BBC comedies and Emmy-winning dramas are among our favo(u)rites.

Keep calm and binge on: 26 brilliant British shows on Netflix right now

BBC comedies and Emmy-winning dramas are among our favo(u)rites.

and Kevin Jacobsen

April 6, 2026 5:00 p.m. ET

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David Tennant as Detective Inspector Alec Hardy on 'Broadchurch'; Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk on 'Cunk on Earth'; Jonathan Bailey as Sam on 'Crashing'. Credit:

Colin Hutton/BBC America; Jonathan Browning/Netflix; Netflix

The British Invasion may have only lasted from the mid-to-late-'60s, but it's safe to say that the country's impact on pop culture is as strong as ever. From movie franchises like James Bond and Harry Potter to TV institutions like *Doctor Who*, England's creative output has been an obsession for many, with no signs of slowing down.

Netflix carries several quality British television series, producing such Emmy-winning originals as *Adolescence*, *Baby Reindeer*, and *The Crown* while carrying *The Great British Baking Show*, *Killing Eve*, and *Outlander*. Ahead, find our picks for the best of British TV on Netflix.

Adolescence (2025)

Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Bascombe and Faye Marsay as Detective Sargeant Frank in 'Adolescence'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This riveting, Emmy-winning miniseries has been an enormous hit on Netflix since its March 2025 release, and rightfully so. The four-part crime drama begins with a 13-year-old boy named Jamie (Owen Cooper) being brought into the police station for questioning, accused of murdering a female classmate. But it's not really a mystery as to whether or not he did it; instead, *Adolescence* takes a far more thoughtful approach, examining the circumstances that led to the incident and the devastating aftereffects for his community and family.

The series further engrosses us through its camerawork, with each episode filmed in one long, continuous take in a way that could've felt gimmicky but instead immerses us in the reality of the situation. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty

After Life (2019–2022)

Ricky Gervais as Tony and Penelope Wilton as Anne on 'After Life'. Ray Burmiston/Netflix

After the death of his wife, local newspaper writer Tony (Ricky Gervais) gets stuck on the second stage of grief: anger. With nothing left to live for, he decides to fill the lives of everyone around him with insults and pessimistic advice, including his hapless co-workers and the offbeat inhabitants of his small town. It's a suitably dark premise for Gervais, who parses out savage put-downs while gradually turning to the light in this exploration of life after loss. —*Danny Horn*

Where to watch *After Life*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast:** Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Tony Way, Diane Morgan

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn and Jessica Gunning as Martha Scott in 'Baby Reindeer'.

Ed Miller/Netflix

Comedian Richard Gadd created this enthralling miniseries based on his own experience. He stars as Donny, a struggling comedian whose life is disrupted when he meets Martha (Jessica Gunning), a former lawyer who develops a dangerous obsession with him. But just when you think you know what kind of story this is, the fourth episode peels back the layers even further. An instant sensation, *Baby Reindeer* can be a difficult watch, but the emotional honesty with which Gadd channels his trauma is refreshing in today's TV landscape. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Baby Reindeer*:* *Netflix

**Cast: **Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau

Behind Her Eyes (2021)

Eve Hewson as Adele in 'Behind Her Eyes'.

Mark Mainz/Netflix

A six-part limited series about sex, lies, and astral projection, *Behind Her Eyes* tells a unique story with unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the final revelation. Single mother Louise (Simona Brown) begins an affair with her boss, David (Tom Bateman), while also forming a friendship with his mysterious wife, Adele (Eve Hewson). There's something decidedly off about Adele, and Louise comes to realize that there are supernatural forces at work. The complex tale takes a while to untangle, but after the mind-bending finale, you'll want to rewatch the show with new eyes. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Behind Her Eyes*: Netflix

**Cast:** Simona Brown, Eve Hewson, Tom Bateman, Robert Aramayo

Black Doves (2024–present)

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young (back) and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

How glorious is it to see Keira Knightley kicking butt again? The actress stars on this addictive British thriller series as Helen Webb, the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence who, on the surface, seems like a doting spouse and mother. In reality, Helen is a covert spy working for a private organization, though her cover is often at risk of being blown. After her secret lover is killed, Helen goes on a mission to find the culprit, with help from an old friend and assassin, Sam (Ben Whishaw). EW's critic calls *Black Doves* a "remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper," with dynamic performances from both Knightley and Whishaw. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Doves*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Black Earth Rising (2018)

John Goodman as Michael Ennis and Michaela Coel as Kate Ashby in 'Black Earth Rising'.

Des Willie/BBC/Netflix

In this gripping political thriller, Michaela Coel plays Kate Ashby, a 28-year-old legal investigator who survived the Rwandan genocide as a child. When her adoptive mother takes a case to the International Criminal Court against a man who helped to end the atrocity, Kate tries to convince her to bring the people responsible for the killings to justice. After an unexpected assassination, Kate and her boss, Michael (John Goodman), are drawn into a dangerous search for the truth in a haunting exploration of accountability, personal identity, and historical wounds. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Black Earth Rising*: Netflix

**Cast:** Michaela Coel, John Goodman, Abena Ayivor, Noma Dumezweni

Black Mirror (2011–present)

Annie Murphy as Joan Tait in season 6 of 'Black Mirror'. Nick Wall/Netflix

A speculative-fiction anthology show that offers a dazzling series of dystopian possibilities, *Black Mirror* explores the dark side of modern technology and its impact on society. One episode presents a world where your civil rights are dependent on everyone's five-star reviews of your behavior; another imagines an AI-generated streaming show that reveals all of your worst personal flaws, because, as we know all too well, negativity leads to higher engagement. Darkly funny and always surprising, the algorithm-haunted universe of *Black Mirror* will make you reflect on where our culture is heading. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Black Mirror*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast**: Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anthony Mackie

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd and Keeley Hawes as Julia Montague in 'Bodyguard'.

World Productions/Netflix

War veteran David Budd (Richard Madden) is made the principal protection officer for Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), who plans to increase surveillance powers over private citizens. Budd despises Montague's policies and clashes with her as a person, and his loyalties are tested as a conspiracy arises that threatens both of their lives. Madden's performance is enthralling as a man with PTSD faced with a series of impossible choices and challenges. Filled with intense action sequences and wild plot twists delivered at a relentless pace, *Bodyguard* is best appreciated as a six-hour nail-biting binge-watch. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Broadchurch (2013–2017)

David Tennant as Detective Inspector Alec Hardy and Olivia Colman as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller on 'Broadchurch'.

Patrick Redmond/ITV

Before Olivia Colman became an Oscar winner, she led this evocative three-season British crime drama. Colman stars with *Doctor Who* alum David Tennant as a pair of detectives investigating the murder of an 11-year-old boy in a small coastal town, and the fallout this has on the local community. *Broadchurch* dives deeper than similar serial crime shows of its ilk, making us feel the impact of this loss, and the crackling chemistry between Colman and Tennant helps keep us invested. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Broadchurch*: Netflix

**Cast:** David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Jonathan Bailey, Charlotte Beaumont

Call the Midwife (2012–present)

Jack Ashton as Tom Hereward and Helen George as Trixie Franklin on 'Call the Midwife'.

Laurence Cendrowicz/Neal Street Productions

*Call the Midwife* is a period drama set in the 1950s about the Anglican nuns and medical personnel who work in a nursing convent in the slums of London's East End. The show is initially framed around newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee (Jessica Raine) as she adjusts to caring for people in deprived circumstances, and each episode brings new patients with their own human story of hardship and hard-earned love. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Call the Midwife*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jessica Raine, Miranda Hart, Jenny Agutter

Collateral (2018)

John Heffernan as Sam Spence and Carey Mulligan as DI Kip Glaspie in 'Collateral'.

Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix

This gripping miniseries tackles numerous hot-button issues throughout its four episodes, from human trafficking to the mistreatment of immigrants in the U.K. Carey Mulligan stars as Kip Glaspie, a detective inspector looking into the case of a delivery worker who was murdered after dropping off a pizza to an important political figure's ex-wife. Kip, suspecting this isn't just a random incident, gradually unravels a conspiracy with numerous connected pieces. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Collateral*: Netflix

**Cast:** Carey Mulligan, Nathaniel Martello-White, Jeany Spark, Nicola Walker, John Simm

Crashing (2016)

Jonathan Bailey as Sam and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Lulu on 'Crashing'.

Before *Fleabag*, there was *Crashing*, Phoebe Waller-Bridge's comedy series about six friends living together at a condemned hospital. As guardians of the building in exchange for cheap rent, the friends try to figure out their messy love lives — which often involve getting together — and how to live within their unique abode. The six-episode series forefronts Waller-Bridge's trademark observational humor, putting her unique spin on the classic friends-living-together sitcom. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Crashing*: Netflix

**Cast:** Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jonathan Bailey, Julie Dray, Louise Ford, Damien Molony

The Crown (2016–2023)

Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, and Claire Foy all as Queen Elizabeth II on 'The Crown'.

Across six seasons, *The Crown *depicts 60 years in the life of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy to start), beginning with her marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith) and her sudden ascension to the throne. The show explores the monarch's many struggles as she balances her personal feelings and her public duty as the head of state. The series is a blend of fact and fiction, and while its accuracy has been disputed, the impeccable acting makes it a compelling watch. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *The Crown*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Cast:** Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce

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Cunk on Earth (2022)

Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk on 'Cunk on Earth'.

Jonathan Browning/Netflix

Comedian Diane Morgan plays the clueless and comedically ignorant Philomena Cunk, who travels the world making civilization's daffiest historical documentary. Sitting down with real-world experts in fields that Philomena only dimly understands, she always manages to ask precisely the wrong question. But there's a warmth to Morgan's delivery, an open-hearted simplicity that makes Philomena as relatable as she is hilarious. In a way, unfortunately, she's just like the rest of us: a little bit lost in a world that we probably ought to be more familiar with. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Cunk on Earth*: Netflix

**Cast:** Diane Morgan

Dept. Q (2025–present)

Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck and Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim on 'Dept. Q'.

This absorbing crime drama from Scott Frank (creator of the Emmy-winning sensation *The Queen's Gambit*) and Chandni Lakhani is all about resolving the unresolved. Matthew Goode stars as Carl Morck, an irritable detective returning to the force after a shooting incident. Instead of going back out into the field, he's assigned cold case duties in the department's dingy basement, where his personal demons threaten to get in the way of his work. EW's critic calls *Dept. Q* "an instantly gripping yarn about the yoke of guilt and the unwavering patience of redemption." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dept. Q*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne

Derry Girls (2018–2022)

The cast of 'Derry Girls'. Netflix

*Derry Girls *is a spirited sitcom about five witty and eccentric teenagers growing up in Northern Ireland in the 1990s amid political unrest. The gals (and James) hardly blink when their school bus is searched for bombs; they're more worried about their big exam or impressing a guy they have a crush on. Every episode ends in some kind of farcical catastrophe, as the situation spins out of control to a riotously funny result. It may take a minute to get used to the rapid-fire Irish slang, but the show moves at such a brisk pace that there's always another laugh coming up. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Derry Girls*: Netflix

**Cast:** Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Nicola Coughlan, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn

The Gentlemen (2024–present)

Theo James as Eddie Horniman on 'The Gentlemen'.

Guy Ritchie expands upon his 2020 crime comedy *The Gentlemen* with this zippy spinoff series. Theo James stars as Eddie Horniman, an Army veteran who unexpectedly inherits an underground weed empire from his deceased father. He soon learns the full extent of his responsibilities, including settling debts for his older brother and protecting his family estate from dangerous forces trying to take him down. Raucous and kinetic as any Ritchie production (he directs the first two episodes), *The Gentlemen* is a deliriously good time. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Gentlemen*: Netflix

**Cast:** Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones

The Great British Baking Show (2010–present)

Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond, Prue Leith, and Noel Fielding on 'The Great British Baking Show'.

Netflix/Channel 5/Mark Bourdillon

If you're hungry for a fast-paced, enjoyable watch, Netflix has nine mouth-watering seasons of *The Great British Baking Show*. This sweet and savory competition gathers 12 contestants in a large tent, where the hosts issue challenges for the bakers to design and create amazing cakes, pies, bread, and pastries. One person is sent home at the end of each round, so the bakers are under much pressure to impress the judges. The results are sometimes delicious, and sometimes disastrous, but either way, it makes for tasty television. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *The Great British Baking Show*: Netflix

**Cast:** Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding, Alison Hammond

Heartstopper (2022–2024)

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as Nick Nelson on 'Heartstopper'.

Teddy Cavendish/Netflix

*Heartstopper* is an utterly endearing coming-of-age comedy-drama about two teenage boys falling in love. Charlie (Joe Locke) is an out gay teen who gets bullied at school, and his life changes when he's assigned to sit next to Nick (Kit Connor), a rugby player. Charlie crushes on Nick, and as their friendship develops, Nick gradually realizes that he's drawn to Charlie as well. It’s a show that focuses on the small moments — each little touch of the hand and long-agonized-over text message takes on massive importance — with no shortage of joy, optimism, and cartoon hearts.

Though the series has ended, the story of Nick and Charlie's relationship will conclude with an upcoming feature film. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Heartstopper*: Netflix

**Cast:** Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney

House of Guinness (2025)

Fionn O'Shea as Benjamin Lee Guinness II, Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness, Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, and Emily Fairn as Anne Plunket on 'House of Guinness'.

This British-Irish co-production feels perfectly handcrafted for fans of ruthless family sagas like *Succession*. It's only natural that creator Steven Knight's previous celebrated U.K. drama (*Peaky Blinders*) would be another comparison point, though *House of Guinness* broadens its scope to tell more of an ensemble story of the Guinness children — heirs to the famous brewery empire — and their struggles for power. While the series takes liberties with its characters' political maneuverings, it is also rich in period-accurate details and dynamic performances. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *House of Guinness*: Netflix

**Cast:** Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O'Shea, James Norton

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri and Jodie Comer as Villanelle on 'Killing Eve'.

Laura Radford/BBCAmerica/Sid Gentle

Fiction is chock-full of stories about the fine line between cops and criminals, though rarely quite like the dynamic on *Killing Eve*. The story begins with MI6 investigator Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) tracking down Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a lethal assassin with psychopathic tendencies. Eve quickly develops an obsession with Villanelle — and vice versa — resulting in a fascinating, homoerotic game of cat and mouse. As EW's critic praises, "The joy of watching two women trying simultaneously to understand *and* outthink each other — all the while acing the Bechdel Test in nearly every scene — is something to be savored." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Killing Eve*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia

The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred on 'The Last Kingdom'. Joe Alblas/Netflix

A historical adventure set in England's early days, *The Last Kingdom* features rich storytelling, sprawling battle sequences, and attractive actors spattered with mud and blood. Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) was raised by the Danish warlord who murdered his Saxon family, and when his surrogate clan is killed, the young man is forced to determine his own path and fight to defend his ancestral lands from Viking invaders. Over five seasons and a movie, the show spans decades of shifting factions, devastating betrayals, and hard-won victories. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *The Last Kingdom*: Netflix

**Cast:** Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox, David Dawson, Ian Hart

Outlander (2014–present)

Catríona Balfe as Claire Fraser and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser on 'Outlander'. Aimee Spinks/Starz

World War II nurse Claire (Caitríona Balfe) mysteriously slips through time to 1743 Scotland, where she joins a band of rebel Highlanders and meets Jamie (Sam Heughan), her soulmate from another century. As the pair fall passionately in love, Claire and Jamie are torn apart, reunited, tortured, rescued, kidnapped, and time-jumped, but they always find their way back to each other. The powerful sexual chemistry between the two leads — and their frequent steamy love scenes — makes this blend of historical drama, science fiction, and romantic fantasy an irresistible binge-watch. The first six seasons and part 1 of season 7 are available on Netflix. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Outlander*: Netflix

**Cast:** Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Gary Lewis

Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)

Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby on 'Peaky Blinders'. Robert Viglasky/Netflix

Set in the gritty world of post-WWI Birmingham, England, *Peaky Blinders* is a crime drama about Thomas Shelby (a riveting Cillian Murphy), the cunning and ruthless leader of a brutal family gang named for their tactic of sewing razor blades in the peaks of their newsboy caps. Always up for a fight, Tommy goes to war against competing gangs, cops, politicians, and anyone who gets in the way of building his empire. The show is structured around the rhythm of Tommy's speech, with short bursts of sharp dialogue propelling the characters forward to the next inevitable (and devastating) confrontation. A follow-up feature film, *Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man*, was released on Netflix in March. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Peaky Blinders*: Netflix

**Cast:** Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson

Sex Education (2019–2023)

Ncuti Gatwa as Eric Effiong and Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn on 'Sex Education'. Sam Taylor/Netflix

Teenage virgin Otis (Asa Butterfield) is inexperienced with sex, but he's picked up enough information from his no-nonsense sex therapist mother (Gillian Anderson) to talk a good game. His friend, Maeve (Emma Mackey), persuades him to open an underground sex therapy clinic in a disused bathroom in his school, and soon, Otis is giving remarkably empathetic advice that helps his classmates explore their feelings and difficulties. Otis' best friend, Eric (a pre-*Doctor Who *Ncuti Gatwa), provides his own wit and wisdom from the sidelines in this celebration of the messy complexity of the human heart (and other organs). *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Sex Education*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast:** Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey

Top Boy (2019–2023)

Simbiatu Ajikawo as Shelley and Ashley Walters as Dushane on 'Top Boy'.

Ali Painter/Netflix

Drug dealer Dushane (Ashley Walters) operates out of a public housing estate in East London and wants to become the area's “Top Boy” in this unflinching take on life in the drug trade. Dushane and his best friend/second-in-command Sully (Kane Robinson) make tough choices and take drastic steps as they battle rival gangs — and sometimes, each other. The show was canceled in Britain after two years, but rapper/producer Drake brought the series back on Netflix. The first two seasons are listed as *Top Boy: Summerhouse* and the revival series *Top Boy* comprises a further three seasons. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Top Boy* and *Top Boy: Summerhouse*:* *Netflix

**Cast: **Ashley Walters, Kane Robinson, Micheal Ward, Simbi Ajikawo

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Original Article on Source

Source: “EW TV”