I feel that
Doctor Who (2005) led the way.
Primeval (2007) and
Life on Mars (2006) are both brilliant, vibrant shows, made with real intelligence. It's a joy to see drama that's different from the norm. Thirty years ago, no one would have hesitated to commission a series about survivors of a nuclear holocaust or colonists on the moon, but somewhere along the line the programme makers got scared. I'm glad that's lifting now. It can only benefit the audience.