FromThe OfficetoMr. Beanto, of course,Doctor Who, British television has been responsible for many of our most beloved pop culture phenomena. Still, for many years, these transatlantic productions could often be hard to find, especially after they were past their heyday. Once the audience’s interest died down, many of these shows disappeared from television channels or were relegated to the depths of streaming services, becoming cult classics remembered only by a small, dedicated fan base.
Now, however, lovers of British television can enjoy many of their favorite shows on BritBox. Created in 2017 by BBC Studios and ITV, BritBox is a streaming service entirely dedicated to British TV and film. The platform is home to some of our favorite series up to date and a few others that are just waiting to be discovered by audiences on the other side of the pond. Here are some of our favorite titles currently available on BritBox, from worldwide hits to low profile dramas that everyone should be watching.
12Downton Abbey
The most beloved upstairs-downstairs drama of our time,Downton Abbeyfocuses on the lives of lords and servants in a fictional Yorkshire estate in the early 20th century. Created byJulian Fellowes, the show follows the transformations undergone by the aristocratic Crawley family and the members of their staff in the aftermath of numerous events that took England and the world by storm in the 1910s and 1920s. With legions of fans scattered across the globe and just as many awards on its shelf, the series stars none other thanDame Maggie Smithas the Crawley’s matriarch.
11Mr. Bean
Fans of British comedy will be happy to know that they can watch one of the country’s most beloved sitcoms on BritBox. Created byRowan AtkinsonandRichard Curtisin 1990, the originalMr. Beanseries has the classic character dealing (or, rather, failing to deal) with multiple day-to-day situations in increasingly hilarious ways. Definitely one of the greatest comedians of the 20th century, Atkinson is at his peak form in this beloved show. His unique brand of physical comedy is delightful to follow. And the best part is that, unlike other more risqué comedies on this list,Mr. Beanis a watch for the entire family.
Who doesn’t loveIdris Elba? Perhaps best known for his work in action franchises such as the MCU andPacific Rim, the actor has a long history charming audiences in more low-profile TV shows. InLuther, Elba stars as detective John Luther, a crime-fighting genius with a complicated relationship with a murderer.Ruth Wilson(His Dark Materials) stars opposite Elba as Alice Morgan, Luther’s nemesis and dubious love interest. Released in 2010, the show ran for five two- to six-episode seasons and was nominated for Outstanding Television Movie in the 2016 Emmy Awards. Elba himself was also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie.
Are you into science fiction, thrillers, and television as an art form? Then, Channel 4’sUtopiais, without a doubt, the best series you have never seen. Released in 2013, back in a time in which conspiracy theories were still fun, the show follows a group of online acquaintances that become targets of a mysterious, ruthless organization due to their shared interest in a cult graphic novel. Visually stunning,Utopiais a true masterclass on how to make grandiose, impressive television with little to no visual effects. Sadly, the show was cancelled after its second season, but its 12 episodes are still definitely worth the watch.
Now, if your thing is small town murder mysteries, look no further thanShetland. Based on the novels ofAnn Cleeves, the Scottish series follows detective Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) and his team as they investigate murder cases in a close-knit community on the Shetland archipelago. Season 1 is based on the novelRed Bonesand focuses on the murder of Mima Wilson (Sandra Voe), an elderly local with ties to a secret World War II squad. With seven seasons released between 2013 and 2022, the show is a critical darling back home and has everything to please lovers of murder mysteries all over the world.
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7Life on Mars
But what about those that are fans of both good sci-fi and police procedurals? If that’s your case, thenLife on Marsis the show for you.John Simmstars as detective John Tyler, who time-travels all the way back to 1973 after being injured in a car crash in 2006. Trapped in a world he doesn’t quite understand, Tyler must now find a way to return home, all while trying to solve crimes and dealing with the many problems of old-time police work.Life on Marshad two seasons that ran from 2006 to 2007. The show got a sequel in 2008, calledAshes to Ashes, also available on BritBox.
6The Thick of It
Almost a decade before he createdVeepfor HBO,Armand Iannucciwas already perfecting the art of political satire in his BBC Four show,The Thick of It. Before becoming known as the Twelfth Doctor,Peter Capaldistarred in this television gem as Malcolm Tucker, the prime minister’s guard dog that makes life miserable for everyone in the fictional Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship. Chaotic, cringe-y, and an absolute wonder to behold,The Thick of Itis a must-watch for anyone that enjoys the absurdity and the ridicule inherent to politics. Just keep in mind that viewer discretion is advised.
5The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Based on the classicDouglas Adams’ novel of the same name, BBC’s adaptation ofThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxyis a wild, anarchic comedy series that garnered a cult following in the decades since its release, in 1981. And, yet, it still deserves more love. Adams himself is credited with writing this adaptation of his beloved book about an Earthling called Arthur Dent (Simon Jones) that gets stranded in space after our planet’s destruction. A masterpiece of both satire and science fiction, theGuidecan be a pretty tough material to adapt, but this show sure comes close to perfection. Would it have looked cooler with a higher budget and better visual effects? Yeah, perhaps. But don’t let sometimes lacking visuals distract you from great storytelling.
4The Office
If you are only familiar withThe Officefrom its American remake, then, let me tell you, you have no idea what you are in for.Ricky Gervais’ David Brent is Michael Scott (Steve Carell) on steroids in this ultra-cringe-y comedy series that makes us laugh just as much as it makes us want to hide behind the couch in shame. The mockumentary style is still there, this time following the staff of the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company. Get ready to be amused and to suffer from a lot of secondhand embarrassment.
3Inside No. 9
Created bySteve PembertonandReece Shearsmisth, black comedy anthology seriesInside No. 9is a perfect fit for fans of shows likeBlack MirrorandThe Twilight Zone. Each of its eerie,usually quite spooky storiestakes place in an entirely new setting, with a whole new cast of actors. The only thing connecting them all is the number 9 placed somewhere in the episode — usually on a door — and small brass statue of a hare. Despite keeping a low profile, the show has amassed a cult following over the course of the years and is now on its eighth season.
