15 Great British And Irish TV Shows To Watch
While some British or Irish shows are beloved internationally, there are many amazing ones that perhaps don't get the recognition they deserve.
So, here are 15 incredible from the UK and Ireland that are totally worth a watch...
Dept. Q
Based on the book series by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept. Q follows Carl Morck, a well-respected detective who is returning to work following a tragic incident where his partner was paralysed and a policeman was killed. As he returns, he is given a cold case that begins to consume his life. Where to watch: Netflix
Derry Girls
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
Peep Show
This sitcom is centred around the dysfunctional friendship of Mark and Jeremy, who are share a flat together in South London. Being somewhat of an odd-couple, the two find themselves in a series of (sometimes painfully) awkward situations. It's quintessentially British, laugh-out-loud funny, and incredibly cringe and binge-worthy. Where to watch: Channel 4
Years and Years
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
Bad Sisters
This dark comedy show is about the Garvey sisters, who, after the death of their parents, are bound to each other by the promises they've made to protect one another. It's a true dark comedy, with sinister elements lifted up with excellent comedy writing and performances. Where to watch: Apple TV+
Ghosts
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
Catastrophe
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
I May Destroy You
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
Broadchurch
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
Adolescence
If you haven't seen it yet, here's another recommendation to. The psychological crime thriller follows the case surrounding 13-year-old Jamie Miller who is arrested after the murder of a girl at his school. The incurring investigation reveals Jamie's attitudes towards women; while at home, the family must deal with the implications of Jamie's detention. Where to watch: Netflix
This Country
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
Time
This anthology series is set inside the British prison system. Season one follows Marc (Sean Bean) who is recently imprisoned. Overwhelmed by the dangers of prison life, Marc meets Eric (Stephen Graham), a prison guard who endeavours to protect those in his charge.Season two follows three women beginning their sentences at the same time. Orla (Jodie Whittaker) is a single mother, incarcerated for the first time, Abi (Tamara Lawrance), who is imprisoned on a life sentence, and Kelsey (Bella Ramsey), a pregnant heroin addict. Where to watch: BBC iPlayer, Apple TV
Being Human
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
Top Boy
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
Happy Valley
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+
What are some of YOUR favourite British and Irish TV shows you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
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