45 Best British TV Shows Of All Time Ranked

The very best British TV shows span many different genres, eras, and creators. Some are laugh-out-loud comedies that have earned fans across the globe. Some are tense dramas that capture just how hard it is to be human. Some are fascinating thrillers that keep viewers perched on the edge of their seats. All of them make one thing abundantly clear: The United Kingdom has produced some of the best TV shows ever made.

Watching these classics outside their native land was considerably more difficult in the past. But nowadays, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu make it possible for shows like "Doctor Who" and "Mr. Bean" to find new fans all around the world. With both obscure titles and beloved classics available to a wider variety of people than ever before, a question soon emerges: Which U.K. TV shows are the absolute greatest? We've got the answer to this complex question. These are the 45 best British TV shows of all time, ranked from the solidly entertaining to the absolutely legendary.

After Jeremy Clarkson was fired by the BBC for assaulting a member of the "Top Gear" production staff in 2015, he, Richard Hammond, and James May started "The Grand Tour" with their long-time producer Andy Wilman. For the first few seasons, "The Grand Tour" follows a similar format to "Top Gear": The group reviews new cars, competes in outlandish challenges, and interviews celebrities in a studio tent that is transported to different cities around the world. However, the show later changes focus to feature-length specials.

As reported by Reuters, Amazon Prime Video data suggests that "The Grand Tour" has been a good investment, credited with 1.5 million first streams on the service. This isn't a tremendous surprise to anyone who's been paying attention: Season 1 earned widespread critical acclaim and fan adoration. Although it might fail to hit the heights of its spiritual predecessor, "The Grand Tour" successfully carries on the laddish humor and silly antics of the three presenters.

"Britain's Got Talent" is a long-running reality show that sees competitors show off their greatest skills. Said skills can be just about anything: Singing, magic tricks, comedy, and gymnastics have all proved to be popular over the years. Acts are voted out by the public until a winner is crowned, who is then given the honor of appearing in the Royal Variety Performance.

Devised by Simon Cowell, the "Got Talent" franchise is enormous, encompassing everything from "America's Got Talent" to "Got Talent Uruguay." It's even considered to be the most successful reality TV format by Guinness World Records. Impressively, the original U.K. version still manages to stand out among its army of imitators. Its many colorful personalities are a big part of why: The series is delightfully hosted by television stalwarts Ant and Dec and features judges like Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan, David Hasselhoff, David Walliams, and Alesha Dixon, along with Cowell himself. At the end of the day, however, the success of the show is largely down to the acts themselves — good and bad. Many of the best performers go on to become household names across the U.K. and even further afield.

"Prime Suspect" stars the incomparable Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, a fierce officer trying to do some good in the world, despite the crushing institutional sexism she faces. Though most of her male colleagues disrespect her (and occasionally plot her downfall), she manages to successfully investigate a series of serious crimes and even become detective superintendent. This role earned Mirren many accolades, including a number of Emmy and BAFTA awards. These helped make her the only person in history to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The success of the show led NBC to commission its own version. But the American "Prime Suspect" just can't compare to the superior British original. Mirren's performance makes the series stand out in the crowded police procedural genre, as does its slow, methodical approach. This keeps things uniquely focused, powerful, and engaging.

Created by Irish writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, "Father Ted" follows a group of Catholic priests who live on the remote and fictional Craggy Island. They each have their own problems, which have led to their current exile. With three seasons and 25 episodes to its name, the series became famous for exploring mature themes and ideas, in addition to being incredibly funny.

"Father Ted" is brought to life by a spectacular cast including Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, and Pauline McLynn. As The Independent reported, it's been voted one of the best sitcoms in the U.K. over the years, and won a number of impressive awards. "Father Ted" has also left a lasting legacy on British culture: As The Guardian has noted, certain catchphrases and jokes from the beloved series are still in regular rotation. The fact that this is still the case more than 20 years after the series debuted likely indicates "Father Ted" will prove influential for years to come.

Based on Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's 1990 novel of the same name, "Good Omens" is a comedy about the end of the world. It stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Aziraphale and Crowley, an angel and demon who have lived on Earth since its creation. The pair works tirelessly to prevent the Antichrist from setting the apocalypse in motion, as they've grown fond of their adopted home and its quirky people. This proves to be difficult — and hilarious.

"Good Omens" received praise from many critics, who hailed the two main actors' chemistry, as well as the series' stylish imagery. It also earned a number of award nominations. This success was enough to net the series a Season 2, as reported by the BBC, which expands upon the original source material and tells a brand new story. As it turns out, the end of the world is really just the beginning.

Unlike many other teen dramas, "Misfits" comes with a sci-fi twist. The series follows a group of five young people who are jointly struck by lightning while engaging in required community service. Soon afterwards, they begin to develop mysterious superpowers, including telepathy, time manipulation, and invisibility. Things quickly spin out of control, especially after they're forced to kill their probation officer. Though they'll do anything to keep this a secret, death and superpowers aren't easily hushed up — especially since they're not the only kids who gained mysterious abilities during that fateful storm.

"Misfits" gained significant acclaim for its dark humor, mature storylines, and refreshingly authentic approach to teenage life. Its talented cast is a big part of its success as well: Lauren Socha, Robert Sheehan, Iwan Rheon, Antonia Thomas, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett shine so bright as troubled young people, it's no wonder they've gone onto major productions like "Game of Thrones" and "The Umbrella Academy." After five seasons, "Misfits" ends with an almost completely new cast, as most of the main characters leave following Season 3. The fact that it pulls off such a dramatic shake-up is a testimony to its quality.

Created by Armando Iannucci and written by a team of writers including comedy giants Jesse Armstrong and Simon Blackwell, "The Thick of It" is an incredibly sharp political satire that follows a wide array of politicians, advisors, pundits, and journalists. Known for its realism and strong profanity, "The Thick of It" pulls no punches in its behind-the-scenes look at governance. This honesty is the key to its wild success.

Starting life on BBC Four, a total of 23 episodes over four seasons, including several feature-length specials, were produced. "The Thick of It" won critical acclaim and several BAFTA Awards, among other accolades. A spin-off movie, "In the Loop," was released in 2009 to even more widespread praise. Iannucci subsequently went on to create "Veep," a biting political satire, for HBO. A number of "The Thick of It" writers joined him on that production, including Blackwell and Armstrong. They proved to be just as deft at skewering American politics.

Twisty thriller "Killing Eve" is one of the more recent entries on this list, first airing in 2018 on BBC America. Based on Luke Jennings' "Villanelle" novels, the show follows the titular Eve, a former intelligence officer for MI5 who becomes obsessed with an international assassin named Villanelle, who works for a clandestine organization known as The Twelve. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer star as Eve and Villanelle, respectively. Their chemistry practically leaps off the screen, and made the show an immediate hit: Executives renewed it for Season 2 before the first episode was even broadcast, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Critics heaped praise on "Killing Eve," often singling out its two lead actors for their spectacular work. Seasons 1 and 2 in particular were nominated for a wide array of awards, including BAFTAs, Emmys, and Golden Globes. Its dry wit, fast-paced action and dialogue, and constant tension make it utterly must-watch television. 

Created and written by Neil Cross, "Luther" follows Detective Chief Inspector John Luther as he tries to make the world a less crime-ridden place. A dedicated and obsessive officer, Luther often finds himself being consumed by the very darkness he aims to stop. The show never shies away from violence, which can make it a difficult watch for some. But if you're okay with these gorier aspects, "Luther" offers captivating drama that constantly keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Idris Elba stars as Luther, while Ruth Wilson portrays his murderous arch-nemesis Alice Morgan. Their stellar performances earned the show enormous praise and a passionate fanbase. "Luther" has been so successful, in fact, that adaptations of the series have been made in India, Russia, South Korea, and France. A "Luther" movie is also in the works, and will see Elba joined by Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"The Great British Bake Off" is exactly what it sounds like: A reality show in which contestants take part in a baking competition. They tackle three challenges per episode, with the least impressive participant voted out by the judges. The series is hosted and judged by a variety of colorful personalities, including Sue Perkins, Noel Fielding, Mary Berry, and Paul Hollywood. What makes "The Great British Bake Off" so special is its laid-back vibe: There's definitely competition in the air, but the cattiness and cruelty that defines similar shows isn't present. These people simply love to bake, and want to share their passion with the world.

The show has proved to be an enormous hit, even beyond the U.K., according to The Guardian. This has led to a number of similarly themed programs, including "The Great British Sewing Bee" and "The Great Pottery Throw Down." Perhaps most impressively, The Telegraph reported that the show boosted sales of baking equipment. Not every reality show can get people off the couch, but then, "The Great British Bake Off" isn't just any old reality show.

"Life on Mars" is a 2006 police drama with a major twist. After police officer Sam Tyler is seriously injured in a modern-day car accident, he finds himself in 1973. What has happened to him? It's deliberately unclear: He often wonders whether he's in a coma, losing his sanity, or truly displaced in time. Sam must try to figure out the truth of his strange circumstances as he navigates the vastly different cultural mores of the '70s and his new job under the belligerent DCI Gene Hunt.

"Life on Mars" is a dynamic and exciting series. The strong cast is a big part of why, with John Simm, who stars as Sam Tyler, delivering an especially impressive performance. Audiences and critics adored the series for its sharp writing and thoughtful meditations on a bygone era, as well as its impeccable acting. Acclaim was intense enough to merit a sequel series, "Ashes to Ashes," which hit the airwaves in 2008. A third show set in the same world is also in the works, as reported by NME.

Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, "Broadchurch" is a British crime drama that knows how to keep viewers guessing. Season 1 focuses on the mysterious death of a young boy, which rocks the titular seaside town. Everyone's a suspect, and no one is sure who to trust. It's up to cranky Detective Inspector Alec Hardy and warm-hearted Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller to discover what really happened — but even they might not be able to handle the truth. The subsequent two seasons deal with the fallout of the first case, along with other violent crimes that take place in the area.

"Broadchurch" was a major critical success and a huge hit with viewers. According to Digital Spy, more than 6 million people tuned in to watch the series premiere. The sheer drama of the story, which gets ratcheted up every single episode, never fails to be gripping, while the actors' emotional performances bring the crimes home. What results is a show that simply can't be missed.

Created by Laurie Nunn, "Sex Education" is a Netflix dramedy that made its debut in 2019. It takes place in Moordale Secondary School, where the students are learning what it means to be adults — and making a whole lot of mistakes along the way. Otis Milburn, whose mother is a sex therapist, is in a uniquely privileged position: His borrowed expertise attracts students in need of delicate advice. But things get complicated quickly, as they tend to do when clueless teens are involved.

Critics showered "Sex Education" with praise for its relatable stories and air of authenticity. The impressive ensemble cast — which boasts the likes of Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson — stylish art direction, and heartfelt dialogue make it even more appealing. According to The Hollywood Reporter, these qualities paid off in a big way: The series earned millions of viewers in its first month. "Sex Education" has also been nominated for many awards, with Aimee Lou Wood winning a BAFTA for best female performance in a comedy program in 2021.

"The Crown" focuses on the life of Queen Elizabeth II. She weathers family scandals, political upheaval, and the crumbling edifice that is the British monarchy with poise — but history's currents never stop trying to pull her feet out from under her. Seasons 1 and 2 depict events from 1947 until 1955, while Seasons 3 and 4 continue through 1990. The final two seasons are expected to reach into the early 2000s. Due to this enormous timespan, a variety of actors portray the central characters. Claire Foy plays the Queen in Seasons 1 and 2, Olivia Colman plays her in Seasons 3 and 4, and Imelda Staunton takes on the role in Seasons 5 and 6.

"The Crown" has been praised by a wide variety of viewers and critics. It's also earned huge ratings: According to the BBC, 73 million households have watched the show. "The Crown" has managed to become more and more popular as it's gone on, thanks to its vivid glimpse into the inner workings of the British monarchy and its thoughtful depiction of the 20th century. The cast's stellar performances certainly also help, along with the production's brilliant costume design, which transports viewers to bygone eras.

"Only Fools and Horses" first aired in 1981. Over the course of the next 10 years, it enjoyed seven seasons broadcast on BBC One. However, that wasn't the end of the comedy series: Creator John Sullivan continued to make feature-length specials until 2003, when the show finally ended. This long-running series follows market trader Del Boy in his quest to make money using a variety of schemes. He acts as the head of the Trotter family, bringing up younger brother Rodney following the death of their mother. The pair sells goods, often of questionable legality, from the back of their yellow three-wheeled Reliant Regal. The original cast consisted of David Jason in the role of Del Boy, Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney, and Lennard Pearce as Grandad. After Pearce's death, Buster Merryfield replaced him as Uncle Albert.

At its height, "Only Fools and Horses" was one of the most popular shows in Britain. It was capable of attracting 24.3 million viewers, according to Radio Times, which is around a third of the entire population. The characters' exploits provide a never-ending source of laughs, and their working class background makes them relatable to the average audience member. Its success led to spin-off shows "The Green Green Grass" and "Rock & Chips."

The brainchild of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" writer Richard Curtis and comedy actor Rowan Atkinson, "Blackadder" is a period sitcom. Each season takes place at a different point in history and features a different set of characters. However, there is a constant: Edmund Blackadder, a man descended from incarnations seen in earlier episodes. Appearing throughout periods of British history with his companion Baldrick, he's a lord in Elizabethan times, a butler in the late 18th century, and an officer during World War I. 

This vast scope makes a wide variety of jokes and humorous storylines possible, which have become classics of the genre. Although it's known for its surreal humor, "Blackadder" also contains its fair share of poignant moments, and is able to get viewers emotionally invested in these characters and their lives. The cast is a big part of this success: Along with Rowan Atkinson, the show features such talents as Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie. Although only four full seasons were made, there have been a number of specials, including the 1999 short film "Blackadder: Back and Forth." It all adds up to a series that will continue to have a major impact on British comedy for years to come.

Before "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Monty Python's Life of Brian," the titular British comedy group had a regular television spot on BBC One entitled "Monty Python's Flying Circus." This absurdist sketch show was written primarily by the Monty Python group, which included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, as well as Neil Innes and Douglas Adams. 

"Monty Python's Flying Circus" proved to be a radical new direction for British comedy, which paved the way for the surreal shows that would follow. Bizarre imagery, ridiculous situations, and outlandish jokes abound here, from characters like the Knight with a Raw Chicken to the Nude Organist. But it's also a deeply intelligent series, which pokes erudite fun at the British upper classes. "Monty Python's Flying Circus" never speaks down to its viewers, and trusts them to understand the complex jokes and sophisticated ideas it presents.

Running for four seasons between 1969 and 1974, the series took a while to catch on, but eventually became beloved in the U.K. and the U.S., according to The New Yorker. It also racked up a number of BAFTA Awards. Perhaps the greatest symbol of the series' success, however, is the fact that "Pythonesque" is now a word.

Although it's become a worldwide phenomenon, "Black Mirror" started out as a relatively small show on Channel 4. This innovative anthology series touches on the role technology plays in our lives. Each installment features a different setting and a new cast of characters: Spaceships, virtual afterlives, and bizarre prisons are all explored. "Black Mirror" employs a unique blend of science fiction, horror, fantasy, comedy, satire, and absurdism, which invites viewers to consider the positive and negative effects high-tech gizmos and surveillance systems have on the modern world.

As Variety reported, "Black Mirror" moved to Netflix in 2014. Here, the series found more viewers than ever before, and enough room to branch out and experiment. This led to the innovative interactive movie "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch." It also earned the series impressive reviews and no small amount of awards. "Black Mirror" is bleak, but it earns its dire tone through thoughtful analysis, excellent acting, and off-the-wall imagination.

"Mr. Bean," which stars Rowan Atkinson as the titular character, consists of 15 individual episodes broadcast between 1990 and 1995. It follows the hapless Mr. Bean, who is oblivious to common activities and customs, as he makes his way through life. His naïve childishness typically leads him to find outlandish solutions to what would be simple issues for most people. This basic premise sets the series up for outrageous hilarity, which soon amassed a huge worldwide audience, according to Television Business International. This popularity endures to this day: Mr. Bean enjoys more than 30 million YouTube subscribers and stands out as one of the most-followed TV brands on Facebook. 

What makes "Mr. Bean" such a hit? For one thing, there's very little dialogue in the show: The vast majority of the action and jokes are entirely visual, and Mr. Bean tends to make simple, non-linguistic noises. This means that none of it has to be dubbed or subtitled, allowing viewers from other countries to easily enjoy the proceedings. It also gives the series a timeless quality, which people of all ages can enjoy. But beyond all of that, there's the plain fact that Mr. Bean is a charming, hilarious figure played by a uniquely talented performer. Sometimes, that's all that's needed to produce a comedy icon.

Searing dramedy "Fleabag" is so good, it instantly launched creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also stars as the eponymous woman, to international fame. Fleabag is a young Londoner struggling with a self-destructive streak, dysfunctional family relationships, and a major recent tragedy. Viewers fell in love with its whip-smart social commentary, electric writing, and unique structure: Fleabag frequently breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience. This isn't just a cheeky bit of metatextual humor, either — it's an incredibly emotional narrative device. 

Both seasons of "Fleabag" were met with nigh-universal critical adulation, with much praise focused on its originality, cutting dialogue, deft combination of comedy and tragedy, and incredible acting. Waller-Bridge is joined by a cast that is absolutely stacked with talent, including such luminaries as Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman, and Bill Paterson. Fleabag is a liar, a screw-up, a bad feminist, and a troubled soul — and that's why we love her.

"Doctor Who" first appeared on television screens in 1963. In the years since, it's featured a huge variety of storylines, themes, sci-fi conceits, and actors, and become a genuine phenomenon. The imaginative series, which follows the immortal Doctor as he travels through time with his companions, has legions of fans which span generations, nationalities, and pretty much every other sort of demographic descriptor. A wide variety of talents have stepped into the Doctor's shoes, including William Hartnell, Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, Sylvester McCoy, and Peter Davison. Following an extended break, the show returned in 2005 with Russell T Davies at the helm. This relaunch put Christopher Eccleston in the lead role, followed by David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker. 

Though many years have passed since the show's debut, fans still love watching the Doctor face off against interdimensional baddies. The franchise spans multiple forms of media, including books, radio plays, and even other television shows like "Torchwood" and "The Sarah Jane Adventures." Many elements of the series, such as the iconic TARDIS, the villainous Daleks, and the Doctor's various outfits have transcended fandom altogether and become symbols of British culture. "Doctor Who" isn't just one of the best British TV shows of all time — it's also one of the most influential.

After John Cleese left "Monty Python's Flying Circus," his next project was "Fawlty Towers." Created and written by Cleese and Connie Booth, the show, which was first broadcast in 1975, is set in a fictional Torquay hotel run by Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil. This set-up was inspired by a real hotel Cleese visited with the other members of Monty Python, according to The Guardian. The owner of this establishment seemed to hate the fact that he had to have guests in his hotel. Basil was largely based on this individual: He struggles to manage his business and conceal his disdain for those who stay there.

Though many years have passed since "Fawlty Towers" debuted, it's only grown in stature. Today, it's regarded as one of the country's most important television properties, to the point that it was named the top TV show of all time by the British Film Institute in a 2000 poll. The show also has a cult following in the United States, and counts Americans like Martin Scorsese as fans, according to The Independent. The show's critique of the powerless but rage-filled middle class Englishman, paired with empathetic characters like Manuel, has proved to be timeless.