Bridgerton might be set in the Regency era in London, as is its spinoff Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, but the shows are actually American, executive produced by Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland production company. If you’re looking for British shows featuring British actors and created in Britain, Netflix also has tons of those from which to choose.
From spy thrillers to comedies, heartbreaking and heartwarming romance stories, and more, the best British TV shows on Netflix run the gamut. You’re sure to find something you love, both new and old. Some shows have already completed their run, which means you can watch them in their entirety, while others continue to be released with enthralling new seasons, making now the perfect time to catch up. Here, we have highlight the best British TV shows on Netflix right now.
Looking for something other than Britain’s best? We’ve also put together guides to the best movies on Netflix and the best shows on Netflix, as well as a recap of what’s new on Netflix.
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Heartstopper2022
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Sex Education2019
Heartstopper (2022) new
A British coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama, Heartstopper pulled on viewers’ heartstrings when it premiered in 2022. The series, which is based on the Alice Oseman webcomic and graphic novel of the same name, follows Charlie (Joe Locke), who falls in love with his classmate, Nick (Kit Connor). While Joe has been recently outed, Kit is a rough-and-tumble rugby player who hasn’t quite figured out his sexuality.
The show has been praised for its portrayal of members of the LGBTQ+ community, maintaining a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score for its inaugural season. Critics praise the show’s sensitivity and charm, as well as its depiction of both sides of the coin: a young man who is open and confident in his sexuality and another who is still trying to understand his feelings, but is also accepting of them.
Sex Education (2019) new
Launched in January 2019, the British drama Sex Education has been called heartfelt and surprisingly wise. It stars Asa Butterfield as a socially awkward teenager who is ambivalent about sex, largely due to his mother (Gillian Anderson) being a sex therapist.
Netflix reports that Sex Education had more than 40 million viewers after it launched on the site. The series concludes with its fourth and final season.
Black Mirror (2011)
While Black Mirror eventually morphed into a “Netflix original,” Charlie Brooker’s brilliant dystopian series first premiered on Channel 4 in the U.K. Most episodes look at dire, worst-case scenarios regarding our relationship with technology and modern reliance on it.
With six seasons to date, this isn’t the type of show you’ll be able to binge-watch quickly. But you can watch in any order and are guaranteed to see your jaw drop by the end of each episode. It’s compelling, thought-provoking television.
Treason (2022)
In this spy miniseries, Sir Martin Angelis (Ciaran Hinds) is the former chief of MI6, who is hospitalized following a poisoning. His deputy chief, Adam (Daredevil‘s Charlie Cox), takes over. When Adam deciphers a secret code and meets with a former lover and ex-SVR operative, Kara (Olga Kurylenko), he discovers a sinister plot to help catapult him to the top position in the government organization.
Adam has a difficult decision to make: continue aiding Kara in her mission, risking his now already compromised career in the process, or refuse to help. But Kara isn’t going to take no for an answer, and when Adam realizes his family is in danger too, he has no choice but to play ball. Treason is a thrilling ride through five episodes and a great one to watch for any fan of the espionage genre.
Man vs. Bee (2022)
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh and you’re a fan of Rowan Atkinson, check out his latest, Man vs. Bee, a British comedy he also co-wrote. He stars as Trevor Bingley, a down-on-his-lock man who is house-sitting a mansion when he meets his worst enemy: a bee. The plot sounds ridiculous, but it’s filled with plenty of hijinks and slapstick humor.
You’ll get the same humor you’d expect from the iconic actor who has become synonymous with his most popular character, Mr. Bean. The physical comedy, contorted facial expressions, and general hilarity will bring a sense of familiarity to existing fans and introduce new ones to Atkinson’s unique form of comedy.
Call the Midwife (2012)
Derry Girls (2018)
Inside Man (2022)
The Crown (2016)
The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself (2022)
Rebel Cheer Squad: A Get Even Series (2022)
You Don't Know Me (2021)
Peaky Blinders (2013)
The A List (2018)
Criminal: UK (2019)
The Last Kingdom (2015)
Marcella (2016)
White Lines (2020)
Cuckoo (2012)
Stay Close (2021)
The Stranger (2020)
Cursed (2020)
Requiem (2018)
Traitors (2019)
Sick Note (2017)
Giri/Haji (2019)
Crazyhead (2016)
After Life (2019)
The Serpent (2021)
Attenborough's Life in Colour (2021)
Zero Chill (2021)
Outlander (2014)
The Irregulars (2021)
The One (2021)
Nadiya Bakes (2020)
Behind Her Eyes (2021)
The English Game (2020)
The Ripper (2020)
Secrets of Great British Castles (2015)
Troy: Fall of a City (2018)
The Innocents (2018)
The Letter for the King (2020)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969)
Crashing (2016)
Collateral (2018)
Top Boy (2011)
The Great British Bake Off (2010)
Bodyguard (2018)
Dracula (2020)
Lovesick (2014)
The End of the F***ing World (2017)
Get Even (2020)
Inside the World's Toughest Prisons (2016)
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