The Ultimate Guide to the Top 25 British Shows on Netflix - Must-Watch Exclusives and Hidden Gems!

Summary

Best British TV shows on Netflix offer gritty realism and self-deprecating self-awareness, standing out from American counterparts.

Netflix offers a wide array of international programs, broadening viewers' horizons with fresh narratives and diverse cultures. Boasting an extensive selection of genres and exceptional performances, the platform showcases the finest British TV shows, spanning from crime dramas to comedy series.

- Discover the Best of British TV Shows on Netflix

Netflix offers a captivating selection of content from around the world, and the United Kingdom stands out with its impressive range of top-notch British TV shows available on the streaming giant. British television series consistently showcase outstanding quality, evident from the numerous American adaptations of beloved UK originals. While these shows may not cater to everyone's taste, there is no denying that the UK has produced several internationally acclaimed hits throughout the years. And the best part is, many of these outstanding shows can be found right on Netflix.

Obsession (2023)

The Key Differences Between the Best UK and US TV Shows

Obsession, a miniseries based on the novel Damage by Josephine Hart, is among the top British TV shows currently available on Netflix. With its succinct four-episode format, the series revolves around William (Richard Armitage), a member of Parliament. William's son, Jay (Rish Shaw), is engaged to the stunning Anna (Charlie Murphy), but a passionate affair blossoms between Anna and William. As Anna attempts to navigate the complexities of both relationships, William becomes increasingly fixated on her. This obsession jeopardizes his career and surprisingly, even his life. Although it doesn't reach the heights of the 1992 film Damage, Obsession remains a gripping and provocative erotic thriller.

Stay Close (2021)

The Duchess (2020)

Stay Close is an outstanding British TV show on Netflix that falls into the crime thriller genre. With its exceptionally talented cast, this miniseries brings to life the gripping novel by Harlan Coben. The story revolves around Megan Pierce, a mother of three who finds herself haunted by her past. The plot thickens when a mysterious woman, Lorraine, enters Megan's life, referring to her by a different name. As the narrative unfolds, a web of secrets is unveiled, involving a presumed dead stalker, a serial killer, and a missing individual. Brace yourself for a mind-blowing twist ending, as almost everyone in the series guards a hidden truth.

The Duchess cemented its place among the list of beloved shows that deserved another season, thanks to its heartfelt and one-of-a-kind comedy. Comedian Katherine Ryan, the creator and star of the show, portrays Katherine, a talented ceramics artist who navigates the challenges of being a single mother to her daughter Olive (Katy Byrne) in London. In addition, Katherine contemplates the possibility of expanding her family after her previous relationship with Shep, a former member of a boy band (portrayed by Rory Keenan), ended. With Ryan's signature sharp wit and bold comedic style, The Duchess effortlessly finds the perfect equilibrium between laughter and genuine emotions.

The English Game (2020)

Whether it's referred to as soccer or football, The English Game explores the origins of this legendary sport in one of the finest British television shows. Set in England and Scotland during the late 1800s, this series delves into the game's evolution from a pastime enjoyed by amateurs to its establishment as a professional pursuit. The primary focus of the story revolves around Arthur Kinnaird (Edward Holcroft), a player from the upper class Old Etonians, and Fergus Suter (Kevin Guthrie), a working-class player, who together reshape the sport. The series has received generally positive reviews and stands as an intriguing addition to the sports biopic genre.

Inside Man (2022)

Crime dramas are a popular genre in British TV, and Inside Man is no exception. Created by Steven Moffat, the mastermind behind Doctor Who, this miniseries boasts an impressive ensemble cast including David Tennant, Stanley Tucci, Dolly Wells, and Lydia West. The story revolves around Jeffrey, a former law lecturer who is on death row for his wife's murder, but also helps solve cold cases. Jeffrey's haunting words, "Anyone can be a murderer," have profound implications for Vicar Harry, played by Tennant, who finds himself in a complicated predicament. With positive reviews from critics, the series garnered significant anticipation and became the 7th most-viewed program on iPlayer before its Netflix premiere.

Marcella (2016 - 2021)

Crashing (2016)

Marcella Backland, played by the incomparable Anna Friel, takes the lead in the outstanding British TV series Marcella, a gripping crime drama on Netflix. Suffering from an undisclosed mental disorder that causes her to experience blackouts, Marcella leaves her job as a police officer in the Metropolitan police force to prioritize her family's well-being. However, her plans change when her husband unexpectedly walks out on their 15-year marriage and her children return to boarding school.

Motivated by these events, Marcella decides to return to work, only to find that the serial killer she had been investigating has resurfaced. This sudden turn of events catapults her back into the dark and haunting world she thought she had left behind. Marcella's ability to captivate both critics and audiences stems from its masterful blend of crime drama and neo-noir elements, making it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

Prior to attaining international fame with her acclaimed series Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge showcased her exceptional acting talent in the widely praised British TV show Crashing. This comedic masterpiece revolves around the lives of six young adults who find themselves as property guardians in an abandoned hospital. As they navigate through the peculiarities of this chapter in their lives, personal baggage and tensions within the group inevitably surface. Since Waller-Bridge conceived and penned every aspect of this series, viewers are guaranteed a comedic experience like no other. As testament to its brilliance, Waller-Bridge received the prestigious Best Breakthrough Talent Award at the British Academy Television Craft Awards for her outstanding contributions to the show.

The Last Kingdom (2015 - 2022)

Top Boy (2011 - 2023)

The Last Kingdom garnered considerable acclaim, owing to its massive fanbase and its status as one of the finest British television series. It seamlessly combines historical fiction with captivating drama, making it a must-watch for any viewer. Originally airing on both BBC America and BBC Two, Netflix eventually secured exclusive rights to the third season. The protagonist, Uhtred (played by Alexander Dreymon), faces a momentous decision as he seeks vengeance against those who took his family's lives - choosing between the land of his birth and the people who raised him. Such was the popularity of The Last Kingdom that it even spawned a feature film.

As mentioned earlier, crime dramas are among the best British TV shows, and Top Boy is a worthy addition to your watchlist. Initially aired for two seasons, the show was later taken up by Netflix in 2019 for a new season, which they titled as the first installment. The previous seasons were given the new name by Netflix - Top Boy: Summerhouse. This gripping series revolves around crime, gang life, thrilling elements, and the loss of innocence. In the housing estates, a brewing tension between two gangs adds to the intensity. One character aspires to become the top boy, while another, though well-meaning, has been forced to mature too quickly.

Sick Note (2017 - 2018)

Cunk On Earth (2022 - )

Despite being hailed as one of the finest British TV shows, Sick Note marks Lindsay Lohan's triumphant return to the screen, complemented by an exceptional ensemble cast that never fails to impress. The riveting storyline revolves around insurance agent Daniel (portrayed by Rupert Grint) who inadvertently receives a fatal diagnosis due to the sheer incompetence of Dr. Glennis (played by Nick Frost). Rather than rectify the misunderstanding, Daniel cunningly seizes the opportunity to exploit the diagnosis to his advantage, savoring the newfound favor and attention from those around him. This darkly humorous series showcases the quintessence of British comedic genius as Daniel navigates through a series of captivatingly sticky situations. In recognition of its brilliance, Sick Note was nominated for the prestigious British Screenwriters' Award.

Prepare to be hilarious with the comical mockumentary series Cunk on Earth, which is considered one of the top-notch British TV shows. Diane Morgan steals the show as the clueless investigative journalist Philomena Cunk, delivering consistently funny one-liners. With the guidance of Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker, Cunk on Earth takes us on a global journey where Philomena engages with experts and historians, posing ridiculously outrageous questions about everything from Ancient Egypt to the Renaissance. It's a miracle that the interviewees managed to keep a straight face, and Morgan's brilliant performance earned her a nomination for a British Academy Television Award.

After Life (2019 - 2022)

Fans of Ricky Gervais will be delighted by his black comedy-drama, After Life, which is undoubtedly one of the top British TV series available on Netflix. This show, written, produced, and directed by Gervais himself, revolves around a man who is confronted with a difficult decision following the death of his wife from cancer. Tony (portrayed by Gervais) resolves to punish the world by losing all sense of care and compassion. However, his friends and family make earnest attempts to restore his former lovable and kind-hearted self. After Life is highly acclaimed for its blend of heartwarming moments and the realism of heartbreak and tragedy, which has earned it prestigious awards from the National Film Awards UK and National Television Awards.

Last Tango In Halifax (2012 - 2020)

Originally airing on BBC in 2012 and later made available on Netflix, this British TV show has gained recognition as one of the finest offerings on the streaming service. The storyline centers around two widows who were once infatuated with each other as teenagers, but were separated when one of them relocated. Years later, they reconnect through Facebook and discover that their former feelings have never faded. Navigating the complexities of their current family lives, they embark on a new romantic journey. Last Tango in Halifax has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades.

The End Of The F***ing World (2017 - 2019)

Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969 - 1974)

: Just like the UK adores a captivating crime thriller, black comedy is a prominent genre in the US, and The End of the F***ing World stands out as one of the finest British television shows. Inspired by Charles Forsman's comics, the series charts the tumultuous journey of James (portrayed by Alex Lawthew), an anguished teenager, who believes he is a psychopath. Alongside him is Alyssa (played by Jessica Barden), who carries her own troubles and suggests embarking on a road trip to escape her distressing domestic life. The show garnered widespread acclaim and gained recognition through various esteemed accolades including the MTV Millenial Awards, Royal Television Society Awards, Peabody Awards, and British Academy Television Awards.

Monty Python's Flying Circus, a renowned British television series, has become synonymous with British media. It is regarded as one of the finest British TV shows available on Netflix. The show features a talented cast including John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, who excel in sketch comedy. Renowned for its surrealistic humor, sight-gags, absurd scenarios, and innuendo-laden jokes, Flying Circus fearlessly explores various subjects. This timeless comedy series has left an indelible mark on the comedy world. Recognitions include three BAFTAs and an OFTA TV Hall of Fame award in 2008.

Bridgerton (2020 - )

The captivating romantic series Bridgerton has achieved global fame, rapidly rising to become one of Netflix's most beloved British TV shows. Based on Julia Quinn's book series, the show centers around the affluent Bridgerton family residing in the Regency-era London. Each season delves into the journey of finding true love for a different Bridgerton sibling, as seen in the evolution of Daphne and Simon's pretended relationship becoming real in season 1, and the transformation of Anthony and Kate from adversaries to lovers in season 2. Bridgerton made its debut as Netflix's most-watched original series, earning high praise and accolades from esteemed institutions such as AFI, the Black Reel Awards, and the Emmys.

Bodyguard (2018)

British TV show on Netflix, Bodyguard, features Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden in the lead role as PS David Budd. The series centers around Budd, a Scottish Afghanistan War veteran, who is assigned the challenging task of protecting MP Julia Montague (played by Keeley Hawes), a Conservative Party member of Parliament. Budd's conflicting emotions towards Montague's political views, coupled with his struggles with PTSD, serve as the main catalysts for both internal and external conflict throughout the show. Praised by critics, Bodyguard has amassed a total of 10 awards, including a Golden Globe, British Academy Television Award, and National Television Award.

The Great British Baking Show (2010 - )

The Great British Baking Show is widely adored and considered one of the top British TV shows, despite its low-key nature. Since being made available on Netflix, the series has become incredibly popular. It follows a simple competition format where twelve bakers showcase their baking skills to impress the judges. The elimination process continues until only one contestant remains and is declared the ultimate winner. While many fans have a fondness for the show's original judges, there were some concerns when they were replaced after the series switched networks. Nevertheless, the show has achieved acclaim and recognition, earning BAFTAs, National Television Awards, and Critics Choice Awards.

Derry Girls (2018 - 2022)

Derry Girls has emerged as Channel 4's most successful comedy series and stands confidently among the finest British TV shows available on Netflix. Drawing inspiration from the upbringing of its creator Lisa McGee in Northern Ireland's Derry during the 90s and the Troubles' concluding years, this series follows five teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence while also dealing with the ongoing Northern Ireland Peace Process. With its uproariously funny yet subtly poignant narrative, Derry Girls has garnered widespread international acclaim, having received 11 prestigious awards including recognition from the Irish Film & Television Awards, British Academy Television Awards, and Royal Television Society Awards.