15 Of The Best British TV Shows That May Be Hidden Gems For Americans

From sitcoms to crime thrillers, and everything in between.

Brits will be well aware of the shows that arrive on our screens, from old classics to recent releases. While some shows, like Black Mirror, are beloved internationally, there are many amazing UK shows that have probably slipped through the cracks for non-Brits.

BBC One

So, here are 15 hidden gems from the UK that are totally worth a watch...

1. Wolf

BBC Television

This brand new drama sees DI Jack Caffery become obsessed with a neighbour that he suspects killed his 10-year-old brother back in the '90s. At the same time, we follow a wealthy family who are trapped and brutalised in their house in Monmouthshire. It's intense and thrilling, but not for the faint-hearted. 

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Have a look here:

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2. Derry Girls

Channel 4

If sitcoms are more your style, then look no further than Derry Girls. It follows five teenagers attending a Catholic girls' school in Derry in the mid-nineties. We watch the group navigate school life during the political unrest, as well as the bizarre situations they get themselves into. You'll laugh, cry, and have a blast!

Where to watch: Netflix, All 4, Sky

Here's the trailer:

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3. Years and Years

BBC One

This show is about an extended family that lives in an alternate version of the UK. Technological advancements and political unrest have fractured society, and tensions are high. The show begins in 2019, and fast forwards in time every episode as we see how each member of the family – and society itself – grows and crumbles with time. It's a fascinating watch and can get pretty emotional at times too.

Where to watch: Disney+, ITVX, Max

Have a look here:

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4. Ghosts

BBC One

If you're from The States, you may already know Ghosts from its US adaptation, but there's nothing like the original, right? It follows Alison Cooper, who unexpectedly inherits a huge old country house from a distant relative. Another unexpected surprise is that the house is full of ghosts from throughout history who make up the various people who died there. It's a nice easy watch, and good fun!

Where to watch: Sky, BBC iPlayer, Max

Here's the trailer:

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5. Catastrophe

Channel 4

Rob, from Boston, goes on a business trip to London, where he meets an Irish woman called Sharon. They spend a week casually hooking up while he's over there, but everything changes when Sharon discovers she's pregnant. After finding out, Rob flies back to be with Sharon, and they attempt to get to know each other. As you can imagine – given this comes from the joint minds of Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney – it's a hilarious show to get stuck into. 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Have a look here:

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6. I May Destroy You

BBC One

This drama series from Michaela Coel follows Arabella, who, after being sexually assaulted at a bar, begins to reassess and rebuild her life. We also follow her best friends, Terry and Kwame, who each face their own issues when it comes to sex and relationships. It's a hard-hitting series that's done in a brilliant way, and is totally deserving of its critical acclaim.

Where to watch: Sky, BBC iPlayer, Max

Here's the trailer:

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7. Broadchurch

ITV

Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, Broadchurch is a classic gritty crime drama in the British mould. When the body of a young boy is found on a beach, a small town in Dorset becomes the focus of a gripping police investigation.

Where to watch: ITVX, Britbox, PBS

Watch the trailer here:

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8. Fleabag

BBC One

From the brilliant mind of Phoebe Waller-Bridge comes the comedy-drama that really rocketed her to stardom. Based on her one-woman show, Fleabag follows the titular character through the stresses of love and life in London, while she refuses to accept any help along the way. If you haven't watched it yet, it's definitely worth checking out!

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky

Look at the trailer:

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9. This Country

BBC Three

Creators Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper star in this hilarious mockumentary that revolves around two cousins in rural England and their day-to-day lives. In a light and funny way, the show captures certain aspects of living in a rural community as a young person.

Where to watch: Sky, BBC iPlayer

Have a look here:

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10. Misfits

E4

This funny, gritty, show is Britain's take on *super* heroes – although I'm not too sure if you can call them heroes. It follows a group of young offenders doing community service together who all get caught in an electrical storm, which gives them unique powers. It's fun, tense, and something a bit different. 

Where to watch: All 4, Sky, Hulu

Take a look:

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11. Being Human

BBC Three

This comedy-drama crosses flatshare comedy with supernatural horror-drama. It follows three individuals who are sharing a flat, trying to live a normal life, and fit in. The only problem is – one of them is a ghost, the other is a vampire, and the other is a werewolf. It's funny, but also emotional and exciting!

Where to watch: ITVX, Britbox, Amazon Prime Video

Have a look:

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12. Inside No. 9

BBC Two

This anthology series will certainly keep you guessing! The only thing alike in each episode is that it takes place in somewhere to do with the number nine – be it a room, a dorm, a train carriage, or any other place. Each episode is full of twists and turns, and sometimes the lack of any twist will be as surprising as a shock reveal.

Where to watch: Sky, BBC iPlayer, NOW, Britbox

Have a look here:

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13. Blackadder

BBC1

Known as one of the best comedy series to come out of Britain, Blackadder is certainly worth a watch if you haven't dabbled. Each of its seasons is set in a different period of British history, beginning in 1485 and ending in 1917. It follows the titular character and his various misfortunes, surrounded by a recurring cast of some of Britain's best comics. 

Where to watch: Sky, Britbox, BBC iPlayer, Hulu

Have a look here:

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14. Top Boy

Channel 4 / Netflix

This drama is set in a housing estate in East London, and follows two drug dealers attempting to rise to the top of their trade. We see the tension between drug gangs and those attempting to live a life outside of drugs and violence. It's a thrilling series that contains elements of crime thriller and social realism.

Where to watch: Netflix

Have a look here:

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15. Happy Valley

BBC 1

There's really not much 'happy' about this British crime drama. The harrowing show follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood as she leads a team of police officers to solve cases in Yorkshire, while still dealing with the brutal death of her own daughter. Her own personal strife is tied into the show's main plot, and it's full of tense and emotional episodes.

Where to watch: Sky, BBC iPlayer, AMC+

Have a look here:

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What are some of YOUR favourite British TV shows you would recommend to non-Brits? Let us know in the comments below!