed the rise of this British auteur to stardom.

5 The Essex Serpent (2022)

Beneath its traditional façade, The Essex Serpent unravels into a captivating Gothic romance. With the brilliant performances of Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston, this series exudes an aura of mystery and tragedy. Danes portrays a widow in pursuit of a legendary serpent, while Hiddleston brings to life a pastor who challenges the protagonist's sanity. Beyond their quest resembling that of Moby Dick, The Essex Serpent offers thought-provoking discussions on science and skepticism in a bygone era.

4 Top Boy (2011-2023)

Top Boy is a captivating series that delves into the lives of two drug dealers based in London. Offering a non-judgmental perspective on modern crime in the bustling capital of England, this show was initially dropped by Channel 4 after two seasons. However, thanks to the involvement of Canadian rapper Drake as an executive producer, Netflix revived it. Despite fostering a loyal fanbase and receiving rave reviews from critics, Top Boy remains an underappreciated British gem. The performances of Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson as the morally ambiguous leads bring immense emotional depth to this crime saga. With just five seasons, it's a must-watch for viewers outside of Britain.

3 Flowers (2016-2018)

Hidden away on Netflix, the Channel 4 comedy Flowers boasts an exceptional cast, led by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, British comedic legend Julian Barratt, and upcoming star Will Sharpe from The White Lotus season 2. This series delves into the unfortunate events of a dysfunctional family, challenging the conventional narrative of family drama to present a deeply moving story of generational trauma. With its memorable one-liners and exploration of sensitive subjects like depression and self-harm, Flowers handles mental health issues with sincerity, making it an emotionally captivating watch.

2 A Spy Among Friends (2022)

1 Lovesick (2014-2018)

: A Spy Among Friends offers a unique twist on the fast-paced spy thriller genre, shifting the focus to explore the poignant downfall of a friendship. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, this gripping historical drama miniseries, featuring an outstanding performance by Damian Lewis as a dedicated MI6 officer, delves into the unsettling possibility that his trusted colleague and close friend, portrayed masterfully by Guy Pearce, may be a double agent for the Soviets. Rather than relying on action-packed sequences, the drama in A Spy Among Friends centers around dialogue-driven storytelling, presenting a thought-provoking and unconventional Cold War narrative that will captivate even the most discerning American audience.

Lovesick, also known by its original title Scrotal Recall, is a sitcom that follows the journey of a promiscuous man who is diagnosed with an STI. After receiving the news, the main character, played by Johnny Flynn, embarks on a quest for redemption, seeking forgiveness from every person he has slept with in the past. With a perfect blend of raunchy humor and unexpected moments of warmth, Lovesick offers an entertaining exploration of how friendships and romantic relationships evolve over time. Each episode delves into the protagonist's past, using flashbacks and present-day scenarios to depict these transformations. Fans of character-driven British comedies like After Life and Fleabag are sure to fall in love with Lovesick.