British TV Shows You Need To Watch Right Now

For the anglophiles, the tv-buffs, and for anyone who just doesn't feel like watching the Superbowl today

For the Showtime Fan... Shameless

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If you love the Gallaghers on the Showtime adaptation, you'll love them even more with accents. Having viewed both, I can assure you that while there are similarities (the characters you love, the antics they get up to) each version has it's own feel and different story lines so you're not just watching the same series over again.

Where can you watch?

Seasons 1-9 on Netflix

Full Series on HuluPlus

For The Big Bang Theory Fan... The IT Crowd

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Jen, a stranger to technology, heads up the IT department at a London office after lying in her interview. The show's banter between Jen and her two IT-savvy co-workers is sarcastic and witty, and the friendship they all form is endearing. And don't worry if your computer freezes during streaming, in the words of the techies: just turn it off and on again.

Where can you watch?

Seasons 1-4 on Netflix

Full Series on HuluPlus

For the Downtown Abbey Fan...Parade's End

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Okay, okay, I know Downtown Abbey should technically be on this list, but since it's watched regularly over here and is well known, I decided to instead recommend a similar series. Parade's End is a five-part mini series that aired on the BBC and HBO networks. Telling the story of a love triangle that spans the years that surround WWI, this drama is beautifully acted and Rebecca Hall's wardrobe is to die for.

Where can you watch?

All five episodes are on HBOgo

For The Office Fans...The Office

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Couldn't help myself. There are many fans of the US adaptation that have never seen the original, and I always try to recommend it. The humor is definitely different, it's sarcastic and much more British, but it's fantastic.

Where you can watch:

Seasons 1-2 on Netflix

Full Series on HuluPlus

For 30 Rock Fans...Miranda

comedy.co.uk

This woman filled the Liz Lemon-sized hole in my heart. A throwback to classic comedy, Miranda is the 30-something single owner of a joke shop who can't seem to do anything without an embarrassing situation arising. Miranda is funny, honest, and endearing.

Where you can watch:

Seasons 1-3 on HuluPlus (PUT UP THE FINAL TWO EPISODES ALREADY!)

For Sketch Comedy Fans...The Catherine Tate Show

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A comedy genius in her own right, Catherine Tate leads this series with a multitude of characters that will have you laughing until you cry. It's funny, smart, and pokes at the social norms of society.

Where you can watch:

Full Series on HuluPlus

For Detective Story Fans...Sherlock

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Of course, no post about British TV can go without these next two recommendations. Sherlock, the BBC driven reboot of The Classic Stories of Sherlock Holmes, is a powerhouse in it's own. It's smart, precise, and heavily beloved by it's die hard fans. Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch exudes Mr. Holmes from every pore, leaving you unable to picture anyone else in the role. Be warned though, the series is a commitment. At three 90-minute episodes per season, you can't start this series without having some time on your hands.

Note: This is also one of the few on the list that is still in production, even though it may seem that it's been 84 years since the last season premiered.

Where you can watch:

Seasons 1-3 on Netflix

For Sci-Fi Fans...Doctor Who

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While I would argue that Doctor Who could be for anybody (there's adventure, wit, humor, romance, etc.) it categorically belongs with our Science Fiction friends. But this is a major one. Doctor Who first premiered in 1963, meaning the show has lasted 51 years. Therefore, it's common to group the series into three parts: Classic Who (episodes broadcast from 1963-1989), The Doctor Who TV Film (1996), and New Who (All episodes broadcast since 2005). For new viewers, I suggest starting with the new Doctor Who episodes. The current-day companions and familiar technology will make it easier to understand the rest of the madness that Doctor Who promises: a madman in a blue box that travels through time and space.

Where to Watch:

CLASSIC WHO: 18 Collections on Netflix, Seasons 1-26 on HuluPlus

NEW WHO: Seasons 1-7 on HuluPlus and Netflix

Bonus: Doctor Who has spurred a few spin-offs, most notably 'Torchwood' and 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'

For Will and Grace Fans...Gavin and Stacey

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A hilarious, endearing rom-com following the courtship of Gavin and Stacey, long distance loves from Essex, England and Barry, Wales. The reason I recommended it for Will and Grace fans is that the majority of the humor comes from the two supporting actors, playing Nessa and Smithy. This gang of unconventional, odd ball characters make for a truly entertaining series.

Where you can watch:

Full Series on HuluPlus

Notable Mentions:

Looking for more? The following series are also worth a mention.

-For Matt Smith fans...Party Animals (HuluPlus)

-For Peter Capaldi fans... The Thick of It (HuluPlus)

-For Gavin and Stacey fans (as well as Shameless fans)... Stella (HuluPlus)

-For Game Show fans... QI (HuluPlus)

-For Sex and the City Fans...Secret Diary of A Call Girl (ShowtimeOnDemand)

Have more recommendations for British TV shows to watch? Suggest them in the comments!