Liberty's List of British Drama Shows
by Jeg_er_Bertie | created - 06 Jan 2015 | updated - 08 Mar 2019 | PublicMust 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).
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1. Doctor Who (2005–2022)
TV-PG | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
The further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.
Stars: Jodie Whittaker, Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Matt Smith
Votes: 246,419
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.
2. Broadchurch (2013–2017)
TV-MA | 1,143 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.
Stars: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan
Votes: 127,165
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.
3. Sherlock (2010–2017)
TV-14 | 90 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The 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.
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves
Votes: 997,447
Witty, clever, detective drama and beautifully produced. No one should miss this sensational hit show.
4. The Hollow Crown (2012–2016)
TV-14 | 150 min | Drama, History, War
A mini-series of adaptations of Shakespeare's history plays: Richard II, Henry IV: Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V.
Stars: Anton Lesser, Simon Russell Beale, Tom Georgeson, John Mackay
Votes: 7,311
How Shakespeare was meant to be preformed. No more comment necessary.
5. Emma (2009)
TV-PG | 62 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Emma 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 life
Stars: Romola Garai, Michael Gambon, Jonny Lee Miller, Jodhi May
Votes: 18,034
Beautifully 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.
6. Orphan Black (2013–2017)
TV-MA | 44 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her.
Stars: Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard
Votes: 116,919
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.
7. Intruders (2014)
TV-PG | 45 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
A secret society is devoted to chasing immortality by seeking refuge in the bodies of others.
Stars: James Frain, Millie Bobby Brown, Tory Kittles, Mira Sorvino
Votes: 3,931
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.
8. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
60 min | Fantasy, War
In 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.
Stars: Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren, Charlotte Riley
Votes: 13,772
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.
9. The Game (2014–2015)
59 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
A Cold War spy thriller that tells the story of invisible wars fought by MI5.
Stars: Tom Hughes, Jonathan Aris, Victoria Hamilton, Shaun Dooley
Votes: 3,541
Cold War era drama with excellent cast (Tom Hughes, Brian Cox, Paul Ritter, etc). Slightly dry and understated, but very good espionage thriller.
10. Our Girl (2013–2020)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Drama following the extraordinary adventures of female medics in the British Army.
Stars: Michelle Keegan, Sean Ward, Ben Aldridge, Rolan Bell
Votes: 4,853
(As well as the preceding tv film). Soldier/Military drama centering around a young female.
11. Strike Back (2010–2020)
TV-MA | 45 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Follows 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.
Stars: Philip Winchester, Sullivan Stapleton, Michelle Lukes, Daniel MacPherson
Votes: 33,479
(The British television show with Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln before moving to Starz in America). Compelling thriller set in two-part stories.
12. Torchwood (2006–2011)
TV-MA | 50 min | Action, Drama, Mystery
The members of the Torchwood Institute, a secret organization founded by the British Crown, fight to protect the Earth from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats.
Stars: John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Kai Owen, Gareth David-Lloyd
Votes: 43,438
(Including 'Torchwood: Children of Earth' as a stand-alone mini series).
13. Top of the Lake (2013–2017)
TV-MA | 750 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Obsessed 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.
Stars: Elisabeth Moss, David Wenham, Peter Mullan, Thomas M. Wright
Votes: 37,704
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.
14. Black Mirror (2011– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Featuring 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.
Stars: Wunmi Mosaku, Monica Dolan, Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen
Votes: 639,527
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.
15. MI-5 (2002–2011)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
The missions of MI-5, the UK's domestic intelligence organization.
Stars: Peter Firth, Hugh Simon, Nicola Walker, Rupert Penry-Jones
Votes: 18,368
Long-running espionage/action thriller "Spooks." Fans of Strike Back, James Bond, and police procedurals will enjoy.
16. Single Father (2010)
TV-MA | 231 min | Drama
After 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.
Stars: David Tennant, Suranne Jones, Millie Innes, Chris Hegarty
Votes: 1,710
Down-to-earth family drama with David Tennant.
17. The Escape Artist (2013)
60 min | Drama, Thriller
A junior barrister celebrated for spiriting people out of tight legal corners represents an accused murderer.
Stars: David Tennant, Toby Kebbell, Brid Brennan, Sophie Okonedo
Votes: 6,923
Twisting legal thriller starring David Tennant. Fans of drama and thriller will both enjoy.
18. North & South (2004)
TV-PG | 235 min | Drama, Romance
North 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.
Stars: Daniela Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage, Tim Pigott-Smith, Sinéad Cusack
Votes: 34,940
Industrial Revolution drama romance set around union/worker struggles. Complex characters with conflicting motivation.
19. Poldark (2015–2019)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Romance
Ross Poldark returns home after 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.
Stars: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Farthing, Beatie Edney
Votes: 36,079
Period drama with rounded characters. Beautiful scenery/film making and compelling, human storylines.
20. Wallander (2008–2016)
TV-PG | 90 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate, Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships.
Stars: Kenneth Branagh, Richard McCabe, Jeany Spark, Sarah Smart
Votes: 16,481
Gripping detective drama.
21. Robin Hood (2006–2009)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
After 5 years of fighting in the crusades, Robin returns to England and leads a band of outlaws to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Stars: Jonas Armstrong, Gordon Kennedy, Sam Troughton, Joe Armstrong
Votes: 17,291
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.
22. Luther (2010–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
John 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.
Stars: Idris Elba, Dermot Crowley, Michael Smiley, Warren Brown
Votes: 154,238
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.
23. The Fall (I) (2013–2016)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A 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.
Stars: Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan, John Lynch, Aisling Franciosi
Votes: 119,586
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.
24. DCI Banks (2010–2016)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Tenacious and stubborn DCI Alan Banks unravels disturbing murder mysteries aided by his young assistants, DS Annie Cabbot and DI Helen Morton.
Stars: Stephen Tompkinson, Jack Deam, Andrea Lowe, Caroline Catz
Votes: 9,126
Police procedural set in Yorkshire. Very good, but likely not for everyone. A more serious Midsomer Murders.
25. The Night Manager (2016–2024)
TV-14 | 346 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The night manager of a Cairo hotel is recruited to infiltrate an arms dealer's inner circle.
Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Colman
Votes: 103,024
Mini-series with a James Bond feel. A great watch for fans of thriller/espionage.
26. Shetland (2013– )
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A local police team investigate crimes within the close knit island community of Shetland.
Stars: Alison O'Donnell, Steven Robertson, Douglas Henshall, Lewis Howden
Votes: 25,832
Police drama that is slightly procedural but has a compelling storyline throughout. Beautiful scenery and film making set on the Scottish island of Shetland.
27. Fortitude (2015–2018)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Perched 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.
Stars: Richard Dormer, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Sienna Guillory, Mia Jexen
Votes: 23,588
Gripping town drama with sci-fi/medical elements. British/American/etc actors.
28. The Living and the Dead (2016)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller
When 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.
Stars: Colin Morgan, Charlotte Spencer, Malcolm Storry, Kerrie Hayes
Votes: 3,827
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.
29. Humans (2015–2018)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Sci-Fi
In 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.
Stars: Katherine Parkinson, Gemma Chan, Lucy Carless, Tom Goodman-Hill
Votes: 42,383
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.
30. Happy Valley (2014–2023)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Yorkshire-based crime drama centering on the personal and professional life of Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood.
Stars: Sarah Lancashire, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton, Rhys Connah
Votes: 64,521
BBC show in conjunction with Netflix. Non-procedural Police/Character drama.
31. The Kettering Incident (2016)
TV-MA | 51 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
Doctor Anna Macy finds herself inexplicably linked to the disappearance of two girls, fifteen years apart.
Stars: Elizabeth Debicki, Matthew Le Nevez, Henry Nixon, Anthony Phelan
Votes: 3,880
AUSTRALIAN show (Foxtel). Twisting psychological and societal drama with many sci-fi elements.
32. Glitch (2015–2019)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
Seven people return from the dead with no memory and attempt to unveil what brought them to the grave in the first place.
Stars: Patrick Brammall, Emma Booth, Sean Keenan, Hannah Monson
Votes: 21,062
AUSTRALIAN show (ABC). People come back from the dead, but not as zombies! Gripping character drama and sci-fi. Picked up by Netflix.
33. The Five (2016)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A 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.
Stars: O-T Fagbenle, Tom Cullen, Hannah Arterton, Sarah Solemani
Votes: 12,133
Sky TV production about a boy who went missing when he was five and the four people surrounding the disappearance. Mystery and drama.
34. Retribution (2016)
TV-MA | 58 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
A horrific murder rocks the lives of two families living side-by-side in isolated rural Scotland.
Stars: Joanna Vanderham, John Lynch, Julie Graham, Joe Dempsie
Votes: 8,908
BBC drama/mystery about the death of a young couple and their families... A high-level, A-grade whodunnit.
35. The A Word (2016– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
The 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.
Stars: Max Vento, Lee Ingleby, Christopher Eccleston, Molly Wright
Votes: 2,411
A beautiful BBC drama about a family and how their lives change (and do not change) with regard to their son's autism diagnosis.
36. Thirteen (2016)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
26-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.
Stars: Jodie Comer, Valene Kane, Richard Rankin, Natasha Little
Votes: 9,161
Compelling BBC mystery about a girl who was abducted when she was thirteen and then escapes thirteen years later.
37. Trust Me (2017–2019)
55 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
A hardworking nurse who loses her job for whistle-blowing is forced to take drastic measures to provide for her daughter.
Stars: Jodie Whittaker, Alfred Enoch, Emun Elliott, Katie Clarkson-Hill
Votes: 3,180
Jodie Whittaker takes the identity of a doctor. Drama / Romance.
38. Land Girls (2009–2011)
TV-14 | 225 min | Drama
Follow 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.
Stars: Becci Gemmell, Susan Cookson, Mark Benton, Mykola Allen
Votes: 3,573
Drama / Romance / Comedy
39. Endeavour (2012–2023)
TV-14 | 90 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Set 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.
Stars: Shaun Evans, Roger Allam, James Bradshaw, Sean Rigby
Votes: 33,391
Retro crime drama. Romance. Mystery.
40. Grantchester (2014–2025)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A Cambridgeshire clergyman finds himself investigating a series of mysterious wrongdoings in his small village of Grantchester.
Stars: Robson Green, Tessa Peake-Jones, Al Weaver, Kacey Ainsworth
Votes: 17,174
50s era-ish mystery / drama / romance / sociology.
41. The Durrells (2016–2019)
TV-PG | 46 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
Louisa 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.
Stars: Keeley Hawes, Josh O'Connor, Milo Parker, Daisy Waterstone
Votes: 14,166
Comedy / Family Drama / Romance.
42. My Mother and Other Strangers (2016)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Romance, War
In 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.
Stars: Ciarán Hinds, Michael Nevin, Hattie Morahan, Owen McDonnell
Votes: 1,778
Wartime romance / drama.
43. Jamestown (2017–2019)
Not Rated | 60 min | Drama, History
A drama about English settlers in America in 1617.
Stars: Naomi Battrick, Max Beesley, Claire Cox, Patsy Ferran
Votes: 5,812
Set in the British Colonies in America
44. Midsomer Murders (1997– )
TV-14 | 90 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A veteran Detective Chief Inspector and his young Sergeant investigate murders around the regional community of Midsomer County.
Stars: John Nettles, Jane Wymark, Barry Jackson, Neil Dudgeon
Votes: 39,397
Mystery serial detective show with quirky village characters and bizarre deaths.
45. Last Tango in Halifax (2012–2020)
TV-14 | 60 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
After 50+ years apart, Celia (Anne Reid) and Alan (Derek Jacobi) are reunited and decide to marry.
Stars: Anne Reid, Derek Jacobi, Sarah Lancashire, Nicola Walker
Votes: 8,829
Lovely family drama / romance of an older couple that falls in love.
46. Our Zoo (2014)
312 min | Drama, History
A drama series about the family who founded Chester Zoo in the 1930s.
Stars: Lee Ingleby, Liz White, Anne Reid, Honor Kneafsey
Votes: 1,481
Family / social drama with interesting animals.
47. Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned (2015–2017)
TV-MA | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
A 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.
Stars: Suranne Jones, Bertie Carvel, Tom Taylor, Thusitha Jayasundera
Votes: 22,161
Family / Romance drama. Female doctor separates from husband.
48. Death in Paradise (2011– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Cultures collide when British Detective Inspector is transferred from England to the Caribbean island of Saint Marie to head the island's police department.
Stars: Elizabeth Bourgine, Don Warrington, Danny John-Jules, Joséphine Jobert
Votes: 27,955
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.
49. The Terror (2018–2025)
TV-14 | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Horror
Supernatural, semihistorical, horror anthology series, where each season is inspired by a different infamous or mysterious real life historical tragedy.
Stars: Jared Harris, Derek Mio, Tobias Menzies, Kiki Sukezane
Votes: 51,333
AMC show with many great British/European actors. Mystery, sci-fi element, great cinematography/atmosphere. Plans to be an anthology series if it continues.
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