These are the cult British TV shows you NEED to watch
In an era of peak TV where big-budget American dramas threaten to steal the limelight, British shows are continuing to attract the millions. From quintessential period dramas to BBC thrillers and binge-worthy reality series, our finger has always been hot on the pulse of the next big breakout series. So, in honour of our British themed digital issue starring Jodie Comer, we’ve created an edit of the juiciest British TV shows to delve into this summer.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve was undoubtedly the breakout star of 2018. The hit TV series about a British security operative who hunts down a high skilled assassin had the entire nation glued to their screens and for good reason: it was UH-MAZING. Season two returns this Saturday and we are SO ready to welcome Villanelle back into our lives.
Love Island
Absolutely the best show to grace reality TV pretty much ever, Love Island has made us sacrifice our social lives and become hermits for the past four summers - and we’re completely OK with that. The fifth series is here and we couldn’t be more ready for a long, hot summer. Bring it on!
The Great British Bake-Off
If you’re looking for a slice of brilliantly British TV, it doesn’t come better than GBBO and its legendary innuendos, adorable contestants and drool-worthy viccy sponges. Just be sure to have snacks as the ready as you salivate your way through each episode.
Peaky Blinders
I think we can agree that our lives have been significantly better since Tommy Shelby first arrived on the scene in 2013. After much demand, the award-winning drama about a gangster family in 1919 Birmingham will be returning to our screens for a fifth series later this year, with Sam Claflin joining as a new cast member.
The Crown
The Crown chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II. With six seasons, the actors portraying each cast member change every two seasons and the storylines edge closer to the modern day. Just watching it will make you feel regal AF.
Fleabag
Fleabag has been dubbed the best TV show on telly for its painfully relatable account of an ordinary women trying to navigate her twenties in London. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it.
Line of Duty
If you’re looking for a gripping new TV show to while away a hungover Sunday, get stuck into one of Britain’s best-loved crime-dramas based on the police anti-corruption unit. Prepare for a heavy serving of drama!
The Inbetweeners
The Inbetweeners is undoubtedly the most brilliant, hilarious and ridiculous TV show to ever grace our screens. Whether we’re quoting Will’s truly unique one liners or cringing at the boys stereotypical gap-yah to Australia, the adventures of these four school nerds desperately trying to fit in will have you in stitches long after the lights come up.
Strictly Come Dancing
Nothing sums up feel-good Saturday night viewing quite like Strictly Come Dancing. The ultimate ballroom dancing competition sees celebrities partner up with professional dancers to compete for the silver glitterball trophy. Expect all the glitz and glamour!
Bodyguard
The BBC thriller-drama about a war veteran who is assigned as a Specialist Protection Officer for the Home Secretary was undoubtedly the most gripping TV show of 2018. There’s a reason the final episode was the most watched drama episode since records began in 2002. Happy viewing!
Downton Abbey
Since the show first aired on ITV in 2010, the entire nation has been gripped by the award-winning 1920s period drama, so news of its movie adaptation scheduled for release in September has got us seriously hyped.
Peep Show
If you don’t understand the British sense of humour, you’ll be completely lost. If you do, what are you waiting for? This beloved comedy series about two twenty-something roommates who have nothing in common offers up some of the most iconic one-liners on telly. Get on it asap.
Doctor Who
If you’re anything like us, Doctor Who will have been a staple show in your life for years. Now that Jodie Whittaker is slaying it as the first female Doctor, we’re even more obsessed.
