While streaming has largely resulted in people from all over the world watching television, regardless of nationality, British TV has its own flair beyond the accents of the characters that makes it stand out from the rest — unique humour that differs from the world (especially that of Americans), shorter seasons of television, and dialogue, cinematography, and colour palettes that give the audience a sense of Britishness, along with the general ways in which the characters conduct themselves

For years, British television has been a favorite of Anglophiles and even casual viewers alike. Numerous British series, like The Office and Big Brother, have inspired immensely popular American series. Whether it's comedy, historical drama, mystery, or dark thriller, each genre—especially in the best of these shows—can reflect a different aspect of British society. There is only so much space in a "best of" list, even though we already have lists of the best British comedies and some of Acorn's best detective shows in the U.K. Here are some of the most well-liked shows on British television among viewers and reviewers.

1. Dr. Who

Dr. Who is a TV program that is popularly regarded as a phenomenon of British culture. After a 15-year break, the sci-fi program returned in 2005 in a vibrant, universally adored version. The program has been running successfully since 1963 and has amassed a sizable fan base over the years. Time travel, Time Lords, and a figure with a secret background are just a few of the strange science fiction, British humor, and British mystery components that have been merged to create something completely original in Doctor Who.

It's interesting, but not astonishing, that this show has often been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Cute titles like "Most Expensive Dalek" are appropriate, but others, like "Longest-Running Science-Fiction TV Series" and "Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Doctor Who Characters," accurately reflect how immensely popular and significant the show has been.

2. Monty Python’s Flying Circus

The iconic and ground-breaking comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus employed surrealism and absurdism to critique bourgeois values, political and religious hypocrisy, and societal norms. The creative Monty Python team, which also included Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, thrived on non-sequiturs, controversy, stupidity, and warped absurdity for their anthology sketch show. Monty Python's Flying Circus broke the sketch comedy pattern and had an impact on the comedy and television industries before Saturday Night Live, MadTV, and In Living Color.

3. The Thick of It

The Thick of It, one of the most significant TV shows of the twenty-first century, fundamentally changed political comedy and unveiled some major talent; its creator (the great Armando Iannucci) and writers would go on to enjoy even greater success with the strikingly similar American series Veep, and its breakout star, Peter Capaldi, would go on to become Doctor Who.

The profanely funny The Thick of It basically chronicles the escapades and errors of various political spin doctors and government agencies as their blunders and misunderstandings lead them to disaster and ultimately illegal acts. The ensemble cast of characters in The Thick of It was brilliantly developed toward a denouement that was shockingly tragic and profound for a comedy series. The show was well-known for its incredibly creative and clever (and frequent) use of swear language.

4. Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey, a long-running historical drama series also situated in a large estate, has won numerous awards and holds the Guinness World Records title for "highest critical review ratings for a TV show" at the moment. The program depicts the life of a wealthy family and tracks the dynamics of their interactions as they experience important historical moments like the Titanic disaster and World War I.

A popular technique for portraying culture and historical events (especially very English ones) is to place well-written fiction into historical reality, and Downton Abbey achieves this better than almost any other show. Additionally, the presence of Dame Maggie Smith is always a plus.

5. Killing Eve.

The British spy drama Killing Eve centers on an MI6 agent searching for Villanelle, a crazed but unexpectedly likeable assassin. Villanelle is played expertly by Jodie Comer, who gives her a charming aspect that fans can't help but root for. Sandra Oh plays MI5 agent Eve Polastri, whose personal life implodes when she starts to obsess over finding the elusive assassin with her trademark caustic wit and quiet intensity.

The two lead actresses managed to fascinate audiences with their unmistakable connection, winning every TV award possible despite Villanelle and Eve's destructive relationship. As it aired on BBC America, Killing Eve probably became the biggest British program to air in the United States in recent years. It swiftly soared to become one of the BBC's most watched programs. The fourth and final season of Killing Eve premiered on the BBC in February 2022.

6. Spaced.

Before various forms of geek culture (video games, superhero movies, manga, etc.) became popular, common, and successful, there was Spaced.

Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson star in what is essentially a working-class sitcom about two people (Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson) and their friends. Wright directs this fast-paced, hyperactive, and hilarious mashup of genres that was way ahead of its time. Despite being short-lived, Spaced remains one of the funniest, coolest, and most inventive TV shows of all time. It gave these people a start.

7. The Crown.

The Crown, a historical drama produced by Peter Morgan, has become a huge hit on Netflix. The program gives viewers a glimpse of what occurs behind the palace's closed doors while chronicling Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Along with more inexperienced actresses like Emma Corrin, the drama is made excellent by the presence of award-winning actors like Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Claire Foy, and Gillian Anderson. These actors deliver some of the best performances.

The monarchic power structures of royalty are the epitome of all that is uniquely British, and The Crown is exceptional in how it follows several generations of the royal family while using various actors along the way. In recent news, it was announced that Dr. Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana's attendant, would be played by Humayan Saeed in season five of The Crown. The fifth season is certain to be very compelling given the tabloid scandals and intense drama of this time in Queen Elizabeth II's life.

8. Misfits.

Misfits is yet another unorthodox youth-focused TV program that has gained popularity in the United States. To the pleasure of many fans, Misfits was instead aired on Logo in the United States in its original version as opposed to a remake. The plot centers on a group of young prisoners who, while serving their sentences, develop supernatural abilities.

Misfits distinguishes itself from the popular American superhero series of the era (Heroes, Arrow, and Smallville) by making superpowers humorous. Due to the fact that satirical superhero shows like The Boys, Deadpool, and Peacemaker are now fairly prevalent, the show was actually innovative for its time. Regardless of its impact, Misfits was a really thrilling and enjoyable program for the duration of its run.

9. The Office UK

The Office, with Ricky Gervais and Martin Freeman, ran from 2001 to 2003. It served as the model for the hugely successful American remake with Steve Carell. The British version's plot summary is largely the same as that of its American counterpart, which essentially copied its pilot, but the tone of the show is different, with much more cynicism and cringe. David Brent, the rude and stupid manager of the Wernham Hogg paper company, is the character played by Gervais. Brent has agreed to take part in an office documentary.

Tim Canterbury, played by Martin Freeman, and Dawn Tinsley, played by Lucy Davis, are in a similar will-they-or-won't-they situation as Jim and Pam in the American version. The sitcom received accolades and honors throughout its 14-episode run, including two Golden Globes and a BAFTA. In addition to helping several of its performers establish their careers, it effectively revolutionized comedy for the twenty-first century by moving the sitcom toward more mockumentary-style formats.

10. Mr. Bean

This British sitcom, starring Rowan Atkinson as Bean, has been a perennial favorite among comedy lovers for decades. The show centers on a simple-minded protagonist who frequently turns mundane, ordinary actions into bizarre and needlessly complex situations. The simplicity of the sitcom, which takes slapstick and silent-era humor and updates it for a current audience in a very simple yet pure and enjoyable way, is what makes Mr. Bean so successful.

The viewer gets much-needed laughs from watching Mr. Bean go about his regular existence. The program became well-known all around the world despite having very little dialogue. Rowan Atkinson recently admitted that portraying Mr. Bean is demanding and exhausting, thus his upcoming Mr. Bean film is probably going to be an animated one. Fans can watch the actor demonstrate his comedic skills once more with Atkinson's new series Man vs. Bee in the meantime.

British TV has indeed aired some phenomenons over the years, and the list we have made is our choice of what we believe to be the best ten of the lot. Of course, you can always have your say in the comment section.

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