13 British TV Shows Americans Like More than British People Do

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Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Stefanie Hutson

With the advent of worldwide streaming and websites like IMDb, two things have happened:

1. Now, more than ever, people are able to watch TV and films from other countries
2. We have more data than ever about those viewing habits

IMDb has a fun feature buried in their ratings page, and it allows you to view a show's ratings by specific country – meaning that you can see what rating Americans gave a show compared to the rating it received in the UK.

Even though the US and UK are similar in many ways, there are still some significant differences. The US is significantly more diverse than the UK, and as a general rule, most Americans know a lot less about British history and may not pick up on historical inaccuracies the way native Brits would. Comedy in particular varies quite a bit, with American humor more likely to punch outward, while British humor is more likely to be self-deprecating. 

Before we get into the differences, we should also point out that there may be some differences in terms of exposure and IMDb usage that also factor into ranking differences. Virtually everyone in the UK has seen shows like Midsomer Murders or Keeping Up Appearances, if only in re-runs. In the US, those shows are mainly known by those who gravitate towards British media because they enjoy it – so it's understandable that US audiences might rate them higher.

After checking the US vs. UK ratings of several hundred popular British shows, we found that in nearly all cases, US audiences rated British TV shows slightly higher than UK audiences did. The shows below are those where the difference was significant – in some cases, more than a whole point apart.

As Time Goes By

This gentle sitcom follows Jean Pargetter (Dame Judi Dench, A Fine Romance) and Lionel Hardcastle (Geoffrey Palmer, Butterflies), former lovers who lost touch when Lionel was sent to Korea decades earlier. A chance meeting later in life rekindles their relationship, and the series traces their romance, marriage, and blended family with warmth and humor. Supporting cast includes Moira Brooker (French Fields) as Jean’s daughter Judith and Philip Bretherton (Footballers’ Wives) as Alistair, Lionel’s eccentric publisher.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.7, UK 7.4

• Why the difference? American audiences may be drawn to the understated humor and the star power of Dench, while British viewers, used to a wider variety of domestic sitcoms, might see it as more conventional. It could also be that the nostalgic and genteel pacing appeals more to Americans looking for a “quintessentially British” comfort watch.

• Watch it HERE

Mrs. Brown's Boys

Brendan O’Carroll (Agnes Browne) created and stars as Agnes Brown, a loudmouthed Irish matriarch who meddles endlessly in her children’s lives. The sitcom, famous for breaking the fourth wall, outtakes left in the final cut, and live-audience energy, also features O’Carroll’s real-life family in key roles, including Jennifer Gibney (All Round to Mrs. Brown’s) as Cathy and Danny O’Carroll (Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Movie) as Buster. The humor leans on slapstick, innuendo, and rapid-fire banter.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.5, UK 6.1

• Why the difference? In Britain, where the show is a cultural phenomenon, the broad humor and sentimentality divide opinion. In the US, where audiences often encounter it through streaming or PBS specials, it may feel novel and outrageous compared to the more restrained style of many American sitcoms. Cultural distance might make the humor come across as more charming abroad than at home.

• Watch it HERE

Midsomer Murders

This long-running crime drama began with Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles, Bergerac) investigating grisly murders in the deceptively peaceful villages of Midsomer County. After Nettles retired, Neil Dudgeon (Life of Riley) took over as Barnaby’s cousin John, continuing the tradition of eccentric suspects, improbable alibis, and beautiful countryside settings. Supporting characters have included Jane Wymark (Poldark) as Joyce Barnaby and Laura Howard (Doctors) as daughter Cully. Each episode blends cozy atmospheres with surprisingly inventive murder methods.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.4, UK 7.3

• Why the difference? For many American viewers, the picturesque villages and quirky suspects feel like the essence of British mystery, offering a blend of charm and menace. British audiences, who have seen decades of the show, may find the formula repetitive. It’s also possible that the “storybook England” presentation holds more novelty for overseas audiences than for locals.

• Watch it HERE

KEeping Up Appearances

At the heart of this 1990s sitcom is Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates), a suburban snob determined to present herself as high society. Insisting her surname is pronounced “Bouquet,” she constantly embarrasses her long-suffering husband Richard (Clive Swift, The Old Guys) while trying to distance herself from her less refined relatives: Daisy (Judy Cornwell, EastEnders), Onslow (Geoffrey Hughes, Heartbeat), and Rose (Shirley Stelfox, Emmerdale). The series thrives on Routledge’s impeccable comic timing and the recurring gag of Hyacinth’s social aspirations meeting reality.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.4, UK 7.3

• Why the difference? Americans may view Hyacinth’s antics as broadly relatable satire about pretension, while British viewers, more attuned to class dynamics, might experience the comedy as sharper or more repetitive. The exaggerated manners perhaps seem funnier when filtered through the lens of cultural distance.

• Watch it HERE

Are You Being Served?

Set in the fictional Grace Brothers department store, this 1970s sitcom follows the misadventures of sales staff and their eccentric managers. Cast highlights include Mollie Sugden (That’s My Boy) as Mrs. Slocombe with her ever-changing hair colors, John Inman (Odd Man Out) as the flamboyant Mr. Humphries, and Frank Thornton (Last of the Summer Wine) as the unflappable Captain Peacock. Known for innuendo-laden humor and farcical setups, the show became a global hit, especially after reruns on PBS.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.5, UK 7.2

• Why the difference? US audiences often embraced the risqué humor as refreshingly bold compared to American network sitcoms of the era. British audiences, who first saw it in context, may have found it broader or dated more quickly. The nostalgia factor may simply land differently across cultures.

• Watch it HERE

Madame Blanc Mysteries

This cozy mystery series stars Sally Lindsay (Coronation Street) as Jean White, an antiques dealer whose life is upended when her husband dies under suspicious circumstances. Moving to the French village of Sainte Victoire, she begins unraveling mysteries tied to art, history, and local intrigue, often assisted by Dom Hayes (Steve Edge, Phoenix Nights). With lush Mediterranean settings and lighthearted storytelling, it offers a modern spin on the amateur-sleuth tradition.

• IMDb ratings: US 7.5, UK 6.7

• Why the difference? For Americans, the mix of exotic French backdrops and gentle crime-solving may feel like escapist comfort television. British viewers, who often compare it against long-established mystery staples, might see it as a lighter or less sophisticated entry in the genre.

• Watch it HERE

Miranda

Miranda Hart (Call the Midwife) stars as a socially awkward joke-shop owner navigating romance, friendships, and her overbearing mother Penny (Patricia Hodge, Rumpole of the Bailey). With slapstick humor, pratfalls, and frequent asides to the audience, the show highlights Miranda’s struggles to fit in while embracing her quirks. Supporting players include Sarah Hadland (Waterloo Road) as best friend Stevie and Tom Ellis (Lucifer) as love interest Gary.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.6, UK 7.5

• Why the difference? American audiences may find Hart’s physical comedy refreshing, standing out from more polished sitcoms. In the UK, reactions were more mixed—some viewers adored the charm, while others cringed at the awkwardness. The divide may stem from differing comfort levels with overt slapstick.

• Watch it HERE (sadly, not all episodes are available to stream at time of writing)

Escape to the Country

This daytime lifestyle show pairs city-dwellers with property experts to find their dream homes in the British countryside. Presenters over the years have included Jules Hudson (Countryfile), Nicki Chapman (Pop Idol), and Alistair Appleton (Cash in the Attic). Each episode showcases rustic cottages, grand farmhouses, and idyllic landscapes, often ending with a “mystery house” to challenge the buyers’ expectations.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.2, UK 6.1

• Why the difference? For American audiences, the scenic villages and heritage homes evoke a romantic vision of British life. British viewers, more accustomed to the harsh realities of the UK housing market and low salaries, may see it as less aspirational and more frustrating.

• Watch it HERE

Love Island

Love Island
This reality series places a group of singles in a villa under constant surveillance, coupling and recoupling in the hope of finding love—and winning a cash prize. Hosted by Caroline Flack (The X Factor) in its early years and later Laura Whitmore (Survivor UK), the show has produced a steady stream of tabloid headlines and spinoffs. Contestants’ relationships, dramas, and eliminations drive the series.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.3, UK 4.7

• Why the difference? In Britain, its immense popularity has bred just as much criticism, from tabloid overexposure to concerns about contestant wellbeing. American viewers, encountering it mainly as streaming entertainment, may approach it as glossy escapism, without the same media saturation.

• Watch it HERE

To the Manor Born

Penelope Keith (The Good Life) stars as Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, a recently widowed aristocrat forced to sell her manor to Richard DeVere (Peter Bowles, Rumpole of the Bailey), a wealthy businessman of Czech origin. The sitcom follows their sparring relationship as Audrey schemes to maintain her social standing while adjusting to her new reality. Supporting cast includes Angela Thorne (Three Up, Two Down) as Marjory Frobisher.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.1, UK 7.0

• Why the difference? Americans may find the clash between old aristocracy and new money quintessentially British and enjoyably theatrical. For British viewers who lived through the social shifts of the 1970s, the premise might have felt closer to reality and thus less purely escapist.

• Watch it HERE (Sadly, DVD only at time of writing)

Rosemary & Thyme

This cozy detective drama features Felicity Kendal (The Good Life) as Rosemary Boxer and Pam Ferris (Call the Midwife) as Laura Thyme, two professional gardeners who stumble upon murders in stately homes, historic gardens, and rural estates. Combining horticultural detail with mystery plotting, the series offers a unique twist on the amateur-sleuth tradition.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.0, UK 6.9

• Why the difference? US audiences may enjoy the unusual pairing of gardening and crime-solving, as well as the scenic English backdrops. British viewers may find the setups implausible or compare it unfavorably to other established mystery series.

• Watch it HERE

Waiting for God

Set in the Bayview Retirement Village, this sitcom stars Stephanie Cole (Doc Martin) as Diana Trent, a sharp-tongued resident, and Graham Crowden (A Very Peculiar Practice) as the eccentric Tom Ballard. Together, they rebel against the management’s attempts to control them, while also poking fun at family members who try to patronize them. The series balances irreverence with reflections on aging and independence.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.2, UK 7.2

• Why the difference? American viewers may appreciate the candid and humorous take on aging, which contrasts with more sentimental portrayals in US media. British audiences enjoyed it too, but some may have found its satire on care homes and family life a bit more biting when experienced up close.

• Watch it HERE

Upstart Crow

Written by Ben Elton (Blackadder), this sitcom is a comedic imagining of William Shakespeare’s life and career. David Mitchell (Peep Show) stars as the Bard, depicted as both ambitious and insecure while juggling his London theatre work and Stratford home life. The series spoofs Elizabethan culture while slyly commenting on modern issues, with supporting performances from Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones) as Kate, a wannabe actress; Rob Rouse (Grownups) as Will’s hapless servant Bottom; and Harry Enfield (Men Behaving Badly) as Shakespeare’s disapproving father. Later seasons also introduced Mark Heap (Friday Night Dinner) as Shakespeare’s rival, Robert Greene.

• IMDb ratings: US 8.4, UK 7.2

• Why the difference? American viewers may enjoy the blend of clever wordplay, Shakespearean references, and Mitchell’s dry delivery, especially as it feels like a spiritual cousin to Blackadder. British audiences, who are generally more saturated with Shakespeare in school and culture, might be less inclined to embrace a parody of him as warmly.

• Watch it HERE

 

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