Entertainment
10 Great TV Series on BritBox Everyone Should Binge-Watch
When it comes to watching some of the best movies and TV shows produced in the U.K., nothing beats BritBox. The powerhouse streamer has an impressive catalog that includes some of the most noteworthy titles across genres ranging from period dramas to absurdist comedies. With mega hits like The Other Bennet Sister, it has officially arrived in the on-demand viewing space and continues to excel at delivering exceptional content to countries around the world.
BritBox has a vast selection of both old and new titles for viewers across the pond to enjoy. From quirky, classic follies like Mr. Bean to cerebral thrillers like Broadchurch, there is something for everyone. When it comes to rewatchability and binge-worthiness, these 10 TV shows are some of the best, and everyone should keep them on their watchlist.
1
‘The Other Bennet Sister’ (2026)
Based on the book by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister focuses on an interesting and often overlooked character in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The middle sister of the vivacious Bennet family, Mary is an awkward, resolute, and truly unique heroine. Played superbly by Ella Bruccoleri, Mary tries to find her way in a world that seems suited to everyone but her.
The Other Bennet Sister is a triumph and a must-watch for any Austen or period drama fan. It has humor, romance, and candid commentaries about gender roles in society. The series was a tremendous hit for BritBox and earned an impressive 7.3 million views within its first few weeks. It has become so popular that a three-part Christmas special has been announced and is slated to release later this year. Now is the time to see what everyone is raving about and binge The Other Bennet Sister in time for the holiday episodes.
2
‘Ludwig’ (2024–Present)
John Taylor (David Mitchell) is an introvert who prefers to stay inside and create puzzles as his alter ego, Ludwig. When his sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin) calls him in distress because his twin brother has gone missing, he has no choice but to leave his reclusive life behind and intervene. John goes undercover, posing as his missing twin James, which includes taking over his job as a crime scene detective.
Ludwig is a brilliant and charming cozy mystery series. Mitchell is a veteran performer and stellar as always. The series received two BAFTA nominations last year, and fans only expect greatness in the future. It has become a must-watch show on BritBox and has been renewed for a third season before the second season even debuts. There is no time like the present to get in on this winning series before it explodes with even more fanfare.
3
‘The Cleaner’ (2021–Present)
Better known as his magnificent persona, the Taskmaster, Greg Davies takes on a whole new challenge in The Cleaner. In this scripted comedy, Davies plays the role of Paul Wickstead, a certified cleaning technician who is called upon to take care of some pretty bloody crime scenes. At each location, Paul has an encounter with a living person connected to the event, and a fascinating discourse develops.
The Cleaner brings an inventive new viewpoint to the crime genre. Instead of focusing on the victim, the series centers around those left behind. The Cleaner uses a practical setup to launch some whimsical scenarios, and it is full of the witty, droll humor that British comedy series are celebrated for.
4
‘Friday Night Dinner’ (2011–2020)
Starring Tamsin Greig, Paul Ritter, Simon Bird, Tom Rosenthal, and Mark Heap, Friday Night Dinner is a hilarious and culinary dysfunctional family sitcom. Every Friday night, Jackie (Greig) and Martin (Ritter) have their two sons over for supper. However, in the Goodman household nothing ever goes to plan, and the quiet family meal soon dissolves into utter chaos.
At 37 episodes long, Friday Night Dinner is a great binge. It has several recurring gags and established story arcs that run throughout the entire series. The finale is solid and includes a culmination of several established themes. All of the cast are phenomenal, and Heap is exemplary as the awkward, eccentric neighbor. Friday Night Dinner is a fan favorite and has a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes to prove it.
5
‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)
The series that launched the renaissance of all things period-specific, Downton Abbey tells the stories of the wealthy Crawley family and the staff who call the grand estate home. Downton Abbey ticks all the marks for excellence. The writing, acting, costumes, set design, and more are all perfection. It won 15 Primetime Emmys, two BAFTAs, and continues to be beloved by devotees.
If you haven’t seen this sweeping series yet, it remains as entertaining and impactful as ever. The interpersonal drama between members of the family and between members of the aristocracy and servants is highly engaging. There are several dynamic plot twists, and it is undeniably binge-worthy, as you will find yourself highly invested from the very beginning.
6
‘Mr. Bean’ (1990–1995)
Rowan Atkinson is the epitome of physical comedy in Mr. Bean. As the title character, Atkinson portrays a misfit individual who always makes the unusual and unexpected choice in any given circumstance. Atkinson’s performance is akin to ancient performance arts such as clowning and commedia dell’arte, which use body language, posture, and slapstick elements to convey humor. The show also deliberately restricts dialogue so it can be enjoyed by viewers in any country.
There are multiple theories as to what makes Mr. Bean tick. Some speculate that he is an alien, or was at least altered by aliens in some way. Others think he is simply an oddball who thinks outside the box. Either way, watching him navigate everyday conundrums is vastly entertaining, and Mr. Bean is still one of the best comedy series to watch nearly four decades later.
7
‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975–1979)
John Cleese is well known in the industry for his talent for absurdist comedy, as in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Rat Race, and A Fish Called Wanda. One of his best roles to date is in the 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers. The series focuses on the neurotic Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he owns and operates a small hotel with his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). Watching the high-strung and tightly wound Basil try to please customers and work with his wife and long-suffering staff makes for a riot of chuckles.
Fawlty Towers is one of the best British comedy shows of all time and never ceases to deliver on laughs and ridiculous predicaments. It is a masterclass in ramping up tension, taking an already precarious situation and adding more fire. Fans of Cleese and classic British comedies should definitely check Fawlty Towers out; it is one of the greats.
8
‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017)
Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch is widely hailed as one of the best British detective shows. It features David Tennant and Olivia Colman as D.I. Alec Hardy and D.S. Ellie Miller, respectively. Tennant and Colman are unmistakable talent, and their onscreen chemistry in Broadchurch is a core part of the magic that drives the series forward.
Broadchurch is a perfect watch for fans of mystery and crime thrillers. Having the events set in a small town makes the show instantly relatable, and the series explores poignant themes about violence, grief, and loss. Broadchurch feels like more than a surface-level crime-of-the-week format. As Collider’s Daniela Gama says, “At its heart, Chibnall’s acclaimed series is more than a murder mystery — it’s a thoughtful exploration of trauma and the consequences of crime and violence.”
9
‘The IT Crowd’ (2006–2013)
A British TV show that started slowly and grew to massive cult status is The IT Crowd. The quirky workplace comedy has Katherine Parkinson as Jen Barber. Jen is an enthusiastic new employee of Reynholm Industries who is sent to manage an odd duo of IT workers after she fibbed on her CV and overstated her computer knowledge. Chris O’Dowd and Richard Ayoade make up the two-person IT department, and their characters, Roy and Moss, are delightfully eccentric.
The IT Crowd has some truly hilarious plots. One of the best comedic bits is when Roy and Moss convince Jen that a small black box with a light on the top is the internet. The IT Crowd has won three BAFTAs and remains a continuously quoted and memed treasure trove of fandom. Even though technology has changed dramatically since 2006, humanity’s approach to and interaction with it has remained the same, and The IT Crowd is as funny and relevant now as it ever was.
10
‘Whites’ (2010)
A series that was a decade ahead of its time, Whites is a forerunner to bleak comedies like The Bear and is the BritBox show that everyone should binge. At one season long, viewers can take in all episodes of this witty dramedy in a weekend or a single evening. The show stars Alan Davies as Roland White, an outwardly morose but inwardly emotional head chef at a luxury hotel.
Whites is a must-watch for fans of shows like The Bear. The mix of culinary culture with character drama is fantastic. The humor of Whites is spot-on and walks the thin line of not enough frivolity and too much like a seasoned tightrope walker. It is one of those hidden gem treasures that was tragically canceled too soon, but exists perfectly as it is in its one-season-wonder format.
Whites
- Release Date
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2010 – 2010-00-00
- Network
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BBC Two
- Directors
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David Kerr
- Writers
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Oliver Lansley
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Katherine Parkinson
Caroline
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