There used to be an old joke that watching British television was like watching paint dry (for what it’s worth, the Brits attributed this joke to us Americans having no sense of humor, or taste, or propriety, but that’s an argument for another time). Of course, the days of American monopoly over quality television programs have come to a close, and there are tons of shows from across the pond that are collecting international fans and awards faster than you can say, “God Save The Queen”.
Doctor Who, a longstanding cultural icon in England, has become a sensation around the world, Americans are rioting in the streets for the latest season (sorry, series) of Sherlock, and keeping up with the rumors flying around Downton Abbey is by far the most enjoyable way to proved to your friends that you’re –ahem- cultured. These shows have made a huge splash in recent years, but I’m here to tell you about a few more epic, well-written, grab-you-by-the-collar-and-won’t-let-go BBC shows you need to start watching, like, now.
Peep Show
With the relative dearth of new comedies this season on American TV (don’t listen Brooklyn Nine-Nine, you know I’m not talking to you), I implore you to start watching Peep Show, which is one of the most hilarious shows ever made. Robert Webb and David Mitchell play odd couple roommates Jez and Mark, whose daily antics are at once highly relatable and extremely cringeworthy. Peep Show takes the awkward comedy genre to a whole new level, by putting you literally inside the characters’ heads. I know it sounds a little gimmicky, but I promise after about a minute you don’t notice the head hopping anymore because you’re too busy rolling on the floor laughing.
If you’re looking to binge on this great series, you’re in luck; all eight series of Peep Show are available on both Netflix and Hulu Plus.
Luther
If you love crime dramas, the boy have I got a show for you. Luther stars Idris Elba as the titular character, a detective who’s not only haunted by the crimes he investigates, he’s consumed by them with a brutal force that’s compelling to watch. Elba has been making waves overseas with roles in both Thor movies as well as last summer’s Pacific Rim. In Luther, he makes a compelling case for why he should be your new favorite character actor. This show is tense as a tightrope, with expert writing, direction, and performances that will keep you thinking long after the credits come up. Even for hardened veterans of the criminal genre, Luther is bound to have a lasting effect on your psyche. The opening scene of the third episode of the series kept me up for several nights.
Series 1 and 2 of Luther can been found on Netflix.
Episodes
Episodes proves that no one does intelligent comedy quite like the Brits. This meta comedy follows married writing team Sean and Beverly Lincoln as they struggle to bring their beloved British comedy of errors to the states. What follows is a culture clash for the ages, beginning with the casting of Friends alumni Matt LeBlanc (playing himself) as the beloved headmaster of a boys’ school. If that’s not a hilarious setup I don’t know what is. As someone who grew up with Friends it’s great to see LeBlanc play off his image in a way that’s clever, subversive, and of course, gut-bustingly funny.
Episodes is a co-production between BBC and Showtime. It was recently renewed for a fourth season, so catch up on the first three on DVD.
The White Queen
Okay, so adding The White Queen to this list might be considered cheating since it’s not technically a series (the producers have confirmed that there won’t be a second season) but this sprawling, gorgeous take on The Wars of the Roses was too good not to share. Exploring a major event in England’s history that most Americans probably won’t be familiar with means that you get to experience true dramatic tension, unlike say, The Tudors, where it was hard not to roll your eyes as Henry the VIII tried to decide whether or not to chop his wife’s head off. Every performance is brilliant, from Rebecca Ferguson’s dynamic White Queen to James Frain, aka That Guy You Sort Of Recognize From Everything, as the ruthless Lord Warwick.
If you enjoy your time with The White Queen, good news! The network Starz, which ran the BBC series in the US, is planning to commission a follow-up of sorts titled The White Princess to follow another English feud with a cool name, The Cousins’ War.
Chelsea Harfoush (@luxrara) is a writer, filmmaker, gamer, and professional wild child living and working in Austin, Texas. Her work, both fiction and nonfiction, can be found in local publications as well as various dark corners of the Internet. She was once called the “used car salesman of movies”, a title she holds with pride.
Yeah actually we should definitely watch some of these BBC shows. We usually appreciate Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Doctor Who as the best British TV shows of BBC. The white queen is really a classic historical drama series that should be watched. Peep show is obviously one of the best sitcoms British television has ever produced.
It’s really an underused source of quality television for most americans
Definately agree that Peep Show is one of the best sitcoms I have ever seen but unfortunately not made by the BBC. Made by another British network, Channel 4. Not all our television is made by the BBC
Where’s Top Gear?