Enter BritBox. The BBC and ITV streaming service boasts some of the more famous British imports (“Downton Abbey,” “Doctor Who,” “Prime Suspect”) in its catalog, alongside a deep library of English greats that might not have gained the same notoriety on this side of the pond. We’ve put together the best of the best shows to watch on BritBox in all genres, from meaty murder mysteries (the most popular category on BritBox) to the perfectly understated British comedies.
BBC Studios/Gary Moyes 5. “Vera” Brenda Blethyn is DCI Vera Stanhope, an irascible detective whose murder-solving skills far surpass her people skills. She’s volatile, curt, and single-minded, but she’s an unparalleled detective. Obsessive about her cases, while dismissive of her own demons, Vera takes on a wide range of gruesome murders, each more confounding than the last. The widely successful crime drama has 11 seasons with no plans to stop any time soon. Fast-paced, engaging, and tense, with a thoroughly magnetic lead character, “Vera” is the perfect fix for that murder mystery itch. 6. “Cranford” Not every story needs a murder to be compelling. “Cranford” is a perfect, charming, and deeply (almost surprisingly) engaging series about 1840s life in a small, provincial hamlet. Centered on a group of aging spinsters and widows, this Emmy-winning miniseries is propelled mainly by town gossip, low-stakes scandals, and the scourge of the new-fangled railroad. The cast here is world-class, with Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, and Imelda Staunton deftly leading the sparkling ensemble. The community of Cranford has its share of squabbles, but these people turn to each other with love when it matters. In many ways, the main character of “Cranford” is the town itself, tiptoeing towards modernity while unwilling to abandon its past. Delightful and touching, it cannot be overstated how profoundly lovely this show is to watch. 7. “Line of Duty” When DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) refuses to participate in a coverup, he’s transferred to the police force’s anti-corruption unit and joins DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) in investigating the rot within their own ranks. It’s a gripping drama, expertly crafted to keep the audience guessing (Who’s corrupt?! Who’s telling the truth?!) until the very last second. Gritty, thrilling, and downright brilliant, “Line of Duty” is a masterclass in suspense that will leave you both breathless and desperate for more. 8. “Mum” No one does cringe comedy like the British. Lesley Manville absolutely sparkles as Kathy, a woman holding it all together as she comes to terms with the loss of her husband. Her family, relatably wild and obtuse in every situation, is of little help. What could be a depressing show is surprisingly warm, as Kathy meets the most banal annoyances of life after a loss with wry acceptance. Even the daftest characters here are treated with a fond respect, ensuring that this manners comedy about death still radiates with love. “Mum” is tight, funny, and unexpectedly moving — a winning combination. 9. “Shetland”
When it comes to crime dramas, nothing is more gripping than murder in a small town. When that small town is more of a hamlet on the isolated Shetland Islands far off the coast of Scotland, the result is a magnetic, and often brilliant, suspense series. “Shetland” takes its inspiration from the novels of Ann Cleeves, following DI Jimmy Peréz as he untangles intricate and startling webs in a part of the world where cell service is spotty and crime scenes are only accessible by boat. Moody and affecting, “Shetland” is a murder show that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
