Grab a cup of tea and settle down for the finest telly Britain has to offer. The 21 best shows on BritBox to stream right now

Grab a cup of tea and settle down for the finest telly Britain has to offer.

The 21 best shows on BritBox to stream right now

Grab a cup of tea and settle down for the finest telly Britain has to offer.

By Kevin Jacobsen,

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

on August 11, 2025 07:38AM EDT

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in 'Pride and Prejudice'; Michaela Coel as Tracey on 'Chewing Gum'; Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes on 'Sherlock'. Credit:

BritBox International; E4/Channel 4/Courtesy Everett Collection; BBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

The Brits are known for many things: rainy weather, fish and chips, 1,200 years of royal family drama. Most crucially, the English have demonstrated a talent for creating quality television. Whether you're after a cozy period piece filled with gorgeous gowns and smoldering glances or a classic comedy featuring the U.K.'s singular brand of humor, BritBox offers something for every generation and genre.

Go ahead and practice that British accent as you take in **'s list of the 21 best shows on BritBox to stream right now.

Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989–2013)

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot and Zoë Wanamaker as Ariadne Oliver on 'Agatha Christie's Poirot'.

BritBox International

Based on the iconic whodunit novels by Agatha Christie, *Poirot* follows the titular meticulous French detective (David Suchet) as he gets to the bottom of gripping, thrilling murder mysteries. Set in Britain and various locations around the world during the roaring '20s and glamorous '30s, this series features enough art deco interiors, flapper dresses, and cigarette smoke to satisfy any period drama lover. —*Meg Walters*

Where to watch *Agatha Christie's Poirot*: BritBox

**Cast:** David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran

Being Human (2008–2013)

Aidan Tuner as John Mitchell on 'Being Human'.

BritBox International

This fan-favorite sci-fi dramedy follows a trio of supernatural beings integrating with modern society. Werewolf George Sands (Russell Tovey) and vampire John Mitchell (Aidan Turner) are best friends who do their best to accommodate their particular needs in order to fit in. They decide to move into a house together, not knowing it's already inhabited by a ghost named Annie Sawyer (Lenora Crichlow).

Blending multiple genres, *Being Human* is self-aware enough to understand the inherent comedy in its premise but still makes you care about the main trio and their all-too-human efforts to find acceptance. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Being Human*: BritBox

**Cast:** Lenora Crichlow, Russell Tovey, Aidan Turner, Sinead Keenan, Michael Socha, Damien Molony, Kate Bracken, Steven Robertson

A Bit of Fry & Laurie (1987–1990)

Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry on 'A Bit of Fry and Laurie'.

Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty

This lesser-known British show is the vehicle that shot Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry to fame. Before they were known for their more serious acting roles, this duo, who initially met at university, made a splash with their sketch comedy, which features a supporting cast that includes the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Phyllida Law, Imelda Staunton, and many other icons of British TV.

On *A Bit of Fry & Laurie*, the pair write and act in hilarious, bitingly clever comic sketches that poke fun at everything and everyone. It's easy viewing that will leave you in stitches. —*M.W.*

Where to watch *A Bit of Fry & Laurie*: BritBox

**Cast:** Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie

Blackadder (1983–1989)

Tony Robinson as Baldrick, Tim McInnerny as Percy, and Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder on 'Blackadder'.

Don Smith/Radio Times via Getty

This comedic historical sitcom follows a bloodline of self-interested, ambitious men through multiple eras. Each of the four seasons is set in a different time period, starting with Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) and his associate Baldrick (Tony Robinson) at the end of the British Middle Ages, followed by their descendants during Queen Elizabeth I's reign; then two more descendants during the Regency era; and finally a fourth generation during World War I. Packed with gags and a clever perspective on British history, *Blackadder* is essential viewing on BritBox. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Blackadder*: BritBox

**Cast: **Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry

Blue Lights (2023–present)

Martin McCann as Stevie Neil on 'Blue Lights'.

Police procedurals are a dime a dozen on British television, but this popular series about three new recruits to a Belfast police station stands apart from the more standard fare. *Blue Lights* follows former social worker Grace Ellis (Siân Brooke), the opinionated Annie Conlon (Katherine Devlin), and the charming but inept Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff) as they navigate the precarious nature of their job, experiencing harassment, witnessing gang violence, and making tough calls.

The series balances various tones deftly, portraying the culture of violence in the city with proper realism but making room for humor as needed. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Blue Lights*: BritBox

**Cast:** Siân Brooke, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Richard Dormer

Chewing Gum (2015–2017)

Michaela Coel as Tracey on 'Chewing Gum'.

E4/Channel 4/Courtesy Everett Collection

Based on her one-man show *Chewing Gum Dreams*, Michaela Coel created, wrote, and starred in this two-season sitcom about a young religious woman trying to lose her virginity. Coel plays Tracey Gordon, a shop assistant who no longer wishes to keep her sexual desires in check and goes on a mission to do the deed.

Naturally, the awkwardness of sex and relationships in the modern age comes into play, and Coel's penchant for observational humor and farce makes this an uncomfortably realistic yet hilarious watch. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Chewing Gum*: BritBox

**Cast:** Michaela Coel, Robert Lonsdale

Doctor Who classic era (1963–1989)

Tom Baker as the Doctor on 'Doctor Who'. Everett Collection

When it comes to British TV, few shows can boast the cult following or icon status enjoyed by *Doctor Who*. This legendary family-friendly sci-fi series has been loved by numerous generations since it first hit screens in 1963, and now, you can watch all 26 seasons of its classic era on BritBox.

The show follows the Doctor (played by numerous Brits over the years), a human-like alien who, along with his human "companions," travels through time in the magical telephone box-shaped TARDIS, encountering creatures and famous figures from the past as they rewrite events in history. —*M.W.*

Where to watch classic *Doctor Who*: BritBox

**Cast:** William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

The cast of 'Downton Abbey'. Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television

*Downton Abbey* took the world by storm with a window into the lives of those at the grand titular estate — both the historic Crawley family (Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith) and their servants downstairs (Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt).

Filled with intrigue, secrets, rivalries, romance, plot twists, and swoon-worthy costumes, *Downton Abbey* is stuffed to the brim with our favorite British tropes. But, ultimately, this is a period drama that puts women at the center of the story. As creator Julian Fellowes told EW, "The show is about female independence." —*M.W.*

Where to watch *Downton Abbey*: BritBox

**Cast:** Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Siobhan Finneran

Extras (2005–2007)

Ricky Gervais as Andy Millman and Ashley Jensen as Maggie Jacobs on 'Extras'.

Ray Burmiston/HBO/BBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

Ricky Gervais went from deriding office culture to lampooning show business with this acclaimed two-season gem. He stars as Andy Milliman, an aspiring actor who is mostly only offered work as an extra for film and TV, alongside his best friend, Maggie (Ashley Jensen). The series features at least one major cameo per episode from a star playing an exaggerated version of themselves, whom Andy typically tries to schmooze with to improve his standing in the industry.

Blending Gervais' trademark cringe comedy with an underlying emotional resonance for anyone who's toiled away at their dreams for years, *Extras* is one of the best showbiz satires out there. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Extras*: BritBox

**Cast:** Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Williamson, Shaun Pye

The Fall (2013–2016)

Jamie Dornan as Paul Spector and Gillian Anderson as DSU Stella Gibson on 'The Fall'.

BritBox International

This gripping crime drama follows Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) as she engages in a game of cat and mouse with serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). Gibson diligently tracks Spector — who puts up a front as a family man — and his pattern of targeting young female professionals.

The series delves into the psychology of both characters, giving insight into how they are each defined by their particular obsessions, and how those manifest in very different ways. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Fall*: BritBox

**Cast:** Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan

House of Cards (1990)

Nicholas Selby as Lord Billsborough, Damien Thomas as Michael Samuels, Kenneth Gilbert as Harold Earle, David Lyon as Prime Minister Henry Collingridge, Malcolm Tierney as Patrick Woolton, Christopher Owen as McKenzie, and Ian Richardson as Francis Urquhart on 'House of Cards'.

Chris Capstick/BBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

Before the six-season U.S. remake, there was this riveting miniseries about a British politician's ruthless quest for power. Ian Richardson stars as Frank Urquhart, the House of Commons Chief Whip who subtly (and not-so-subtly) manipulates his associates and a young journalist with whom he's having an affair. And, as with the Netflix version, Frank lets us revel in his Machiavellian schemes by breaking the fourth wall.

Universally acclaimed upon its release, *House of Cards* is pure Shakespearean drama for a cynical modern age. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *House of Cards*: BritBox

**Cast:** Ian Richardson, Susannah Harker, Miles Anderson, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Malcolm Tierney, Diane Fletcher, Colin Jeavons

The 22 best British TV shows and where to stream them

The 24 best British shows on Netflix

The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Chris O'Dowd as Roy Trenneman, Katherine Parkinson as Jen Barber, Richard Ayoade as Maurice Moss, and Matt Berry as Douglas Reynholm on 'The IT Crowd'.

Channel 4/Courtesy Everett Collection

No one really knows what kind of business is being run in *The IT Crowd*, and that vagueness just accentuates the comedy. This beloved sitcom centers on three members of the IT department at the fictional Reynholm Industries — technicians Roy (Chris O'Dowd) and Maurice (Richard Ayoade) and their (ironically) technologically illiterate manager Jen (Katherine Parkinson).

Confined to the dingy basement, the motley crew doesn't get much respect, but their dynamic is hilariously relatable for anyone just trying to make it through the day in a dead-end office job. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The IT Crowd*: BritBox

**Cast:** Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, Matt Berry

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri and Jodie Comer as Villanelle on 'Killing Eve'. Anika Molnar/BBCA

Phoebe Waller-Bridge went through a period in the late 2010s where she could do no wrong, and the first season of *Killing Eve *is included in that assessment. This British spy thriller follows an MI5 agent (Sandra Oh) and a psychopathic serial killer (Jodie Comer) as they engage in a cat and mouse game of hunting each other. Waller-Bridge served as the first season's head writer before passing the torch and each of the next three seasons is crafted by a different female head writer.

Adapted from the *Villanelle* novel series, this antihero drama offers great acting, beautiful costuming, and thrilling strategy, all tied up in distinctly British packaging. As EW's writer notes in the recap of the series finale, "*Killing Eve* is often so much fun, moment to moment, that you start to forget how very, fundamentally bad these people are." *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Killing Eve*: BritBox

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

**Cast: **Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia, Owen McDonnell, Sean Delaney

Luther (2010–2019)

Idris Elba as John Luther on 'Luther'.

BritBox International

This addictive crime procedural stars Idris Elba as John Luther, a Detective Chief Inspector haunted by the bleak nature of his chosen career. Each episode finds him investigating a heinous crime and chasing down the perpetrators. Throughout the series, he also develops an uneasy relationship with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), a psychopathic mastermind killer whom he begins to value as an asset in his investigations.

Elba, in a Golden Globe-winning performance, is endlessly compelling as the broody title character, elevating what could have been a standard crime drama with ambiguity and nuance. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Luther*: BritBox

**Cast:** Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Paul McGann, Warren Brown, Dermot Crowley

The Office (2001–2003)

Mackenzie Crook as Gareth Keenan, Ricky Gervais as David Brent, Lucy Davis as Dawn Tinsley, and Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury on 'The Office'.

BBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

When you think about *The Office*, most people recall the long-running American sitcom, but it all began with this British original starring (and co-created by) Ricky Gervais. Filmed in the mockumentary format, the cringe comedy follows workers at a paper company led by buffoonish boss David Brent (Gervais), whose self-awareness is worlds apart from how his employees perceive him.

The series only lasted 12 episodes plus a Christmas special, but its well-observed commentary on workplace culture and instantly distinct characters helped inspire numerous adaptations around the world. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Office*: BritBox

**Cast:** Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice'.

BritBox International

While there are dozens (and dozens) of period dramas to choose from on BritBox, few are up to par with 1995's *Pride and Prejudice*. This six-part miniseries follows the novel to a tee, taking viewers on the famous enemies-to-lovers romance of the snobbish Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) and the free-spirited Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle).

With stunning costumes, pitch-perfect performances, and some of the best sexual tension ever seen on TV, this classic Jane Austen adaptation is a must-watch for period drama fans. —*M.W.*

Where to watch *Pride and Prejudice*: BritBox

**Cast:** Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth, Adrian Lukis, Alison Steadman, Benjamin Whitrow, David Bamber

Prime Suspect (1991–2006)

Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison and Richard Hawley as DC Richard Haskons on 'Prime Suspect'.

Courtesy Everett Collection

Helen Mirren elevated her stardom with her award-winning turn as Jane Tennison in this sharp police procedural. As a rare female Detective Chief Inspector, Tennison must deal with sexism from male colleagues, though her tenacity proves them wrong time and time again.

Over the course of 15 episodes, the series touches on numerous socially relevant themes, from misogyny to institutionalized racism to abortion, while unafraid to portray Tennison as a flawed person with plenty of vices. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Prime Suspect*: BritBox

**Cast:** Helen Mirren, John Benfield, Richard Hawley

QI (2003–present)

Alan Davis, Lee Mack, Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, and Jimmy Carr on 'QI'.

Comic Relief/Getty

The Brits aren't just known for their period dramas and thrillers — they also make some of the world's best panel shows. *QI*, a questionnaire-style series, features the legendary Stephen Fry in the role of schoolmaster (from 2003 to 2016), Alan Davies as the naughty schoolboy, and a rotating cast of comedians, actors, and politicians as the other panelists.

Questions revolve around the weird and wonderful little-known facts that span science, history, culture, and just about every other topic under the sun. Prepare to learn a few "quite interesting" tidbits and laugh a lot on the way. —*M.W.*

Where to watch *QI*: BritBox

**Cast: **Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Alan Davies

Red Dwarf (1988–1999; 2009–2020)

Craig Charles as Lister, Chris Barrie as Rimmer, Robert Llewellyn as Kryten, and Danny John-Jules as Cat on 'Red Dwarf'.

BritBox International

Cult favorite sci-fi comedy *Red Dwarf* is one of the longer series on this list, but it's worth the investment. A lowly technician named Dave Lister (Chris Barrie) is aboard a mining spacecraft called *Red Dwarf* and placed in stasis, where he lays suspended in animation for 3 million years. He finally awakens and is astonished to learn how long it's been, now accompanied by only a hologram of his former co-worker; a humanoid evolution of his cat; and the ship's computer.

The crew engages in all manner of space travel (and time travel) shenanigans, and the series evolves greatly over its healthy original run from 1988 to 1999 and its revival from 2009 to 2020. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Red Dwarf*: BritBox

**Cast:** Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Norman Lovett, Hattie Hayridge, Robert Llewellyn, Chloë Annett

Sherlock (2010–2017)

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson on 'Sherlock'.

Colin Hutton/BBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

Over the course of four seasons, this take on Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant detective has become the definitive version for 21st-century audiences. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the hyper-observant Sherlock Holmes, who teams up with his flatmate, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman), to solve particularly challenging cases and face classic foes like Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott in a breakout role), all while bickering with each other.

What makes *Sherlock* such a satisfying watch is how it updates Doyle's 19th-century stories for the modern age, as well as the charming interplay between Cumberbatch and Freeman. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Sherlock*: BritBox

**Cast:** Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott

Vera (2011–2025)

Brenda Blethyn as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope on 'Vera'.

BritBox International

Brenda Blethyn stars as the no-nonsense Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in this long-running crime drama, based on the book series by Ann Cleeves. Vera is doggedly devoted to her work to the point of sacrificing a personal life — though she certainly has her demons, particularly the death of her father.

Like Angela Lansbury on *Murder, She Wrote* or Peter Falk on *Columbo*, Vera is gifted at deducing the truth, and Blethyn's complex, vanity-free performance makes the series a refreshing alternative to other crime dramas of its variety. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Vera*: BritBox

**Cast:** Brenda Blethyn, Jon Morrison, Riley Jones, Kenny Doughty, Ibinado Jack, David Leon, Kingsley Ben-Adir

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