Netflix gives viewers content from all across the globe, and the UK has a ton of offerings as some of the best British TV shows are currently available on the streaming giant. British television shows are, generally, a cut above the rest, as evidenced by the sheer amount of American remakes of popular UK series. While programming from across the pond may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no question that the UK has pumped out a few hits that have received international acclaim over the years. In addition, many of these shows just so happen to be on Netflix.
There are some key differences between the best British TV shows and the best American ones. While American television generally opts for more glossy cinematography and complex storylines, shows from the UK tend to lean more toward gritty realism and self-deprecating self-awareness. However, differences are most especially apparent when comparing a UK TV series to its American adaptation counterpart. Since Netflix offers viewers content from all around the world, international programs are now a part of the average viewing queue, opening up audiences to new stories and cultures. These are the best British TV shows that Netflix has to offer, ranked from worst to best.
Obsession (2023)
One of the best British TV shows on Netflix right now is the miniseries Obsession. Told in a tight four episodes, Obsession is based on the novel Damage by Josephine Hart and follows the Parliament member William (Richard Armitage). William’s adult son Jay (Rish Shaw) is engaged to the beautiful Anna (Charlie Murphy), however, Anna and William soon begin to have an affair of their own. As Anna attempts to juggle both relationships, William grows increasingly obsessed with her, in turn threatening both his career, and surprisingly, his life. While it doesn’t quite live up to the 1992 film Damage, it’s still a twisty erotic thriller.
Stay Close (2021)
Featuring a talented cast, Stay Close is another crime thriller miniseries from the UK and ultimately one of the best British TV shows on Netflix. Based on a novel of the same name by Harlan Coben, Stay Close sees a mother of three named Megan Pierce trying to outrun her past. When she is approached by a mysterious woman named Lorraine who calls Megan by a different name, a mystery begins to unravel surrounding a stalker who was once presumed dead, a serial murderer, and a missing man. Stay Close has a twist ending that must be seen to be believed, as nearly everyone on the series is harboring a secret.
The Duchess (2020)
The Duchess joined the annals of series that should’ve been given another season, as the heartfelt comedy series was wholly unique. Created by and starring comedian Katherine Ryan, The Duchess sees ceramics artist Katherine (Ryan) as a single mom after a failed relationship with ex-boy band member Shep (Rory Keenan) and raising her daughter Olive (Katy Byrne) in London while contemplating having another child. Full of Ryan’s brash and irreverent brand of comedy, The Duchess deftly balances humor and heart.
The English Game (2020)
Whether it’s called soccer or football, The English Game tackles the origins of the iconic sport in one of the best British TV shows. Based on a true story, The English Game is set in England and Scotland during the late 1800s and follows the invention of the game from its amateur inception to its professional status. The series primarily focuses on upper-class Old Etonians player Arthur Kinnaird (Edward Holcroft) and working-class player Fergus Suter (Kevin Guthrie) as they change the sport forever. The series received generally favorable reviews and is an interesting entry into the sports biopic genre.
Inside Man (2022)
The best British TV shows are often crime drama miniseries, and Inside Man joins the ranks. Developed by Dr. Who showrunner Steven Moffat, Inside Man features an all-star cast, seeing the likes of David Tennant, Stanley Tucci, Dolly Wells, and Lydia West. The series sees former law lecturer Jeffrey (Tucci) on death row for murdering his wife while providing crucial advice on cold cases. Jeffrey’s resounding statement “Anyone can be a murderer” has chilling consequences as Vicar Harry (Tennant) finds himself in a complicated situation. The miniseries received positive reviews from critics and before premiering on Netflix became the 7th most-viewed program on iPlayer.
Marcella (2016 – 2021)
The overlooked crime drama series Marcella is one of the best British TV shows on Netflix and sees the incomparable Anna Friel in the lead role of Marcella Backland. Marcella, who suffers from an unnamed mental disorder that gives her blackouts, leaves the Metropolitan police to take better care of her family. However, she decides to return to work when her husband of 15 years abruptly leaves her and her children go back to boarding school. As soon as she returns, the serial killer whose case she was studying suddenly becomes active again. Critics and audiences loved Marcella and its neo-noir elements are sure to please any crime drama fan.
Crashing (2016)
Before Phoebe Waller-Bridge shot to stardom for her show Fleabag, she starred in one of the best British TV shows, Crashing. The comedy series follows six young adults who live together as property guardians of a now-defunct hospital. Personal baggage and tensions among the group soon arise as they attempt to navigate this strange point in their lives. The entire show was created and written by Waller-Bridge, so audiences already know exactly what type of comedy they’re getting into. The series won Waller-Bridge a Best Breakthrough Talent Award from the British Academy Television Craft Awards.
The Last Kingdom (2015 – 2022)
It’s no surprise that The Last Kingdom received considerable acclaim, seeing as it has a huge fanbase and is one of the best British TV shows. The series is a perfect addition for any viewer who is a fan of historical fiction combined with riveting drama. The show originally aired on BBC America and BBC Two before Netflix gained the sole rights to the third season. The main character, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) must choose between his birth country that he was taken from and the people who raised him as he seeks revenge against the people who killed his family. The Last Kingdom was so popular it even received a feature film.
Top Boy (2011 – 2023)
As previously mentioned, the best British TV shows are often crime dramas and Top Boy is one to be added to the watchlist. Top Boy originally aired on TV for two seasons before being dropped. In 2019, the show was picked up by Netflix for a brand new season, but it was titled as the first installment. The prior seasons were renamed by Netflix as Top Boy: Summerhouse. The show combines themes of crime, gang life, thriller aspects, and corrupted innocence. There’s a brewing tension between two gangs in the housing estates. One character aims to be top boy, while another has good intentions but was forced to grow up too quickly.
Sick Note (2017 – 2018)
While it may be one of the best British TV shows, Sick Note sees Lindsay Lohan’s return to the screen and the ensemble cast doesn’t disappoint. Sick Note sees insurance agent Daniel (Rupert Grint) accidentally diagnosed with a terminal illness because of Dr. Glennis’ (Nick Frost) incompetence. Rather than correct him, however, Daniel decides to use the diagnosis to his advantage as everyone around him seems to treat him better. The pitch-black comedy is the pinnacle of British humor as Daniel finds himself in one sticky situation after another, and Sick Note was nominated for a British Screenwriters’ Award.
Cunk On Earth (2022 – )
Audiences will be on the floor laughing as the mockumentary series Cunk on Earth delivers consistent one-liners from the bumbling and ill-informed investigative reporter Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) in one of the best British TV shows. Produced by Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker, Cunk on Earth sees Philomena traveling the world and interviewing experts and historians on everything from Ancient Egypt to the Rennaissance, asking wildly outrageous questions at every turn. It’s a wonder that the interviewees didn’t burst out laughing, and Morgan was nominated for a British Academy Television Award.
After Life (2019 – 2022)
Fans of Ricky Gervais will rejoice in his black comedy-drama, After Life, easily one of the best British TV shows on Netflix. Written, produced, and directed by Gervais, the show follows a man faced with a decision after his wife passes away from cancer. Tony (Gervais) decides that he will punish the world for her death by no longer caring about anything. His friends and family try to push him back to being the loveable and nice guy he once was. The show is praised for having heartwarming moments but with the realism of heartbreak and tragedy that won it accolades from the National Film Awards UK and National Television Awards.
Last Tango In Halifax (2012 – 2020)
This show originally aired on BBC in 2012 before becoming available on Netflix and therefore one of the best British TV shows on the service. The series focuses on two widows who once had feelings for each other when they were teens before one of them moved away. Years later, they reconnect through Facebook and become aware that the strong feelings they once had never disappeared. They soon start a new journey of love, while still dealing with the drama of their established families. Last Tango in Halifax was critically acclaimed, garnering several accolades.
The End Of The F***ing World (2017 – 2019)
Just as the UK loves a good crime thriller, black comedy is a big specialty across the pond, and The End of the F***ing World is one of the best British TV shows. Based on Charles Forsman’s comics, the show follows the troubled teen James (Alex Lawthew), who believes himself to be a psychopath, and the equally troubled Alyssa (Jessica Barden), who proposes that the two go on a road trip to escape her troubled home life. The series received international attention and critical acclaim, earning awards from the MTV Millenial Awards, Royal Television Society Awards, Peabody Awards, and British Academy Television Awards.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969 – 1974)
Monty Python is a hallmark of British media, and the television series Monty Python’s Flying Circus is one of the best British TV shows on Netflix. Featuring the sketch comedy stylings of heavy hitters John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, the surrealist comedy series is widely known for its sight-gags, absurd situations, and innuendo-laden humor. Nothing was truly off limits of Flying Circus, and while it’s definitely a product of its time has a monumental legacy in the world of comedy. During its run, Flying Circus was honored with three BAFTAs and even received an OFTA TV Hall of Fame award in 2008.
Bridgerton (2020 – )
The steamy romance series Bridgerton has received international notoriety, quickly becoming one of the best British TV shows on Netflix. The series is based on the book series by Julia Quinn and follows the affluent Bridgerton family living in London during the Regency era. Each season focuses on a Bridgerton child finding the love of their life, with season 1 seeing Daphne and Simon’s fake relationship turn real and season 2’s Anthony and Kate turn from enemies to lovers. At the time of its premiere, Bridgerton was Netflix’s most-watched original series and has garnered accolades from the likes of AFI, the Black Reel Awards, and the Emmys.
Bodyguard (2018)
Bodyguard sees Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden starring PS David Budd in one of the best British TV shows on Netflix. The show tells the story of Scottish Afghanistan War veteran Budd who is tasked with becoming the Principal Protection Officer of MP Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), a Conservative Party member of Parliament whose politics Budd despises. Between struggles with PTSD and supporting a cause he doesn’t believe in, Budd spends the majority of Bodyguard in internal and external conflict. Bodyguard was critically acclaimed and has 10 awards to its name, including a Golden Globe, British Academy Television Award, and National Television Award.
The Great British Baking Show (2010 – )
Possibly one of the most low-key competition shows around, The Great British Baking Show is highly beloved and one of the best British TV shows. The series has gained immense popularity since being available on Netflix and follows a basic guideline for its competition. Twelve bakers compete to impress the judges with their baking skills. One contestant is eliminated each round until there’s only one left to be crowned the winner. Many love the show’s main judges, but some had qualms over them being replaced once the series changed networks. Nonetheless, the series has won BAFTAs, National Television Awards, and Critics Choice Awards.
Derry Girls (2018 – 2022)
Derry Girls became Channel 4’s most successful comedy series and is easily one of the best British TV shows on Netflix. Inspired by creator Lisa McGee’s time growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 90s and the final years of the Troubles, the show sees five teens attending a Catholic secondary school known as Our Lady Immaculate College attempting to balance normal teen woes in the face of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Uproariously funny yet deftly poignant, Derry Girls received international acclaim and has 11 awards to its name, including honors from the Irish Film & Television Awards, British Academy Television Awards, and Royal Television Society Awards.
