21 Must-Watch British TV Shows Set in the 1950s
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Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Stefanie Hutson
The fifties were an interesting decade in the UK. Though the dangers of WW2 had passed, rationing remained in effect through the early part of the decade. Many women who'd entered the workforce to help out during the war were back at home. Those who'd delayed families until after the war were now raising young children – and while big social change was on the horizon, much of that would wait for the 60s and 70s.
All of that makes it a unique backdrop for a TV series – and below, we take a look at some of the best.
Father Brown
First airing in 2013, this adaptation of GK Chesterton's stories stars Mark Williams as the titular character. Set in the early 1950s in the fictional Cotswold village of Kembleford, it follows Father Brown, a Roman Catholic priest with a knack for solving crimes.
The era is brought to life with authentic period details, including costumes, vehicles, and set designs that reflect the post-war British countryside. Along with the mysteries, storylines include topics like class division, changing gender roles, and the impact of the war on rural communities. Father Brown's unique position as a priest allows him to interact with a wide range of characters, from the aristocracy to the working class, providing several different perspectives on the time period.
Each episode features standalone mysteries that Father Brown picks apart using his unique mix of intuition, empathy, and understanding of human nature. The show's depiction of the 1950s is both nostalgic and critical, highlighting the era's charm while not shying away from its complexities.
Last spotted on: BritBox
The Crown
This well-funded Netflix series chronicles the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, beginning shortly before her ascent to the throne and ending in 2005. The first two seasons, set in the 1950s, are particularly significant as they depict the early years of her reign.
Claire Foy's portrayal of the young queen captures her transition from a newlywed to a monarch navigating the complexities of leadership. Key events include her accession to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI, the challenges of balancing her public duties with her personal life, and significant political moments such as the Suez Crisis and the resignation of Winston Churchill.
The main thing to remember, of course, is that the series is not a documentary. Though it makes for compelling viewing, much of the action is entirely made up or based on rumours, so it's a good idea to keep your favourite search engine handy if you're curious about what's real, what's not, and what's been left out entirely.
Last spotted on: Netflix
Born & Bred
This nostalgia-loaded series aired from 2002 to 2005, starring James Bolam as Dr. Arthur Gilder and Michael French as his son, Dr. Tom Gilder. Set in the small village of Ormston in Lancashire during the 1950s, it captures the essence of post-war Britain with a focus on family, community, and the changing social landscape.
The majority of the action revolves around the father-son duo who run the local medical practice, focusing on both their personal dramas and their efforts to bring modern healthcare to the rural community. It explores a number of aspects of 1950s life, including the impact of the National Health Service, which had been established only a few years prior, and some of the social shifts that followed World War II.
One additional fun fact – the series was co-created by Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch, Doctor Who) and Nigel McCrery (Silent Witness, New Tricks).
Last spotted on: DVD (you'll need a region-free DVD player, and we recommend checking both Amazon US and UK because prices vary quite a bit)
Quirke
Set in 1950s Dublin, Quirke stars Gabriel Byrne as Quirke, a pathologist who works to uncover the dark secrets behind the bodies that cross his table – as well as a larger mystery involving his own family. Based on John Banville's novels, the three-part series offers a vivid depiction of post-war Ireland.
Last spotted on: BritBox
Magpie Murders
Magpie Murders is a unique series because it uses a story-within-a-story format. Based on Anthony Horowitz's bestselling novel, the main story follows a present-day book editor, Susan Ryeland, who's looking for the missing chapter of a dead author's final novel. At the same time, we're brought into the mystery of the novel itself, a 1950s-based tale about the murder of housekeeper Mary Blakiston.
The dual plots make for an interesting format, juxtaposing modern times against the more conservative era of the fictional author's novel. Though both the TV adaptation and the book it was based on can be a bit “love it or hate it”, it's a well-constructed tale and the stories are woven together quite masterfully. A second season based on the follow-up, Moonflower Murders, is in the works.
Last spotted on: PBS Masterpiece
The Hour
The Hour is a particularly interesting 1950s-based drama, as it follows the behind-the-scenes workings of a fictional new current affairs television program launched by the BBC. Airing from 2011 to 2012, it starred Ben Whishaw, Romola Garai, and Dominic West, and episodes explored topics like the Cold War, the Suez Crisis, and the burgeoning civil rights movement.
All of that was crafted around a larger story about the personal and work lives of the journalists themselves, including things like journalistic integrity, censorship, and the struggle for gender equality in the workplace (oh, and a love triangle, which is always good fun).
Last spotted on: Acorn TV (Tubi & Pluto have also had it recently, free with ads)
Jericho (AKA Jericho of Scotland Yard)
This 2005 series starred Robert Lindsay as Chief Inspector Michael Jericho. Set in 1950s London, it offered a look into the life of a detective working in a rapidly changing post-war society. Each episode presents a standalone mystery, but the overarching narrative explores Jericho's personal struggles and professional challenges.
Along with a variety of cases that range from murder to political intrigue, the series also looks at the societal norms, changing police techniques, cultural shifts, and technological advancements of the decade, reflecting the optimism and underlying tensions of the era.
Though it was somewhat well-received, the numbers weren't quite good enough to get the show renewed for a second season – so sadly, there are only four episodes. Fans of To the Manor Born will enjoy seeing Peter Bowles in a couple episodes (as Fleming), and CB Strike fans will enjoy seeing a young Tom Burke in the role of Edward Wellesley.
Last spotted on: Amazon Video
Demob
Griff Rhys Jones, Martin Clunes, and Amanda Redman star in this post-WW2 comedy about two ex-army friends who decide to become entertainers in hopes of securing work on BBC radio. Premiering in 1993, the show's title refers to the informal word for “demobilise” – the process of stopping the use of military forces or equipment. After WW2, men were given a “demob suit” before returning to civilian life. Unfortunately, widespread shortages meant they often fit poorly, so it became the subject of jokes for many years afterwards.
Demob was set in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and though it didn't achieve good ratings or a second series renewal, there's a lot of talent packed into a mere 6 episodes – and it offers insight into the huge changes young soldiers went through as they left years of war and bloodshed and tried to build new lives during peacetime.
Last spotted on: DVD
Grantchester
Premiering in 2014, Grantchester began starring James Norton as Sidney Chambers, a charismatic and crime-solving vicar, switching later to Tom Brittney as Will Davenport, and later to Rishi Nair as vicar Alphy Kotteram. Set in the idyllic village of Grantchester near Cambridge, the complex series blends elements of mystery, drama, history, and romance. The show is based on “The Grantchester Mysteries” by James Runcie.
Each episode revolves around a murder or mystery that Sidney, Will, or Alphy investigate alongside DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green). The vicar's unique position in the community allows each of them to access information and insights that are often out of reach for the police, making it a strong partnership.
Grantchester begins in the 1950s, but later seasons move into the 1960s. Along the way, it touches on various social issues of the time, including the changing role of the church, the legality of homosexual relations, and evolving racial and class distinctions within British society.
Last spotted on: PBS Masterpiece
The Darling Buds of May
This classic British TV series originally aired from 1991 to 1993, and it's based on the novels of H.E. Bates. Set in the idyllic Kent countryside during the 1950s, the series stars David Jason as the exuberant Pop Larkin and Pam Ferris as his warm-hearted wife, Ma Larkin. Along with their family, they live a (mostly) carefree and unconventional life on their farm.
Each episode revolves around the Larkins' various schemes and their interactions with the local townsfolk, including a love story between their eldest daughter, Mariette (Catherine Zeta-Jones), and Cedric “Charley” Charlton (Philip Franks), a tax inspector who falls for her and the Larkin lifestyle.
The series does a good job capturing the charm and simplicity of rural life in the 1950s, and that feel-good nostalgia made it a ratings success – both during the original run and when it was later released on video and DVD. It was also Catherine Zeta-Jones's breakout role.
Last spotted on: BritBox
The Larkins
Premiering in 2021, The Larkins is a contemporary reimagining of the The Darling Buds of May. Starring Bradley Walsh as Pop Larkin and Joanna Scanlan as Ma Larkin, it too is set in the picturesque Kent countryside during the 1950s.
Like its predecessor, it follows the Larkin family's joyful and often chaotic rural life, characterized by their love of fun, family, and a bit of mischief. Their idyllic existence is periodically disrupted by encounters with the law and their interactions with the more conventional local townsfolk. There have been rumours of its cancellation after 2 seasons, but we've yet to see official confirmation.
Last spotted on: Acorn TV
Maigret
Rowan Atkinson stars as French detective Jules Maigret in this dramatic departure from his usual comedic roles. Based on the novels by Georges Simenon, the series is set in 1950s Paris.
Maigret is portrayed as a thoughtful and introspective detective, deeply committed to understanding the human condition and the motivations behind each crime. Each episode features a self-contained mystery, with Maigret navigating the dark, atmospheric streets of mid-century Paris to uncover the truth.
Last spotted on: BritBox
WPC 56
This 1950s-based crime drama follows Gina Dawson, played by Jennie Jacques. She's the first woman police constable (WPC) in the fictional Brinford Constabulary, and the series explores her challenges in a male-dominated police force. Despite being effectively shut away in a broom closet, she's determined to prove herself to be as capable and determined as her male counterparts.
The show blends crime drama with social commentary, and each episode presents new cases while also exploring Gina's personal life and the evolving dynamics within the police station.
Last spotted on: Britbox, Acorn TV, Prime Video
Bless Me, Father
Airing from 1978 to 1981, this sitcom starred Arthur Lowe as Father Charles Clement Duddleswell and Daniel Abineri as his young curate, Father Neil Boyd. Set in the early 1950s, it's based on the semi-autobiographical books of Peter de Rosa (writing under the pen name Neil Boyd).
The show is set in a suburban London parish, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and challenges faced by a Catholic priest and his assistant. The series highlights the cultural dynamics of the time, including the Catholic Church's evolving role in the community, the challenges of maintaining traditional values, and the generational differences between Father Duddleswell and the younger Father Boyd.
Unlike some of the more modern shows that take a critical look at the 1950s, this one offers a nostalgic look at a bygone era – and while it's a bit dated, it's still an enjoyable watch.
Last spotted on: DVD (you'll need a region-free DVD player to watch)
A Very British Scandal
Starring Claire Foy and Paul Bettany, this 2021 series dramatises the infamous divorce case between the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, one of the most notorious legal battles of the 20th century. Set primarily in the 1950s, it explores the turbulent relationship between Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll (Claire Foy), and her husband, Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll (Paul Bettany).
The series gives us a look at the media frenzy and public fascination surrounding the case, highlighting issues of gender, reputation, nobility, and privacy. It's also full of absolutely stunning 1950s fashion, owing to the wealth of the families and people depicted.
Last spotted on: Amazon Prime Video
Call the Midwife
This much-loved period drama premiered in 2012, based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. The show is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, following a group of nurse midwives working in the impoverished Poplar district of East London. Cast members include Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Vanessa Redgrave (voice), Judy Parfitt, Miranda Hart, and Helen George.
It explores social and medical issues of the time, such as the introduction of the NHS, the impact of poverty on healthcare, and the evolving roles of women in society. It also addresses significant historical events, including the baby boom and the thalidomide scandal, providing a rich context for the personal stories of the characters. Because the series focuses on women and childbirth, it gives us a glimpse into an area of 1950s and 60s life that doesn't show up in most films or TV shows.
Last spotted on: Netflix
The Bletchley Circle
Set in the early 1950s, this mystery follows four women—Susan (Anna Maxwell Martin), Millie (Rachael Stirling), Lucy (Sophie Rundle), and Jean (Julie Graham)—who worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park during World War II. After the war, they find themselves unsettled by the mundanity of civilian life and come together to use their analytical skills to solve crimes that baffle the police.
With its strong female characters, compelling mysteries, and authentic portrayal of post-war Britain, it's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys either the era or the genre.
Last spotted on: Freevee, Peacock, Pluto, Tubi
Miss Marple
Based on Dame Agatha Christie's iconic amateur sleuth, Miss Marple originally aired from 1984 to 1992. Joan Hickson stars.
The original Miss Marple tales began with a short story in 1927 and continued until one final appearance in Sleeping Murder in 1976. For this particular TV adaptation, they decided to place the action in the 1950s. Each episode highlights Miss Marple's uncanny ability to get at the heart of a case using her sharp observational skills and deep understanding of human nature.
Last spotted on: BritBox
Partners in Crime
David Walliams and Jessica Raine star as Tommy and Tuppence Beresford in this 2015 adaptation. The show is based on Agatha Christie’s beloved detective duo and their thrilling adventures in solving crimes. Set in the early 1950s, the series is made up of two larger stories: “The Secret Adversary” and “N or M?”, each spread over three episodes.
While the original stories were set in 1922 and 1941, the TV series chose the 1950s for a backdrop to the action. As a time of recovery and change, it's an interesting departure from the original stories – and it allows Tuppence a bit more freedom than earlier decades might have. It also incorporates some elements of the emerging Cold War.
Last spotted on: Acorn TV
In Plain Sight
Douglas Henshall stars as Detective William Muncie in this 2016 true crime-inspired miniseries. The series is based on the real-life pursuit of Scottish serial killer Peter Manuel (played by Martin Compston) during the 1950s. It follows the intense cat-and-mouse game between Muncie and Manuel, highlighting the detective's efforts to bring the killer to justice.
Set in Lanarkshire, Scotland, during the 1950s, it offers a chilling look at a time and place not well acquainted with serial killers. It's unlike anything else you've probably seen Martin Compston do, and for that alone, it's well worth checking out.
Last spotted on: BritBox
Capstick's Law
This 1989 series follows William Gaunt as Peter Capstick, a happily married solicitor in North Yorkshire. Set in 1953, it follows him and his family as they continue to move on from WW2, occasionally struggling with the pace of changes to modern life.
Wanda Ventham (better known to many modern audiences as Benedict Cumberbatch's mum) plays Madge Capstick, and Christopher Villiers plays eldest son Jonty, who's in the process building his own legal practice.
Last spotted on: Unauthorised copies can be found online, but we're not aware of anyone streaming this one or releasing it on DVD
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