Liberty's List of British Drama Shows
Must watch British Drama television series including mini series and BBCA productions. (Also a list of my favorite British Drama television shows). *IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER*
(And also including some Australian/French shows which likely aired on BBC Worldwide or Netflix).
(And also including some Australian/French shows which likely aired on BBC Worldwide or Netflix).
List activity
4.8K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
49 titles
- CreatorSydney NewmanStarsJodie WhittakerPeter CapaldiPearl MackieThe further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.One of the most compelling human dramas... is about an alien.
Infinitely clever and quirky, Doctor Who has fans around the globe and has lasted over 50 years. The revamp, beginning in 2005, has captured the hearts of adults and children alike. - CreatorChris ChibnallStarsDavid TennantOlivia ColmanJodie WhittakerThe murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.One of the best mystery dramas of the era, Broadchurch focuses on a small town and how it deals with the death of a young boy and the murder's trial. Gritty, dark, with vibrant seaside setting.
- CreatorMark GatissSteven MoffatStarsBenedict CumberbatchMartin FreemanUna StubbsThe quirky spin on Conan Doyle's iconic sleuth pitches him as a "high-functioning sociopath" in modern-day London. Assisting him in his investigations: Afghanistan War vet John Watson, who's introduced to Holmes by a mutual acquaintance.Witty, clever, detective drama and beautifully produced. No one should miss this sensational hit show.
- StarsAnton LesserSimon Russell BealeTom GeorgesonA mini-series of adaptations of Shakespeare's history plays: Richard II, Henry IV: Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V.How Shakespeare was meant to be preformed. No more comment necessary.
- StarsRomola GaraiMichael GambonJonny Lee MillerEmma Woodhouse, a wealthy young woman living in the early 19th century, whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities occasions several romantic misadventures, which leads her into deeper meanings of love and lifeBeautifully produced Jane Austen adaption. Jonny Lee Miller is the perfect Mr Knightly. All actors portray their roles perfectly: Michael Gambon, Tamsin Greg, Jodhi May, Rupert Evans, and the clever/stubborn Miss Emma Woodhouse. For fans of Austen, this is a must-see. Set, wardrobe, and style of whole production are simply stunning.
- CreatorKim CoghillAndrew De AngelisJeff DetskyStarsTatiana MaslanyDylan BruceJordan GavarisA streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her.Tatiana Maslany will leave you speechless. (A hard show to put into words). Epic. Sci-fi. Character/Plot thriller with quirky characters who face unthinkable drama. Tatiana plays over thirty characters and yet the show's small cast feels infinitely vast. Her skill surpasses any I have seen.
- CreatorGlen MorganStarsJames FrainMillie Bobby BrownTory KittlesA secret society is devoted to chasing immortality by seeking refuge in the bodies of others.Breakout role of Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) and starring John Simm and James Frain. Dark, haunting series about people who have an extra soul inside of them. Millie, a young girl, portrays a perverted, male serial killer with the ease of a seasoned actor such as Gary Oldman. Viewers may feel unsatisfied with the ending because of the show's cancellation, but it is still worth a watch for fans of the genre and of Millie.
- StarsBertie CarvelEddie MarsanMarc WarrenIn an alternate history, during the time of real life Napoleonic Wars, two men of destiny, the gifted recluse Mr. Norrell and daring spellcasting novice Jonathan Strange, use magic to help England.Highly-anticipated adaption of Susanna Clarke's novel of the same name. This 7-part mini series is both a historical drama and a fantasy. In a world were magic is real but studied, not practiced, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell form an association that changes the country and the war. Bertie Carvel shines and Eddie Marsen is simply brilliant. Perfectly cast and produced.
- CreatorToby WhithouseStarsTom HughesJonathan ArisVictoria HamiltonA Cold War spy thriller that tells the story of invisible wars fought by MI5.Cold War era drama with excellent cast (Tom Hughes, Brian Cox, Paul Ritter, etc). Slightly dry and understated, but very good espionage thriller.
- CreatorTony GroundsStarsMichelle KeeganSean WardBen AldridgeDrama following the extraordinary adventures of female medics in the British Army.(As well as the preceding tv film). Soldier/Military drama centering around a young female.
- StarsPhilip WinchesterSullivan StapletonMichelle LukesFollows the actions of Section 20, a secretive unit of British military intelligence. A team of special operations personnel conduct several high risk missions across the globe.(The British television show with Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln before moving to Starz in America). Compelling thriller set in two-part stories.
- CreatorRussell T. DaviesStarsJohn BarrowmanEve MylesKai OwenThe members of the Torchwood Institute, a secret organization founded by the British Crown, fight to protect the Earth from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats.(Including 'Torchwood: Children of Earth' as a stand-alone mini series).
- CreatorJane CampionGerard LeeStarsElisabeth MossDavid WenhamPeter MullanObsessed with the disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant girl near a freezing lake in New Zealand, a brave detective will find herself up against small-town secrets and a side of herself that was meticulously kept at bay.NEW ZEALAND. Not sure of original network. Likely aired on BBC Worldwide? Character drama. Somewhat predictable for the seasoned viewer, but still worth watching. Beautiful scenery. The backdrop of New Zealand is almost a character in its own right.
- CreatorCharlie BrookerStarsWunmi MosakuMonica DolanDaniel LapaineFeaturing stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.British show, but now ran by Netflix. Deeply rooted in aspects of human nature and society. Satirizes our conflicts with technology and humanity. Each episode is a different 'world' with different characters/actors in different situations, but all are uniquely insightful about humans as a species. Ranges from dark comedy to thriller/drama. Excellent show. One of a kind. Disturbing but deeply satisfying.
- CreatorDavid WolstencroftStarsPeter FirthHugh SimonNicola WalkerThe missions of MI-5, the UK's domestic intelligence organization.Long-running espionage/action thriller "Spooks." Fans of Strike Back, James Bond, and police procedurals will enjoy.
- StarsDavid TennantMillie InnesSuranne JonesAfter his wife Rita's fatal car accident, Dave tries to raise his four children, helped by Rita's best friend Sarah. Things get complicated when mourning gives way to romantic feelings, while his kids remain sincere priority.Down-to-earth family drama with David Tennant.
- StarsDavid TennantToby KebbellBrid BrennanA junior barrister celebrated for spiriting people out of tight legal corners represents an accused murderer.Twisting legal thriller starring David Tennant. Fans of drama and thriller will both enjoy.
- StarsDaniela Denby-AsheRichard ArmitageTim Pigott-SmithNorth and South is a four-part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's love story of Margaret Hale, a middle-class southerner who is forced to move to the northern town of Milton.Industrial Revolution drama romance set around union/worker struggles. Complex characters with conflicting motivation.
- CreatorDebbie HorsfieldStarsAidan TurnerEleanor TomlinsonJack FarthingRoss Poldark returns home after the American Revolutionary War and rebuilds his life with a new business venture, making new enemies and finding a new love where he least expects it.Period drama with rounded characters. Beautiful scenery/film making and compelling, human storylines.
- StarsKenneth BranaghRichard McCabeJeany SparkUnable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate, Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships.Gripping detective drama.
- CreatorFoz AllanDominic MinghellaStarsJonas ArmstrongGordon KennedySam TroughtonAfter 5 years of fighting in the crusades, Robin returns to England and leads a band of outlaws to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham.Fun but full of rich characters. Lucy Griffiths and Richard Armitage shine in this series. Great family show that younger fans and adults can both enjoy without it being boring. One of the best adaptions of the Robin Hood legend that I have seen.
- CreatorNeil CrossStarsIdris ElbaDermot CrowleyMichael SmileyJohn Luther is a brilliant homicide detective with a knack for getting inside the minds of murderers. Unfortunately, his unconventional methods and personal demons put him at odds with his team.Dark, gritty, detective show. Many two-parters of procedural stories, but a strong storyline throughout. Idris Elba portrays Luther very well. Fans of twisting detective stories or of Sherlock will enjoy.
- CreatorAllan CubittStarsGillian AndersonJamie DornanJohn LynchA seemingly cold but very passionate policewoman goes head to head with a seemingly passionate father who is in fact a cold serial killer in this procedural out of Belfast. The only thing they share is their common complexity.One of the best psychological/detective dramas from the BBC (so basically, EVER). Omniscient view of detective and sadistic serial murderer set in Belfast, Ireland. One of Gillian Anderson's best roles. The characters are deeply rich, rounded, and fleshed out. Realistic and gritty.
- StarsStephen TompkinsonJack DeamAndrea LoweTenacious and stubborn DCI Alan Banks unravels disturbing murder mysteries aided by his young assistants, DS Annie Cabbot and DI Helen Morton.Police procedural set in Yorkshire. Very good, but likely not for everyone. A more serious Midsomer Murders.
- CreatorDavid FarrStarsTom HiddlestonHugh LaurieElizabeth DebickiThe night manager of a Cairo hotel is recruited to infiltrate an arms dealer's inner circle.Mini-series with a James Bond feel. A great watch for fans of thriller/espionage.
- StarsAlison O'DonnellSteven RobertsonLewis HowdenA local police team investigate crimes within the close knit island community of Shetland.Police drama that is slightly procedural but has a compelling storyline throughout. Beautiful scenery and film making set on the Scottish island of Shetland.
- CreatorSimon DonaldStarsRichard DormerBjörn Hlynur HaraldssonSienna GuilloryPerched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Fortitude is one of the safest towns on earth. There has never been a violent crime here. Until now.Gripping town drama with sci-fi/medical elements. British/American/etc actors.
- CreatorAshley PharoahStarsColin MorganCharlotte SpencerMalcolm StorryWhen a young couple inherit a farm, they are determined to turn it into a success, but strange supernatural forces soon intervene, threatening their marriage and their lives.Spooky mini series that has elements of classical horror but pulls in the modern era. Slightly procedural, but a strong storyline runs throughout that keeps you watching.
- StarsKatherine ParkinsonGemma ChanLucy CarlessIn a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a 'Synth'--a highly-developed robotic servant that's so similar to a real human--is transforming the way we live.Excellent sci-fi about AI syths that become conscious. Colin Morgan, Gemma Chan, and Katherine Parkinson and the rest of the cast perfectly portray their characters. Character/Societal drama.
- CreatorSally WainwrightStarsSarah LancashireSiobhan FinneranJames NortonYorkshire-based crime drama centering on the personal and professional life of Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood.BBC show in conjunction with Netflix. Non-procedural Police/Character drama.
- CreatorVicki MaddenVincent SheehanStarsElizabeth DebickiMatthew Le NevezHenry NixonDoctor Anna Macy finds herself inexplicably linked to the disappearance of two girls, fifteen years apart.AUSTRALIAN show (Foxtel). Twisting psychological and societal drama with many sci-fi elements.
- CreatorTony AyresLouise FoxStarsPatrick BrammallEmma BoothSean KeenanSeven people return from the dead with no memory and attempt to unveil what brought them to the grave in the first place.AUSTRALIAN show (ABC). People come back from the dead, but not as zombies! Gripping character drama and sci-fi. Picked up by Netflix.
- CreatorHarlan CobenStarsO-T FagbenleTom CullenHannah ArtertonA mystery series created by author Harlan Coben. Jesse, a five-year-old boy, goes missing. Twenty years later, his DNA shows up at a crime scene.Sky TV production about a boy who went missing when he was five and the four people surrounding the disappearance. Mystery and drama.
- StarsJoanna VanderhamJohn LynchJulie GrahamA horrific murder rocks the lives of two families living side-by-side in isolated rural Scotland.BBC drama/mystery about the death of a young couple and their families... A high-level, A-grade whodunnit.
- CreatorPeter BowkerStarsMax VentoLee InglebyChristopher EcclestonThe Hughes family work and love and fight like every other family. Then, their youngest son is diagnosed with autism and they don't feel like every other family anymore.A beautiful BBC drama about a family and how their lives change (and do not change) with regard to their son's autism diagnosis.
- CreatorMarnie DickensStarsJodie ComerValene KaneRichard Rankin26-year-old Ivy Moxam steps out of an ordinary house, on an ordinary street, on an ordinary day. Ivy hasn't been seen for thirteen years; she was kidnapped in 2003 at the age of thirteen.Compelling BBC mystery about a girl who was abducted when she was thirteen and then escapes thirteen years later.
- CreatorDan SeftonStarsJodie WhittakerAlfred EnochEmun ElliottA hardworking nurse who loses her job for whistle-blowing is forced to take drastic measures to provide for her daughter.Jodie Whittaker takes the identity of a doctor. Drama / Romance.
- CreatorRoland MooreStarsBecci GemmellSusan CooksonMark BentonFollow the lives, loves and highs and lows of four members of the Women's Land Army who are working at the Hoxley Estate during World War II.Drama / Romance / Comedy
- StarsShaun EvansRoger AllamJames BradshawSet from 1965 into the 1970s, the show follows Endeavour Morse in his early years as a police constable. Working alongside his senior partner DI Fred Thursday, Morse engages in a number of investigations around Oxford.Retro crime drama. Romance. Mystery.
- CreatorDaisy CoulamStarsRobson GreenTessa Peake-JonesAl WeaverA Cambridgeshire clergyman finds himself investigating a series of mysterious wrongdoings in his small village of Grantchester.50s era-ish mystery / drama / romance / sociology.
- StarsKeeley HawesJosh O'ConnorMilo ParkerLouisa Durrell raises her four children single-handedly after her husband's death. Following a financial crisis, the family moves to the Greek island of Corfu and tries to adapt to life there.Comedy / Family Drama / Romance.
- StarsCiarán HindsMichael NevinHattie MorahanIn 1943, the Coyne family and their neighbours struggle to maintain a normal life after a US Army Air Force base is set up in the middle of their rural parish.Wartime romance / drama.
- StarsNaomi BattrickMax BeesleyClaire CoxA drama about English settlers in America in 1617.Set in the British Colonies in America
- CreatorCaroline GrahamStarsJohn NettlesJane WymarkBarry JacksonA veteran Detective Chief Inspector and his young Sergeant investigate murders around the regional community of Midsomer County.Mystery serial detective show with quirky village characters and bizarre deaths.
- CreatorSally WainwrightStarsAnne ReidDerek JacobiSarah LancashireAfter 50+ years apart, Celia (Anne Reid) and Alan (Derek Jacobi) are reunited and decide to marry.Lovely family drama / romance of an older couple that falls in love.
- StarsLee InglebyLiz WhiteAnne ReidA drama series about the family who founded Chester Zoo in the 1930s.Family / social drama with interesting animals.
- CreatorMike BartlettStarsSuranne JonesBertie CarvelTom TaylorA woman suspects her husband of having an affair. After following several lines of inquiry far more unravels including a streak of violence below the surface.Family / Romance drama. Female doctor separates from husband.
- CreatorRobert ThorogoodStarsElizabeth BourgineDon WarringtonDanny John-JulesCultures collide when British Detective Inspector is transferred from England to the Caribbean island of Saint Marie to head the island's police department.Comedy / Mystery / Romance / Drama. This is also in my British comedy list, but works equally well for the drama list. The detective gets replaced kind of like Doctor Who/James Bond.
- CreatorDavid KajganichMax BorensteinAlexander WooStarsJared HarrisDerek MioTobias MenziesSupernatural, semihistorical, horror anthology series, where each season is inspired by a different infamous or mysterious real life historical tragedy.AMC show with many great British/European actors. Mystery, sci-fi element, great cinematography/atmosphere. Plans to be an anthology series if it continues.