For decades, watching British television shows was an exercise in patience or craftiness. While some exceptionally popular shows made the transition over to the U.S., many more languished without ever being accessible to American audiences. Thankfully, BritBox has solved many of these problems by giving British TV lovers the chance to see any British shows they like.
Like many streaming services worth their salt, though, BritBox has a somewhat overwhelming library of titles to choose from. That’s why, for the month of May, we’ve narrowed this list down to just three shows that are definitely worth checking out. From gentle dramas about animals to series that are still talked about today, these are the three BritBox series you should definitely make time for in May.
David Copperfield (1999)
As strange as this may sound, Daniel Radcliffe took on another iconic role before he played Harry Potter. In 1999’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, Radcliffe plays the younger version of the character.
While there have been plenty of adaptations of interpretations of this novel over the years, this two-part version remains among the most definitive, thanks in large part to its sterling cast, which also includes Maggie Smith, Emilia Fox, and Ciarán McMenamin. Dickens’ story of a young boy who finds his own way in the world is timeless, as is this adaptation of that wonderful tale.
You can watch David Copperfield on BritBox.
All Creatures Great and Small (2020-present)
The British have mastered the art of gentle, endearing television the way few other nations have ever managed, and All Creatures Great and Small is a prime example of that genius. Adapted from a series of novels of the same name, the series tells the story of three country veterinarians in the late 1930s as they come face-to-face with various animal maladies.
While the show can be occasionally heartbreaking, it is mostly about people being kind to animals, which is something we should all get as much of as we possibly can.
You can watch All Creatures Great and Small on BritBox.
Blackadder (1983-1989)
A classic bit of British sitcom history, and definitive proof that Brits are also among the most cynical people on the planet, Blackadder features four series that are each set in a different period throughout British history, ranging from the 15th century all the way to the 20th.
Rowan Atkinson plays some version of the same character in each series, and the show also features a lineup of other great comedic talent such as Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, some of whom recur throughout the show’s different eras. Although Blackadder is likely most well known today for its famously dark ending, the entire series is a brilliant comic sendup of major events through British history.
You can watch Blackadder on BritBox.
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