10 Most Iconic British Shows of All Time
If you happen to be based in the UK, then you’re no doubt familiar with the brilliant shows that have come out of the country over the years. British television certainly has a unique charm, which is why there’s no shortage of quality UK TV shows that have been made.
While we can’t include every show in this blog post, we’ve broken down the best UK TV shows ever made – those that have made their mark on the country’s cultural landscape and a few others that you just can’t miss if you’re a fan of British television. You’ll be saying goodbye to aussie casinos online and jumping on British TV!
1. The IT Crowd
This show ran for four seasons from 2006 to 2010 and follows the adventures of a three-person IT (Information Technology) department in a large London-based corporation. It offers up plenty of laughs and is filled with a wide array of characters, from the awkward tech-savvy protagonist, Roy, to the enthusiastic Jen and their leader, Moss. Starring Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Katherine Parkinson, this British classic is the perfect way to get your foot in the door when it comes to watching classic British comedy.
2. Blackadder
Created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, this show has been a mainstay on British television since its original run from 1983 to 1989. If you’re after a show filled with witty humor and quick-witted characters, then this is certainly the show for you. As you might expect, the title character Edmund Blackadder is a cunning and chuckle-worthy figure—popular enough to warrant multiple spin-offs.
3. Doctor Who
This classic British institution has been on the air since 1963 and still grips the nation on Saturday nights. While it can’t necessarily stake the claim of being the best UK TV show ever made, it certainly has one of the longest legs, introducing viewers to Doctor Who from the original series to the more recent re-incarnated versions. From the whimsical adventures of Timelord The Doctor, to the companions’ quests for justice, Doctor Who has a little something for everyone and is sure to keep you mesmerized for hours on end.
4. Only Fools and Horses
This classic BBC show ran from 1981 to 2003 and centered on the lives of two Londoners brothers, Delboy and Rodney Trotter, who run a less-than-conventional wheeler-dealer business. This show saw some of the finest British comedies ever made and is sure to make you laugh every time.
5. Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Dubbed ‘a new art form’ by the Brits, Monty Python’s Flying Circus featured some of the most outrageous sketches and skits the UK has ever seen. From the parodies of cultural icons, such as the ‘Life of Brian’ religious sketch, to the surreal ‘Dead Parrot’ sketches, this show is definitely something special.
6. The Inbetweeners
This show follows a group of teenage ‘friends’ who navigate their awkward way through life, dealing with all of the usual dilemmas and cringeworthy embarrassing teenage moments. If you’ve grown up in the UK in recent years, then you’ll certainly know this classic all too well.
7. The Thick of It
This hilarious British comedy follows a number of characters as they struggle to make their way through government departments in Westminster and beyond. Featuring some of the country’s finest comic talent, including Chris Langham, Chris Addison, and Peter Capaldi, this show is a must-watch for any British TV fan.
8. Gavin and Stacey
A bit of a modern classic by now, Gavin and Stacey follow the lives of two distinctly different families as they come together in touching and often hilarious rom-com narratives. Starring Oscar-nominated Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, this show is a true testament to British comedy greatness.
9. Top Gear
This iconic BBC show has been running since 2002. Whether you’re a fan of cars or not, chances are, you’ll still be able to appreciate the excellent chemistry between the presenters and their often outlandish driving escapades.
10. Misfits
This Sci-Fi series ran from 2009 to 2013 and follows a group of unlikely heroes as they try their hardest to adjust to their newfound special powers. Filled with plenty of drama and comedy, if you’re a fan of shows like X-Men, then this is certainly the show for you.
To sum up, the UK has some of the best TV shows ever made and it certainly has a unique charm. While there are too many shows to name in one blog post, the shows mentioned above are simply the best of the best. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, drama, or sci-fi, these shows represent classic British TV in all its glory and are sure to keep you entertained for hours.