For a long time, the captivating draw of British TV was a well kept secret. However, the streaming takeover has led audiences to discover the deeper, more complex stories often told across the pond. The latest series to capture viewers’ interest is Netflix’s “Supacell,” which has fans wondering what other comedies and dramas they’ve been missing out on. So if you’ve finished binging “Suapcell” and need to find your next obsession, check out these extraordinary British TV series.
We’re on the fence whether “Queen Charlotte” technically qualifies as a British show, but we’ll never pass up a chance to give this amazing series its flowers. A young Charlotte marries George and immediately throws the traditions of the crown into turmoil with her independence and fiery personality. We also love how Lady Danbury chooses to forgo the expected path of remarrying a respectable man and relies on herself instead.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new drama, it follows a group of Black residents in South London as they gain superpowers. While they learn to control their powers and figure out what’s next, they must also evade a mysterious agency that can’t just let them live.
Steve McQueen’s film anthology technically isn’t a TV series, but we included it because it’s just that damn good. The films follow London’s West Indian community from the ‘60s through the ‘80s as they make a life for themselves. It’s also a chance to see Letitia Wright, John Boyega and Naomi Ackie before they were big stars.
“Black Mirror” is a brilliantly twisted examination of the ridiculous world we live in. What makes it work so well is that sometimes it’s stupid, sometimes it’s horrifying and sometimes it’s heartbreaking, Just like real life. Guest stars like Daniel Kaluuya; Gugu Mbatha-Raw; Letitia Wright; Anthony Mackie; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II; Nicole Beharie; Michaela Coel; Damson Idris; Zazie Beetz; and Paapa Essiedu have delivered some of the series’ most memorable episodes.
If crime dramas like “The Wire” are your jam, you definitely need to binge “Top Boy.” It follows a group of young drug dealers in London as they navigate the business and try to take care of their families.
We’ve already made it clear that we’ll watch Idris Elba in anything. Yes, even a comedy that’s part “Full House,” part Coachella DJ set.
Michaela Coel’s exploration of gender, trauma and recovery sticks with you long after the credits have rolled on the final episode. Fair warning: it’s a difficult watch and shouldn’t be binged. However, the way the characters and story are weaved together is an absolutely stunning piece of storytelling.
You know that friend who is a complete mess, but you can’t seem to get away from their chaos, no matter how hard you try? Well, that’s Queenie. She’s not a bad person, she just keeps finding herself in crazy situations.
If mob stories are your thing, you definitely need to watch “Gangs of London.” The murder of Finn Wallace, the head of London’s underground, throws everything into chaos and sets off a very bloody power struggle. Seriously, this show is extra violent, so if you can’t handle brutal dismemberments, explosive gunshots and someone being set on fire, this probably isn’t for you.
Idris Elba does some of his best work in this addictive drama. When his plane is hijacked, an expert negotiator tries to make a deal with the terrorists to save himself and the other passengers. The seven episode series plays out in real time over the course of the seven hour flight.
Add “Everything Now” to your Netflix watchlist of angsty teen dramas. Mia is trying to return to her regular life after being treated for an eating disorder. So, on top of the normal weirdness of being a teenager, she has to figure what her new normal actually is.
Being an artist nowadays means you’re in a constant state of self promotion. Being a Black artist means you also have to put up with nonsense microaggressions and disapproving relatives.
In the ‘50s, three woman move from Jamaica to London with big dreams. As they settle into their new community, they try not to lose their sense of self as they make new lives.
“Champion” follows a rapper as he gets out of prison and attempts a comeback. Meanwhile, his talented sister decides to step out of his shadow and chase her own music dreams. The show thrives on the chemistry between Malcolm Kamulete and Déja J. Bowens as Bosco and Vita respectively. The show also provides a cool entry point into London’s Black music scene.
For 60 years “Doctor Who” has been the gold standard of British television. Yes, for most of that time it’s been a very white show. But the new series began introducing more Black characters into the canon, even making them essential parts of The Doctor’s life. The newest season has taken that a step further and brought on Ncuti Gatwa as the franchise’s first ever Black Doctor. His regeneration signaled a return to the confident, unexplainable, joyous time traveler we know and love.
