Amazing British TV Shows You Probably Haven’t Seen

No, Downton Abbey isn’t on the list

Credit where credit’s due: when it comes to great TV the yanks dominate. Back in 1999, The Sopranos kicked off a revolution in high-quality serial dramas: The Wire, Band of Brothers, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, True Detective, and countless more. Today, the sheer volume of serial shows being produced means, just by virtue of probability, there’ll be a few diamonds nestled in the mountain of garbage.

Yes, when it comes to TV America is the undisputed king.

But our misty little island still pumps out a few bangers from time to time. You’re likely familiar with Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, and Broadchurch, but I wanted to recommend 5 series you probably haven’t heard of. Series that are arguably superior to the ones that became global phenomenons.

So let’s take a trip down the back alleys of British TV history!

1. State of Play (2003)

If this rings a bell you’ve most likely seen the film with Ben Affleck and Russel Crowe. But before this story was gobbled up by an American studio, it was an acclaimed British thriller. Written by wonderboy screenwriter, Paul Abbot, the 6-part series tells the story of a newspaper’s investigation into the death of a political researcher. It focuses on the friendship between the leading journalist, Cal McCaffrey, and, Stephen Collins, a Member of Parliament and the murdered woman’s employer.

This show truly is a tour de force. Along with the two leads, it includes amazing performances from a star-studded cast, including James McAvoy, Kelly Mcdonald, and Bill Nighy. The writing is so good you’ll quickly find yourself emotionally invested in the characters, and gripped by the fast-moving plot. State of Play isn’t only a realistic portrayal of investigative journalism but a searing study of how societal roles affect interpersonal relationships.

2. Silk (2011)

Silk may be the weakest on this list, but considering what it’s up against, it’s still far superior to most TV series. It follows the daily events of Shoe Lane Chambers, along with its members’ personal and professional lives. The world of Silk is cutthroat and morally complex; populated by legal clerks, barristers, solicitors, clients, policemen, and gangsters. Starting this series can be slightly daunting as it doesn’t hold your hand, so when you’re plunged into the deep end of British law you may feel a little confused. But as it progresses, you start to get a handle on the intricacies of the criminal bar, and the show becomes immensely rewarding.

Maxine Peake is undoubtedly the star of the show and gives a consistently brilliant performance as defense barrister, Martha Costello. Martha is a complex woman. As Senior Clarke Billy Lamb puts it, “She’s a cross between Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, and a small rottweiler”. Silk shines a light on the moral conundrums barristers face; the tension between their duty to a client and moral code — something Martha Costello embodies throughout the show’s 3 series. If you like legal dramas but are unfamiliar with British law, then this is the series for you.

3. The Barchester Chronicles (1982)

It may be so obscure it hasn’t even got a tomato rating, but don’t let that fool you. Based on the books by Anthony Trollope, The Barchester Chronicles centers on the local clergy of the titular town of Barchester. After the failed crusade against the Church of England’s practice of self-enrichment, the clergy’s chief members must contend with a scathing investigative report.

Featuring a touching, poignant performance from Donald Pleasance, and a suitably slimy turn from Alan Rickman, Trollope’s many colorful characters are brought to life. In terms of plot and dialogue, a great 19th-century novelist has already done most of the heavy lifting, so the true test is in the execution. And The Barchester Chronicles doesn’t let you down. Above all, it’s incredibly funny.

4. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)

This is my favorite TV series of all time, and with good reason. 30 years before they failed to squeeze John le Carré’s masterpiece into a feature film, the BBC made one of the greatest adaptations of all time. The story follows George Smiley, an aging, taciturn spymaster, as he attempts to uncover a mole in the British Secret Intelligence Service.

It’s difficult to do justice to the genius of this show. As opposed to many modern series, it prioritizes subtlety and nuance over gripping action and suspense. The performances (especially Guinness) are pitch-perfect. The dialogue, courtesy of Le Carré is at turns cerebral and emotionally charged. In a world of hidden meanings and subterfuge, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy draws out what’s rippling under the surface; the depths of the characters, or the twists and turns of the labyrinthine plot. If Breaking Bad is a delicious burger, this is high-quality caviar.

5. I, Claudius (1976)

What happens when you get a bunch of elite British actors, mix in an ancient Roman setting, then finish it off with a sprinkle of betrayal, megalomania, hedonism, and violence?

Of all the shows on this list, I admit you may have heard of this one. After all, it’s considered a landmark in British television. Based on novels by Robert Graves, the series covers the history of the early Roman Empire, narrated by the elderly, Emperor Claudius.

Despite being aired over 40 years ago I, Claudius remains timeless. You’re basically watching a play, and you don’t care, because every element — captivating performances, gripping plot, witty dialogue — is at the highest level. Oh, and there’s also nudity and violence. Eat that Game of Thrones!

Television that’s a little more refined

In a world dominated by vapid superhero shows, and streaming services pumping out a steady supply of contrived woke bullshit, we would do well to be a little more selective, cultivate some patience, and remind ourselves that great TV can also be high art.

So, if you’re in the mood for something a little more refined, all of these shows are worth checking out. Time to replace the popcorn with an aged glass of red, and partake of the delicacy that is old-school British television.

Did someone say call to action? If you would like to support me directly you can buy me a coffee.

You can also support me by signing up to Medium using my referral link. Not only do you get full access to Medium, but you will be helping me realize my dream of writing creatively full-time!