2020 Update: 180+ British TV Shows on Netflix Right Now
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Last Updated on November 10, 2020 by Stefanie Hutson
Netflix is a fantastic source of British television programming, but because there's so much programming on their platform, it can be hard to find the good British shows. To make it a little easier, we've scoured Netflix to compile this list of what's on offer right now. This list was last updated in early June 2020. In addition to updating the list, we also added in some selections from Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
There's been a lot of news about Netflix losing British TV shows this year, but it's important to note they're not losing everything, and because they're involved with some British shows at the production level, they're not in danger of losing everything. It's mostly just some high-profile, current BBC and ITV shows – which is admittedly a huge loss, but there's a silver lining. Netflix recently announced they'd be spending $500 million to invest in producing more British TV content for their platform. The other shows are either on BritBox or likely headed there in the near future, so in the long-run, we British TV fans win.
If you need more British TV than Netflix can offer, check out:
- 460+ British TV Shows On Amazon Prime
- Acorn TV vs. BritBox: A Comparison of the Top 2 British TV Streaming Services
- Where to Watch British TV in the US (with even MORE suggestions)
- 100+ Free British TV Shows on Tubi
There's surprisingly little overlap between most of the services, and all the different platforms seem to have at least a handful of exclusive titles.
***Special note for our American readers: If you want a guide to more British TV shows on Netflix and other streaming services, check out the British TV Streaming Guide. It's a handy printed guide to roughly 2000 British TV shows across 18 different US streaming services – including an index in the back for looking up the appropriate streaming services by show name.
British Mysteries on Netflix
Sherlock – A modern-day version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales. It's also worth pointing out that Netflix also has the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey Jr., if you're in the mood to binge Sherlock.
Ripper Street – A detective series set in 1889 London in the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper killings.
Paranoid – What begins as a cozy British mystery quickly evolves into a massive European conspiracy.
Traitors – Near the end of World War II, a young English woman assistant a mysterious American agent as he tries to root out Russian infiltration in the British government.
Kiss Me First – Two girls become friends in the virtual world of an online game, and one is pulled into something much darker than she had imagined.
Deadwind – Finland – Detective Sofia Karppi investigates a murder with ties to a Helsinki construction firm.
Criminal: United Kingdom – This three-episode series takes a look at the intense interrogation of three different suspects in London. David Tennant makes an appearance in one episode.
Broadchurch – This coastal murder mystery offers a star-studded cast with not one, but now TWO different Doctor Who leads.
Retribution – When a newlywed couple is killed, police question their feuding families and uncover more than they expected.
Vexed – A young male and female detective team frustrate each other with their different attitudes and complicated personal lives.
Safe – Michael C. Hall tries on a British accent for his role in this series about a widowed surgeon whose teenage daughter goes missing.
Hinterland – A dark and atmospheric crime drama set in rural Wales.
Collateral – When a pizza delivery man is gunned down in London, DI Kip Glaspie refuses to accept that it's just a random act of violence. Her investigation drags her into a dark underworld she never could have predicted. Stars John Simm of Life on Mars, along with Nicola Walker (River), Billie Piper (Doctor Who), and Carey Mulligan (Never Let Me Go).
The Five – Years after a young boy disappears, his DNA turns up at a crime scene. Based on the novel by Harlen Coben.
Tidelands – Australia – When an ex-con returns to her hometown, it brings long-hidden truths to the surface.
Marcella – After her divorce, Marcella returns to work as a detective in London. A serial killer she once pursued may have done the same.
Young Wallander – Though the Kenneth Branagh adaptation of Wallander left Netflix this year, Netflix made this new series, an adaptation that imagines Kurt Wallander as a police officer in his early 20s in 2020 Sweden.
The Frankenstein Chronicles – In 1827 London, a detective hunts a killer with an appetite for dismemberment.
Wanted – Australia – Two strangers become involuntary partners when they witness a murder and get framed for the crime.
Requiem – After her mother commits suicide, a young woman finds evidence that might tie her to an abduction in Wales more than 20 years prior.
Bitten – Canada – After being turned into a werewolf, a woman tries to steer clear of the pack that turned her. Unfortunately, circumstances make that difficult.
The Indian Detective – Canada – A suspended Canadian police officer returns home to Mumbai and helps out with an investigation.
Intelligence – Canada – The female head of an organized crime unit faces off against the confident male leader of a drug-smuggling ring.
British Comedies on Netflix
After Life – After losing his wife to cancer, a suicidal widower struggles to come to terms with his new life. Starring Ricky Gervais (in a series that will surprise many, especially those who aren't normally fans of Gervais). Series 2 of After Life added in Spring 2020.
Turn Up Charlie – His career and finances in shambles, a middle-aged wannabe DJ takes a job as nanny for a wealthy couple's dreadful child. Starring Idris Elba and Piper Perabo.
Sick Note – When an aimless young man is misdiagnosed with cancer, his life starts to get exciting.
Cuckoo – When a British woman brings an American hippie back home as her husband, it sets off turmoil in her polite and proper family.
Still Game – Scottish comedy about three old men in a Glasgow highrise.
Crazyhead – 20-somethings work on becoming adults while also battling demons in this comedy.
Bad Education – In a fictional Hertfordshire school, teacher Alfie Wickers fails miserably at educating his students. See also: The Bad Education Movie
Sisters – Australia – A young woman suddenly finds out she has two sisters and more than 100 brothers.
White Gold – This period comedy takes place in 1980s Essex, where obnoxious salesman Vincent Swan and his team do whatever it takes to sell double-glazed windows.
Scrotal Recall (aka Lovesick) – After finding out he has an STD, a young man must attempt to contact former lovers.
Kath & Kim – Australia – A quirky mother and daughter pair lead an interesting life in the suburbs of Melbourne.
Da Kath & Kim Code – Australia – While this isn't quite a TV show, it's a movie based on the Kath & Kim series. Netflix also has Kath & Kimderella.
Limmy's Show – A Scottish sketch comedy show that explores a wide variety of topics.
The IT Crowd – Banished to the basement, two nerds and their clueless leader service the IT needs of a strange and generic corporation.
Workin' Moms – Canada – When their (remarkably long Canadian) maternity leaves are over, a group of moms return to work.
Chewin' the Fat – Scottish sketch comedy mostly filmed in Glasgow.
The Letdown – Australia – A new mum meets strange friends in a new parents support group.
Borderline – A comedy about an inept team of border patrol agents at a fictitious airport.
Kim's Convenience – Canada – This sitcom focuses on a Korean family that runs a small convenience store in Toronto
People Just Do Nothing – A mockumentary about some very bad wannabe MCs from West London.
Loaded – After four friends sell their startup for $300 million, life gets a bit more difficult. This series is based on the popular Israeli series Mesudarim (which is often described as an Israeli version of Silicon Valley meets Entourage).
Hoff the Record – A David Hasselhoff mockumentary wherein he attempts to make a comeback in the UK.
Toast of London – A classically trained British actor struggles with both his personal and professional lives.
Crashing – A group of young people live as property guardians in an unused hospital in London. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) stars.
Pacific Heat – Australia – This animated series features an unintelligent covert squad that handles crime on Australia's Gold Coast.
Extras – Ricky Gervais stars as an actor reduced to working as an extra, forever making himself look bad as he attempts to get ahead.
W1A – Mockumentary-style show about the new head of values at the BBC.
Derry Girls – This Northern Irish sitcom takes place in 1990s Derry, where a group of young women grow up during the Troubles.
The Worst Witch – A young adult comedy about a bumbling young witch who accidentally stumbles into witching school.
Some Assembly Required – Canada – A teenager takes over control of a toy company.
Man Like Mobeen – In Small Heath, Birmingham, Mobeen tries to be a good Muslim and make sure his sister grows up on the straight and narrow, despite his past as a drug dealer.
The Inbetweeners – A comedy that follows four friends as they navigate their final years of school and entrance into adulthood.
Man Down – Dan is a child trapped in a man's body, and he's not loving adulthood.
Derek – Rick Gervais stars in this comedy about a good-hearted but slow nursing home care assistant.
Meet the Adebanjos – In South London, a Nigerian father tries to teach traditional African values to his modern British family – with entertianing results.
Monty Python's Flying Circus – The classic British sketch comedy is now streaming on Netflix. See also: The Very Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Monty Python Before the Flying Circus – This documentary takes a look at how six talented men became the groundbreaking troupe, Monty Python.
Monty Python's Personal Best – Members of the Monty Python troupe select their favorite sketches.
Monty Python's Life of Brian – More Monty Python fun revolving around a man who deals with a particularly nasty case of mistaken identity.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail – King Arthur and his knights seek the Holy Grail, but they're not very well-suited to the task.
Monty Python's Almost the Truth – Though this is technically a documentary, it made sense to include it here alongside the other Monty Python titles.
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl – Clips and animations feature in this live-to-tape performance of Monty Python's greatest hits.
Monty Python's Fliegender Zircus – This collection of sketches was created for German television. A must-watch for serious Monty Python fans.
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live – After a lengthy hiatus, the Monty Python crew reunited for this live performance.
Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go – Live from London in a sold-out final show, the remaining members of Monty Python reunited to reprise their old roles.
Monty Python Best Bits – This series compiles clips + opinions from prominent comedians, many of whom considered Monty Python to be influential on their careers.
Monty Python Conquers America – This documentary takes a look at how Monty Python shaped a number of American comedians.
Monty Python Live at Aspen – The men of Monty Python reunite to discuss the making of their iconic show.
Flowers – Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt star in this dark comedy about a very troubled English family.
The Windsors – This mockumentary parodies the current British royal family.
Schitt's Creek – Canada – After a wealthy family loses everything, they attempt to rebuild in the small town they once bought their son as a birthday gift gag.
Mr. Young – Canada – After graduating at 14, a gifted young man returns to his high school as a teacher.
Sex Education – Though technically British, there's something VERY American-feeling about this series. It's a series about a socially awkward teen whose mother is a sex therapist. Series 2 has been confirmed.
Burnistoun – A Scottish sketch comedy set in a fictional town near Glasgow.
Trailer Park Boys – Canada – This trailer park comedy follows a group of men in constant pursuit of a big score and an easier life. See also: The Movie, The Animated Series, Countdown to Liquor Day, Out of the Park: USA, Out of the Park: Europe, Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys, and Live in F**kin Dublin.
Simon Amstell: Set Free – If you enjoyed Grandma's House, you might like this standup set from comedian Simon Amstell (star and co-writer of the British comedy). He's an introspective comic, and this set dives into love, ego, intimacy, and ayahuasca.
James Acaster: Repertoire – This collection features four performances from quirky comedian James Acaster.
British Dramas on Netflix
The English Game – This sports-themed period drama was developed by Julian Fellowes for Netflix, and it follows the origins of modern football in England. Set in the 1870s, it brings us to a time when football was considered a sport for the wealthy – until two players from opposite ends of the social spectrum come together to change the game forever.
The Crown – This Netflix original follows some particularly dramatic times in Queen Elizabeth's reign during the last half of the 20th century. Series 3 begins in November and features Olivia Colman taking over as Queen Elizabeth II.
Top Boy – A gritty drama about drug dealers in London public housing. See also: Top Boy – Summerhouse.
Glitch – Australia – In a small Australian town, seven local residents return from the dead in perfect condition.
Secret City – Australia – One student's protest leads to government scandal.
Bodyguard – Keeley Hawes and Richard Madden star in this hit drama about a veteran who helps thwart a terrorist attack and gets assigned to protect a prominent politician.
Heartland – Canada – A young woman deals with the stress of potentially losing the family ranch after the sudden death of her mother.
Land Girls – This series follows the ups and downs of life for four women in the Women's Land Army during World War II.
Anne With An “E” – Canada – Based on Anne of Green Gables, this series follows a spirited young orphan who goes to live with a spinster.
Doctor Foster – When a woman suspects her husband of having an affair, her investigations lead her down a dark path.
Frontier – Canada – In 18th-century North America, trappers and traders try to gain control in the fur trade.
The Tudors – Canada – This series follows Henry VIII in 16th-century England.
Haven – Canada – In Haven, Maine, residents deal with a steady stream of supernatural difficulties. FBI agent Audrey Parker attempts to get to the bottom of it all.
Call the Midwife – This drama looks into the lives of dedicated midwives in impoverished East London of the 1950s and 60s.
The Borgias – Canada – This period drama follows the notorious and frequently unethical Borgia family.
Wentworth – Australia – An innocent woman has to figure out how to survive in prison while awaiting trial for the murder of her husband.
Watership Down – This modern-day retelling of the British classic features a warren of rabbits on a daring journey to find a new place to call home.
Last Tango in Halifax – Once upon a time, they were in love. Now, decades later, they meet again for a second chance. This time, there's a lot more baggage. This one's leaving Netflix in November 2019.
H2O: Just Add Water – Australia – A group of young girls deal with turning into mermaids.
Degrassi : Next Class – Canada – This follow-up to the classic Canadian teen drama features a new generation of teenagers.
London Spy – After his lover disappears, a fun-loving young man dives into the dangerous world of espionage.
The Code – Australia – A journalist and his hacker brother investigate a car crash and end up in the middle of a conspiracy.
Free Rein – A teenager from LA spends the summer in England and bonds with a mysterious horse.
Rake – Australia – Defense attorney Cleaver takes on the most ridiculous and unwinnable cases, yet he occasionally manages to pull off a win.
Dead Set – Housemates in a reality show are clueless as the undead attack the compound.
Wanderlust – A middle-aged couple decides the answer to their marital doldrums is to see other people.
Pine Gap – Australia – At a top-secret US and Australian defense facility, the alliance begins to show strain.
Creeped Out – A masked figure known only as “The Curious” collects dark tales in this dramatic young adult anthology series.
Black Mirror – This ominous modern thriller anthology gives us glimpses into some very dark possibilities for the future.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch – In 1984, a programmer adapts a novel into a video game, growing less connected to reality as the project moves along. This is an interactive story with multiple endings.
Cleverman – Australia – In a future world, powerful humanoid creatures try to survive in a world dominated by humans.
Alias Grace – Canadian – In 19th-century Canada, a murderess might be deemed not guilty by reason of insanity. This limited series is based on Margaret Atwood's novel.
Black Earth Rising – Investigator Kate Ashby is forced to investigate her own past when she takes on war crimes cases.
Rebellion – During WWI, three Irish women must choose sides in the revolt against English rule.
Travelers – Canada – In the far future, special agents are tasked with traveling back in time to prevent the collapse of society.
The Innocents – Two teenage lovers find themselves in a world of trouble when one begins to show unexplainable abilities.
Van Helsing – Canada – After waking up from a coma, a young woman finds the world ravaged by vampires.
Skins – This racy classic offers a look into modern teenage life in England.
The Last Kingdom – Set in the days of Alfred the Great, this Netflix Original takes us on one man's quest to reclaim his birthright.
Merlin – A family-friendly retelling of the King Arthur and Camelot saga.
Troy: Fall of a City – Paris falls for Helen of Sparta, igniting the Trojan War.
Wynonna Earp – Canada – A descendant of Wyatt Earp teams up with an immortal Doc Holiday in this supernatural comic-inspired Wild West tale.
Peaky Blinders – This epic 1819 story tells the tale of a crime family in Birmingham, England.
Dark Matter – Canada – Waking up on a spaceship with no memories, a crew must attempt to figure out who they are and how they got there.
Between – Canada – When a strange diseases kills every town resident over the age of 21, the youthful inhabitants of the town are quarantined.
The End of the F***ing World – A rebel and a psychopath embark on a teenage road trip.
British Documentaries & Lifestyle Programs on Netflix
The Great British Baking Show – A popular British reality show baking competition. See also: The Great British Baking Show: The Beginnings.
Nurses Who Kill – While nurses are an overwhelmingly good and compassionate group of people, a handful use their positions to hurt, rather than heal. This series takes a look at what motivates them.
How to Live Mortgage Free with Sarah Beeny – Sarah Beeny talks to people who've managed to free themselves of a mortgage or monthly rental payment.
The Big Flower Fight – This one is best described as “the Great British Bake Off meets the RHS Chelsea Flower Show”.
The Big Family Cooking Showdown – This unscripted reality show brings us some of Britain's most passionate amateur cooks.
Inside the Freemasons – This brief series takes a look inside the free and often controversial Freemasons.
The World's Most Extraordinary Homes – Caroline Quentin (Jonathan Creek) and architect Piers Taylor travel the world to view extraordinary and unusual homes.
Secrets of Great British Castles – Documentary-style program highlighting some of the largest and most historically-important castles around Great Britain (including Stirling, York, and Edinburgh, among others).
Million Pound Menu – Young restaurateurs open pop-up restaurants in hopes of attracting and impressing investors.
Amazing Interiors – This British show travels the world to visit eccentric homeowners and their eccentric homes.
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father – A man and his father have little in common, but they come together as they travel around the world.
Jack Whitehall: Christmas With My Father – This Christmas special sees Jack Whitehall NOT travelling with his father – instead, taking the stage in London's West End with a host of celebrity guests.
Jack Whitehall at Large – This hour-long comedy special features the standup work of comedian Jack Whitehall.
Witches: A Century of Murder – Historian Suzannah Lipscomb takes a look at the British witch hunts of the 17th century.
Caught on Camera – This series shows crimes caught on CCTV and cell phones, and how technology is used to solve otherwise unsolvable cases.
Killer Women with Piers Morgan – Women commit just a tiny fraction of all murders, making female murderers a particularly interesting group for study. Who are they? Why do they do it? Piers Morgan takes a closer look.
Serial Killer with Piers Morgan – Piers Morgan takes a closer look at three convicted serial killers and their crimes.
Murder Maps – Dramatic reenactments of famous British murders.
Behind Enemy Lines – This series takes a look at some of the changes Winston Churchill instituted after WWII setbacks in 1940. He set out to create a force powered by intelligence, stealth, and cunning more than ruthless brute force, and it paid off.
Everyday Miracles – Scientist Mark Miodownik highlights the everyday miracles that make modern life so much better than the not-so-distant past.
Click for Murder – This docuseries takes a look at the deadly dangers that lurk within the bowels of the internet.
Inside the Real Narcos – Ex-Special Forces commando Jason Fox takes us inside the world of drug trathe ffickers and cartel members.
Inside the World's Toughest Prisons – Journalists put themselves inside – behind bars – in some of the world's roughest prisons.
Cocaine – This series takes a look at the cocaine industry and its impact on people of all walks of life.
Edge of the Universe – Astronomers reveal the latest discoveries about the world beyond Earth's atmosphere.
I Am a Killer – This show goes to America, where capital punishment is still legal, and listen to the stories of Death Row inmates.
The Investigator: A British Crime Story – This British true crime series features renowned criminologist Mark Williams-Thomas as he examines unsolved murders.
Genius of the Modern World – Historian Bettany Hughes looks at the world that helped shape intellectual greats like Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmung Freud, and Karl Marx.
Genius of the Ancient World – Historian Bettany Hughes travels the world to study the lives and times of great philosophers like Socrates, Confucius, and Buddha.
Conspiracies – This series dives into a number of potential coverups and secrets.
Cabins in the Wild With Dick Strawbridge – An engineer and craftsman tour a set of unique cabins in Wales, then build their own.
Grand Designs – A British reality show that follows people who attempt to self-build their homes.
The Royal House of Windsor – This docuseries analyzes the British royal family's ability to hold onto power over the last century of struggles and changes.
History 101 – This educational series offers short history lessons for those challenged in the “attention span” department – everything from fast food to plastics to the space race and the rise of China.
The Code – Not to be confused with the fictional TV series, this three-part documentary looks at the mathematics behind all of life.
Baby Ballroom – This series goes deep into the cutthroat world of children's ballroom dancing (which we didn't realise existed).
My Hotter Half – Couples compete to see which member of the pair can take the better selfie.
Stunt Science – This series looks at the science behind daredevil stunts.
Nadiya's Time to Eat – Nadiya Hussain shows how modern families can make great food with limited time.
Win the Wilderness – This reality show pits six couples against each other to see who has the best survival skills. The winning couple gets the deed to a home in the wilds of Alaska.
100% Hotter – A team of professional stylists come together to help some of Britain's worst fashion disasters.
World War II in Colour – In this 13-episode series, WWII footage is restored and given new life – in colour.
Greatest Events of WWII in Colour – This series also takes a look at WWII footage that's been restored with colour.
Sunderland ‘Til I Die – This docuseries follows the Sunderland Association Football Club through the 2017-2018 season as they try to make a big comeback.
The Repair Shop – This delightfully calm series follows a group of craftspeople who help restore objects of importance, many of them antique.
Interior Design Masters – Aspiring interior designers transform a variety of spaces in a competition to win a contract with a fashionable London hotel.
3 Wives, One Husband – Originally created for British audiences, this series takes a look at modern polygamist families in Utah.
Glow Up – This series aims to see who can take the sexiest selfie – and the loser gets a makeover.
Battlefield Recovery – In this series, a four-man team visits Latvia and Poland to unearth World War II artifacts and help uncover new truths about the conflict.
Hitler's Circle of Evil – This docuseries takes a look at the power struggles, plots, and betrayals that took place behind the scenes within Nazi leadership.
They've Gotta Have Us – This series interviews black entertainers to trace the history of black cinema.
Are There More British TV Shows on Netflix?
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
Can't get enough British television? Check out these two great British TV streaming services:
BritBox: BritBox is a joint venture between ITV and the BBC to bring the best of British television to American audiences. Click here to sign up for a free one-week trial. At last count, BritBox was offering around 230-240 British programs with next-day availability for many.
Acorn TV: Acorn has been offering great British programming to the US and Canada for several years now, with an average of around 250 programs that rotate regularly (including Doc Martin and Vera). Click here to sign up for a free one-week trial.
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