The Bloodbath at BritBox: What Happened?
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Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by Stefanie Hutson
In the last month or so, we've received a lot of messages asking what happened to certain shows on BritBox. If you've been feeling like there aren't as many shows on BritBox lately, it's not your imagination. Recently, the platform has shed around 200 titles – including some of the old classics many of us hoped would always be on the platform. Before we get into the details of this major reduction in titles, we want to offer a few points to dull the disappointment some may be feeling:
- BritBox still has more than 500 British titles available to stream in the US (compared to Acorn TV's catalog, which usually hovers around 250-350, not all of which are British).
- Because BritBox is constantly adding titles, the loss isn't as huge as it might seem. In recent counts, we often saw somewhere around 575-650 titles. Now, they're a little over 500.
- This is the first major cull we've ever seen on BritBox. For years, their library was growing with very little shrinkage. Acorn TV, by comparison, often removes roughly as many titles as they add, so they haven't had a significant change in total number of titles in quite a while.
- You can always make suggestions for shows you want to see. If they dropped a show and you miss it, reach out and let them know. If enough people are missing a show, they might just bring it back. Email suggestions-us@britbox.com to make yourself heard.
- Many of the dropped shows have migrated to other services, including some of the “free with ads” services like Amazon Freevee, Tubi, Pluto, Roku Channel, and Crackle. If you really love a show and nobody else is streaming it, you can also check with your local library or buy the DVD version. We were sad to see they removed To the Manor Born, but since we own the DVD set, it's only a little bit of extra work to dig it out when we want to re-watch it.
- They didn't drop recent fan favourites like Vera, Shetland, Ludwig, or Death in Paradise. Most of the shows dropped were older and/or less popular shows.
As sad as it is to see so many shows disappearing from our favourite streaming platform, it's a good reminder that subscription streaming services offer convenience, but NOT permanence. If you want to make sure you'll always be able to watch a show, we recommend either purchasing a streaming copy (via services like Amazon or Apple) or picking it up on DVD. Some aren't available on US-encoded DVDs, but if you get a region-free DVD player, you'll be able to watch both US and UK DVDs.
RELATED: BritBox Announces Schedule of Premieres for June 2025
Why Did The Shows Leave BritBox?
If streaming services want to survive, they have to make money while keeping us viewers happy. To do that, they have to provide a steady stream of new shows and old classics people love…and that means NOT paying for a bunch of shows everyone's already watched, or shows very few people actually want to watch. If a show's been on the platform for years and hardly anyone is still watching it, it doesn't make sense to spend money renewing the streaming rights when that money could be put towards newer more popular content.
When the rights were nearing expiration, it's likely that someone at BritBox took a look at their internal stats and said, “Hey, nobody's watching this anymore. Let's stop paying for it so we can use that money on something people WILL watch.” (not an exact quote, obviously)
Now, if you had one or more of the now-missing shows on your watchlist and you'd been hoping to watch them, it stinks. There's no getting around that – but the good news is that it means they're paying attention to where your subscription fees go, and hopefully that will free up more budget for other great shows.
Why Didn't You Warn Us?
We wish we could have warned everyone. Unfortunately, unlike Acorn TV, BritBox does NOT send out a handy list of impending removals well in advance of their removal. If you dislike this as much as we do, we recommend emailing them to request that they offer clear advance notice of shows that will be leaving the platform.
Even if you have a lot of free time, it can take weeks to get through some shows – so it would be great to know these things 30-60 days in advance. It's possible they just don't have a system in place because historically, they haven't actually dropped very many things (aside from old episodes of things like soaps and talk shows, where they're constantly adding and removing based on what's recent).
Which Shows Left BritBox?
First, let me preface this by saying that we check for additions monthly, but we only check removals every 3-6 months. Some of the shows we're mentioning here may have left the platform more than 60 days ago, but they're all shows that left fairly recently.
The Gil Mayo Mysteries (aka Mayo) – 2006 – Gil Mayo is an eccentric detective with a life full of complications and awkwardness. His ex-love interest is a colleague, and he’s raising a teenage girl on his own. Alistair McGowan (Leonardo) stars in this light mystery.
The Guilty – 2013 – Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner) stars in this three-part drama about a missing child investigation that spans more than five years.
Hound of the Baskervilles – 1982 – Tom Baker steps into the world of Sherlock Holmes in this faithful adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes story.
The Moonstone (1972) – In this Hugh Leonard adaptation, a man goes on a quest to find a stolen but cursed stone that’s said to bring ill fortune to all who possess it. This series is based on the Wilkie Collins novel of the same name.
The Moonstone (2016) – This updated adaptation of the Wilkie Collins novel stars Joshua Silver as Franklin Blake alongside Terenia Edwards (On Chesil Beach) as Rachel Verinder.
An Adventure in Space & Time – 2013 – This television movie is a dramatisation of how Doctor Who was brought to our televisions back in 1963.
Anna of the Five Towns – 1985 – Adapted from Arnold Bennett’s 1902 novel of the same title, this series follows a young and strictly-controlled Methodist woman living in Staffordshire around the turn of the century. It follows her struggles for freedom and independence against a dictatorial father and the influence of the church.
Aristocrats – 1999 – This miniseries follows the lives of four aristocratic sisters through 1700s England.
Armadillo – 2001 – When loss adjuster Lorimer Black goes out on a routine appointment, he finds a hanged man. This three-part miniseries is based on William Boyd’s 1998 novel of the same name.
Banished – 2015 – When British convicts are sent to Australia to pay for their crimes, they and the soldiers who guard them have to adapt to the new world.
Bedlam – 2011 to 2012 – When a haunted former asylum is turned into a high-end apartment building, it has unexpected consequences for the building's new tenants.
Blake’s 7 – 1978 to 1981 – Set in the far future, this classic British sci-fi series follows Roj Blake (Gareth Thomas) and his band of rebels as they fight against the totalitarian Terran Federation. The series was created by Terry Nation, the same man who created the Daleks of Doctor Who fame.
The Buccaneers – 1995 – Four American women travel to London in hopes of meeting English aristocrats, only to find it’s not all they thought it would be.
Casualty 1900s: London Hospital – 2006 to 2009 – This medical period drama was inspired by the Holby City spinoff Casualty, but is otherwise unrelated. It takes place in the receiving room of the London Hospital in London’s East End, and each case is based on the writings and memoirs of real doctors and nurses from the time period.
Coalition – 2015 – This tense political TV movie follows David Cameron, Nick Clegg, and Gordon Brown in the aftermath of the 2010 UK general election.
Desperate Romantics – 2009 – In 1851 London, a group of artists lead colorful lives amidst the chaos of the Industrial Revolution.
Doctors – 2000 to present – This long-running BBC One hit follows the lives (and love lives) of staff members and patients at a busy British medical practice. It's a popular daytime series in the UK, mixing medicine, humour, and personal drama to create a show that's kept people coming back for over 20 years now.
Dombey and Son (1983) – This Charles Dickens adaptation reminds us that money can't protect you from the heartbreak of life. Julian Glover (Game of Thrones) stars as Paul Dombey Sr.
Dunkirk – 2004 – Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) stars in this docudrama about the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. The series uses a mixture of eyewitness accounts, archive footage, and newly-dramatised sequences to bring the story to life.
Fanny by Gaslight – 1981 – This four-part miniseries is an adaptation of Michael Sadleir’s novel of the same name. It follows Fanny Hooper, a young woman who’s fallen on hard times as an orphan in Victorian London. This adaptation sees Chloe Salaman in the role of Fanny.
Fields of Gold – 2002 – Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Anna Friel (Marcella) star in this two-part thriller about genetically modified food.
Frankie – 2013 – Eve Myles (Keeping Faith) stars as the head nurse on a traveling nursing team.
Gideon’s Daughter – 2006 – Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Tom Hardy (The Dark Night Rises), and Bill Nighy (Love Actually) star in this film about a public relations guru who rethinks his life as his daughter goes off to study at the University of Edinburgh and he goes through a series of personal changes. The series is set in the late 90s against the backdrop of Princess Diana’s death and the development of the Millennium Dome.
Heading Home – 1991 – Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker’s Dracula) and Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck) star in this film about a young woman who moves to London to start a new life after WWII. She soon finds herself torn between two men and tangled up with both the literary scene and a more criminal element.
Hearts of Gold – 2003 – Doctor Andrew John has always found his girlfriend to be lacking in spirit, but when he meets vibrant miner’s daughter Bethan Powell, he falls madly in love in spite of their different social classes.
Jane Eyre (1983) – This adaptation of Brontë’s classic stars Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke as Jane and Mr. Rochester.
Kat & Alfie: Redwater – 2017 – 32 years after giving her son up for adoption, Kat moves to the town of Redwater in an attempt to find him.
Lady Windermere’s Fan – 1985 – Based on Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name, this comedy follows Lady Windermere, a woman who suspects her husband of being unfaithful. Though he denies it when confronted, he still invites the other woman to his wife’s birthday ball, where things quickly get a bit ridiculous.
Little Women – 1970 – Poorly received by critics, this low-budget adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic features inauthentic American accents and a cast of actresses noticeably older than their ages in the novel. Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who) played the role of Mr. March.
London Road – 2015 – Olivia Colman (Broadchurch) and Tom Hardy (Peaky Blinders) star in this film adaptation of the musical of the same name (which is based on a series of interviews about the Suffolk Strangler).
Lorna Doone – 2000 – When a man falls in love with a woman from the same clan that killed his father, he's horrified. This adaptation is based on the 1869 Richard Doddridge Blackmore novel of the same name, and it includes appearances from Anton Lesser (Endeavour), Richard Coyle (Coupling), Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War), Martin Clunes (Doc Martin), James McAvoy (Shameless), Michael Kitchen (Foyle’s War), and Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey).
Madame Bovary (1975) – Francesca Annis (Home Fires) stars as Emma Bovary in this classic adaptation of Flaubert’s novel about the frustrated, unfaithful wife of a French country doctor. Tom Conti (Parents) plays Charles Bovary.
Madame Bovary (2000) – In Flaubert's classic, a woman marries a doctor in hopes of escaping a boring provincial life. It doesn't work. This adaptation features Frances O’Connor (Mansfield Park) as Emma Bovary, with Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) in the role of Charles Bovary.
Maid Marian & Her Merry Men – 1989 to 1994 – Created by Sir Tony Robinson, this historical series feels a bit like Blackadder for a younger crowd (a bit less talk of codpieces). It claims to be the true story of Sherwood Forest, offering a fun alternative version of events in which Maid Marian was the brains of the operation and Robin was just a posh, cowardly tailor. Like many British shows originally geared towards younger people, it has enough humour and intelligence to keep adults entertained, too.
Martin Chuzzlewit (1994) – When a wealthy old man nears death, everyone comes out of the woodwork to try to get their piece of his riches. This miniseries is based on the Dickens novel of the same name.
Merlin – 2008 to 2012 – Someday, Merlin will be the world's greatest wizard. For now, though, he's just an awkward teenager like we all were at one time or another. Living in a time where magic is banned, he's forced to keep his talent hidden or risk certain death.
Mother’s Day – 2018 – Based on a true story, this film follows two mothers, one English and one Irish, as they pave the way for peace in the aftermath of an IRA attack in Warrington, England.
Mrs. Brown – 1997 – Dame Judi Dench stars in this film about Queen Victoria and her unusual friendship with servant John Brown (Billy Connolly). Her portrayal of the scandalous relationship earned an Academy Award nomination.
Murdered by My Boyfriend – 2014 – This dramatisation of a true story tells of a young woman who falls in love with the wrong man. The adaptation was commissioned to help educate young viewers about the dangers of relationship abuse.
Murdered by My Father – 2016 – This one-off drama tells the story of a young British Asian Muslim girl who was killed by her father for loving the wrong man.
Murdered for Being Different – 2017 – Based on the real 2007 murder of Sophie Lancaster, this film sees two young goths attacked for being different.
My Boy Jack – 2007 – Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Carey Mulligan (Pride and Prejudice), and Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City) star in this WWI drama about Rudyard Kipling and his son John. The name of the film is taken from Kipling’s poem, “My Boy Jack”.
NW – 2016 – Based on Zadie Smith’s award-winning novel, this series follows two friends from a northwest London housing estate as they reunite during a challenging time.
One Night – 2012 – In one night, the lives of four people are linked by a single event.
Ordinary Lies – 2015 to 2016 – Each series of this show is set in a perfectly ordinary location, but the people have dark secrets. Series 1 takes place at a car dealership in Warrington, while Series 2 is set in a sporting goods company.
Our Friends in the North – 1996 – This series follows a group of four friends from Newcastle as their lives unfold over a period of 31 years. Daniel Craig (Quantum of Solace) and Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) are among the stars.
Our Girl – 2013 to present – This series follows a young woman from East London as she embarks on her career as an army medic. Lacey Turner (EastEnders) stars as Molly Dawes, with Michelle Keegan (Brassic) entering later as Georgie Lane.
The Passing Bells – 2014 – This British-Polish drama tells the story of two teens, one British and one German, who sign up to fight in WWI.
The Pickwick Papers – 1985 – Nigel Stock and Clive Swift star in this adaptation of Dickens' great comic masterpiece.
Reg – 2016 – Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs) stars as Reg Keys in this political drama about a bereaved military father who took on Tony Blair in the 2005 elections.
Royal Celebration – 1993 – Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice) and Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) star in this drama about the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
The Secret of Crickley Hall – 2012 – Suranne Jones and Tom Ellis star in this supernatural miniseries about a family that relocates to a grand old estate up north after the disappearance of their young son.
Silk – 2011 to 2014 – This fast-paced legal drama looks at the lives of the highly-educated professionals working on the front lines of criminal law. Maxine Peake stars as Martha Costello, a defense barrister with a history of defending the poor and downtrodden. She wants nothing more than to become a member of the Queen's Counsel, but she's not the only one after the position.
Single Father – 2010 – David Tennant stars in this drama about a regular guy trying to raise his family after the death of his wife.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – 1996 – In a remote Yorkshire village, a widow and her son move into the creepy, crumbling Wildfell Hall. Based on the classic story by Anne Brontë.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles (2008) – In this miniseries based on the Thomas Hardy work, Gemma Arterton (Lost in Austen) stars as Tess Durbeyfield, the poor country girl with connections to nobility.
Thomas & Sarah – 1979 – This spin-off of Upstairs, Downstairs sees John Alderton (Please Sir!) and Pauline Collins (Dickensian) returning to their previous roles. It follows the former chauffeur and house maid after they leave service at Eaton place in 1910.
Three Girls – 2017 – Authorities ignore the trafficking of young girls by British Pakistani men.
Vanity Fair (1987) – This adaptation of Thackeray’s Napoleonic War-era tale starred Eve Matheson, Rebecca Saire, James Saxon, and Simon Dormandy in the lead roles.
Vanity Fair (1998) – This BBC adaptation of Thackeray’s novel featured a screenplay by Andrew Davies (Pride & Prejudice), with Natasha Little in the role of Becky Sharp.
The Woman in White – 1981 – Based on the Wilkie Collins novel of the same name, this series sees two Victorian sisters caught up in a mystery that involves a mysterious doppelganger dressed all in white.
The Shakespeare Collection – This collection of Shakespearean plays was added to BritBox in early 2020. Some can now be found over on Marquee TV or BroadwayHD.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1981)
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2016)
- A Winter’s Tale (1981)
- All’s Well That Ends Well (1981)
- Antony and Cleopatra (1981)
- As You Like It (1978)
- The Comedy of Errors (1983)
- Cymbeline (1982)
- Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (1980)
- Henry IV: Parts 1 and 2 (1979)
- Henry V (1979)
- Henry VI: Parts 1-3 (1983)
- Henry VIII (1979)
- Julius Caesar (1979)
- King Lear (1982)
- The Life and Death of King John (1984)
- Love’s Labour’s Lost (1985)
- Macbeth (1983)
- Measure for Measure (1979)
- The Merchant of Venice (1980)
- The Merry Wives of Windsor (1982)
- Much Ado About Nothing (1984)
- Othello (1981)
- Pericles, Prince of Tyre (1984)
- Richard II (1979)
- Romeo and Juliet (1978)
- The Taming of the Shrew (1980)
- The Tempest (1980)
- Timon of Athens (1981)
- Titus Andronicus (1985)
- The Tragedy of Coriolanus (1984)
- The Tragedy of Richard III (1983)
- Troilus and Cressida (1981)
- Twelfth Night (1980)
- The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1983)
Play for Today Collection
This classic anthology series ran from 1970 to 1984, and brings a collection of adaptations of plays and novels. It includes a number of performances from British acting greats, including Helen Mirren, Nigel Hawthorne, and Alison Steadman.
- Abigail’s Party
- A Cotswold Death
- All Good Men
- A Photograph
- Back of Beyond
- Bar Mitzvah Boy
- The Bevellers
- The Black Stuff
- Coming Out
- Country
- The Elephants’ Graveyard
- The Executioner
- The Fishing Party
- Funny Farm
- The Hallelujah Handshake
- Hard Labour
- Home Sweet Home
- Jessie
- Just Another Saturday
- Just A Boy’s Game
- King
- Kisses at 50
- Leeds United!
- Nuts in May
- The Other Woman
- Penda’s Fen
- Rainy Day Women
- The Slab Boys
- Soft Targets
- Still Waters
- Who’s Who
Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled – 2014 to 2015 – Alan Davies (Jonathan Creek) hosts this discussion show featuring a mix of famous and soon-to-be famous faces. Topics of discussion include everything from the US military to giant rabbits to Bob Mortimer’s unusually high backside.
Are You Being Served? Again! – 1982 to 1993 – When the Grace Brothers store is closed, the staff takes over managing a manor house in the countryside.
BBC’s Lost Sitcoms – 2016 – This collection features re-enactments of three lost sitcom episodes from iconic BBC sitcoms: Steptoe & Son, Hancock’s Half Hour, and Till Death Us Do Part.
Billionaire Boy – 2016 – When Joe’s father Len invents a new sort of toilet roll, they become overnight billionaires. Now, Joe can have anything money can buy – but he soon learns it can’t buy everything.
The Brittas Empire – 1991 to 1997 – This retro Britcom follows Gordon Brittas, the well-intentioned but utterly incompetent manager of the Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre. He never seems to realise that he's the problem, even though it's clear to everyone around him.
Rowan Atkinson Presents: Canned Laughter – 1979 – This short comedy tells the story of a dinner date gone terribly wrong. It’s often considered an early inspiration for Atkinson’s Mr. Bean character.
Cruise of the Gods – 2002 – Steve Coogan, David Walliams, and Rob Brydon star in this feature-length comedy about a group of 1980s sci-fi programme actors reuniting to attend a cruise arranged by the show’s fan club.
Dad's Army – 1968 to 1977 – One of the most-loved British sitcoms of all time, Dad's Army follows the challenges facing a Home Guard platoon during World War II. Under constant threat of invasion by Nazi Germany, the Home Guard was made up of men not able to join the regular army (often older men who wanted to take a more active role in the war effort). Because so many were older, it was often referred to as “Dad's Army”.
Don’t Forget the Driver – 2019 – Toby Jones (Detectorists) takes on another comedy role in this series about a depressed single dad who works as a coach driver. His mundane existence is shaken up when he takes a group across the English Channel and finds a migrant stowed away in his wheel arch. Jones co-wrote the series with playwright Tim Crouch.
Edge of Heaven – 2014 – In the seaside town of Margate, a close-knit but quirky family runs a 1980s-themed guest house.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – 1981 – Arthur Dent is one of the last surviving members of the human race. Still in his dressing gown, he’s dragged through an intergalactic portal and sent on an adventure through the universe. The series is based on Douglas Adams’ novel of the same name, and he also wrote the TV adaptation.
Hold the Sunset – 2018 to 2019 – Two mature neighbors are anxious to start a new life together, but they’re interrupted when Edith's adult son arrives on her doorstep. Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey) and John Cleese (Fawlty Towers) star, and Jason Watkins (The Crown) plays Edith’s adult son Roger.
The League of Gentlemen – 1999 to 2002 – In the fictional Northern England town of Royston Vasey, strange characters exist with interweaving storylines.
Miranda – 2009 to 2013 – Miranda Hart stars as a lovably awkward woman who runs a joke shop with her best friend and seems to specialize in getting herself into pickles.
Mr. Stink – 2012 – This hour-long television adaptation is based on David Walliams’ novel of the same name. It follows 12-year-old Chloe Crumb as she befriends an unusual homeless man named Mr. Stink.
Not Safe for Work – 2015 – When budget cuts move Katherine’s civil servant job to Northampton, she reluctantly goes along with the relocation.
Not the Nine O’Clock News – 1995 – This vintage sketch news comedy features Mel Smith (Alas Smith and Jones) and Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean).
Paddington – 2014 – After his home in the Peruvian rainforest is destroyed by an earthquake, a young bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw, Skyfall) travels to England as a refugee. Named “Paddington” after the station where he's discovered, he's taken in by Henry (Hugh Bonneville, Douglas is Cancelled) and Mary (Sally Hawkins, Jane Eyre) Brown. While Paddington's childlike wonder wins over the Browns, he also catches the attention of Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies), a sinister taxidermist with her own plans for Paddington. Film premiered December 1st.
Porridge (1974) – 1974 to 1977 – This prison comedy features a man trying to do his time honestly and stay out of trouble. Ronnie Barker (Open All Hours) stars as habitual criminal Fletch, and Richard Beckinsale (The Lovers) stars as Lennie Godber, the new cellmate he decides to mentor.
Porridge (2016) – 2016 to 2017 – This modern reboot sees Fletch’s grandson Nigel Fletcher navigating his way through Wakeley Prison.
Psychoville – 2009 to 2011 – This award-winning comedy is a mash-up of everything from horror to thriller to mystery to black comedy, and it sees Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton (both of Inside No. 9) playing a number of characters. In the series, five different characters around England have received threatening letters stating, “I know what you did…”
Puppy Love – 2014 – This heartwarming sitcom sees two women doing their best to handle cute dogs and challenging families. Joanna Scanlan (No Offence) and Vicki Pepperdine (Getting On) star.
Ripping Yarns – 1976 to 1979 – Monty Python comedians Michael Palin and Terry Jones star in this anthology series that both parodied and celebrated pre-WWII schoolboy literature. Early episodes were directed by Terry Hughes, a BAFTA-winner who would later go on to direct The Golden Girls and 3rd Rock from the Sun.
Scarborough – 2019 – In the coastal town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, a group of locals live, work, and love, punctuated by frequent trips to the pub for karaoke. The series was written by Benidorm writer Darren Litten, but it was not commissioned for a second series.
To the Manor Born – 1979 to 1980, 2007 – After her husband dies, Audrey fforbes-Hamilton (Penelope Keith, The Good Life) finds out they're broke. Forced to sell the family home, Grantleigh Manor, she takes up residence in the lodge on the property so she can keep an eye on the new owner. That new owner happens to be Richard DeVere, a handsome nouveau riche supermarket owner who proves difficult to hate forever.
Up the Women – 2013 to 2015 – Set in 1910, this comedy takes place among the women of the Banbury Intricate Craft Circle as they participate in the women’s suffrage movement. To support their efforts, they form a league called Banbury Intricate Craft Circle Politely Requests Women’s Suffrage (BICCPRWS).
Yes, Minister – 1980 to 1984 – James is a Cabinet Minister who thinks he's finally in a position to get things done.
Yes, Prime Minister – 1986 to 1988 – This follow-up to Yes, Minister continues with the same cast but a new address on Downing Street.
A History of Ancient Britain – 2011 to 2012 – Scottish archaeologist Neil Oliver looks back at thousands of years of ancient history to tell the story of how Britain came to be.
A Very British Murder with Lucy Worsley – 2013 – Historian Lucy Worsley takes a look at the British fascination with murder and mystery, along with some of the famous murders of 19th century Britain.
Africa & Britain: A Forgotten History – 2016 – Historian David Olusoga takes a look at the enduring and occasionally difficult relationship between Great Britain and Africa.
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire – 2006 – This dramatised documentary gives us greater insight into how the Roman Empire was built and destroyed by excessive greed, lust, and ambition.
Antiques Roadshow – 1979 to present – Filmed at a variety of stately homes around the country, this series allows members of the public to bring in cherished items for expert appraisal.
The Aristocrats – 2011 to 2012 – This series takes a look at four of the families that make up modern-day British high society. These are the individuals who, through no skill, talent, or hard work of their own, have been fortunate enough to inherit titles, incredible opportunities, and grand estates.
Around the World in 80 Faiths – 2009 – Pete Owen Jones takes us on a journey around the world, taking a look at how people worship in six continents.
Autumnwatch – 2022 – Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke, and Megan McCubbin give us an up-close look at how nature is preparing for the long winter ahead.
The BBC at War – 2015 – Presenter Jonathan Dimbleby shows us how the BBC helped out in the fight against Hitler and fascism, and how it’s helped to shape the British government over time.
Britain’s Biggest Adventures with Bear Grylls – 2015 – Bear Grylls combines history and adrenaline as he visits North Wales, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Scottish Highlands in search of Britain’s biggest adventures.
Britain’s Tudor Treasure – 2015 – Historian Lucy Worsley celebrates the 500th anniversary of one of the finest surviving Tudor structures, Hampton Court.
Caroline Quentin’s National Parks – 2013 – Caroline Quentin takes us on trips to three of Great Britain’s most beautiful national parks – the New Forest, Local Lomond, and Snowdonia.
Civilisation – 1969 – Art historian Sir Kenneth Clark offers his thoughts on the ideas and values that have influenced the evolution of western civilisation over the years. Though more than 50 years old, many continue to count the series among the greatest documentaries in existence.
Coast – 2005 to present – This series mixes history, nature, and great scenery as they travel around the coastline of the UK and surrounding areas.
Dead Good Job – 2012 – This series takes a look at the different ways Brits choose to say their final goodbyes to friends and loved ones.
Diana: The Interview that Shocked the World – 2020 – In 1995, Diana sat down for a gossip-filled interview with Martin Bashir, spilling all the private details of her marriage with Prince Charles. Twenty-five years later, this documentary takes a look back at what the interview revealed about society, royal life, and her psychological troubles.
Good Morning Britain – 2020 – Each day, Susanna Reid and Pierce Morgan share the latest in news, pop culture, sports, and weather.
The Great British Countryside – 2012 – Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered) and Julia Bradbury (Countryfile) take us on adventures in four very different but equally stunning British landscapes. The series visits Cornwall and Devon, Yorkshire, the South Downs, and the Scottish Highlands.
The Great Chelsea Garden Challenge – 2015 – Six amateurs compete for a change to design and build a garden for display on Man Avenue at the 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Hairy Bikers’ Bakeation – 2012 – Hairy Bikers Si and Dave take a 5000-mile road trip around Europe, sampling the best baked goods on the continent.
Hairy Bikers’ Christmas Party – 2011 – Hairy Bikers Dave Myers and Si King show us how to make the perfect festive finger foods for a Christmas party with friends.
Hairy Bikers’ Everyday Gourmets – 2013 – The Hairy Bikers show us how to prepare impressive feasts on very average budgets.
Home Away from Home – 2014 – This series sees families swapping homes for a change of pace. On each swap, homeowners leave packets of information and activities for the new inhabitants of their homes.
Inside Claridge’s – 2012 – Over the course of three episodes, we go behind the scenes at one of Britain’s poshest hotels, looking at what it takes to deliver five-star service with an emphasis on tradition.
Kirstie’s Vintage Home – 2012 – Kirstie Allsopp helps viewers learn to add stylish vintage touches to their homes. This show blends DIY, upcycling, and bit of mid-century inspiration.
Lennon's Last Weekend – 2020 – Recognising the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's passing, this documentary shares the last in-person interview with John Lennon. In it, he spoke about topics including solo albums and The Beatles breakup. Interviewer Andy Peebles travels to New York City to revisit some of the iconic locations of Lennon's life and final days there.
Licence to Thrill: Paul Hollywood Meets Aston Martin – 2015 – Though better known for his baking skills, this series sees Paul Hollywood exploring the world of Aston Martin cars. In addition to meeting with the latest company boss, he also trains up to race.
Looking for Victoria – 2003 – Prunella Scales (Fawlty Towers) takes a look back at Queen Victoria, the monarch she’s been portraying in a one-woman show for roughly 20 years.
The Mystery of Mary Magdalene – 2013 – Melvyn Bragg takes a closer look at the questions surrounding Mary Magdalene, a highly controversial biblical figure.
Nigellissima – 2012 – Nigella Lawson shows viewers how to bring a bit of Italy into their kitchens, even without access to specialty Italian grocery stores.
The Olivier Awards – 2024 – Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) hosts this star-studded evening to celebrate the best of British theatre.
Our Cops in the North – 2019 – Meet the detectives, emergency response officers, and command centres of the Northumbrian Police Force as they struggle to maintain the peace and catch the guilty in their little corner of the world.
Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook: London – 2014 – London-born chef Rachel Khoo goes back to London to explore the food scene and offer tips on how to create great British meals at home.
Rachel’s Coastal Cooking – 2015 – Chef Rachel Allen hits the road to track down local food and ingredients around the Irish coast.
Seven Wonders of the Commonwealth – 2014 – Several presenters travel the globe to see the people and the natural wonders of nations in the Commonwealth.
Shakespeare in Italy – 2012 – Shakespeare placed a number of his most famous plays in cities around Italy. This series sees Francesco da Mosto and a variety of special guests (including Emma Thompson) travelling around the country and visiting Shakespearean locations like Padua, Verona, and Venice.
Suffragettes – 2018 – Lucy Worsley presents this documentary about a group of working-class women working towards the right to vote.
Swingin’ Christmas – 2010 – Michael Parkinson hosts this festive, musical Christmas special. The programme features special guest Seth MacFarlane and music led by conductor John Wilson.
Vincent Van Gogh: Painted with Words – 2010 – Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) takes on the role of the iconic Dutch post-impressionist. Though dramatised, the dialogue is sourced from Van Gogh’s own words.
Virgin Atlantic: Up in the Air – 2015 – Virgin Atlantic may be hip (as airlines go), but that hasn’t translated to a stable financial situation. This programme follows CEO Craig Keeger as he attempts to turn things around.
Winterwatch – 2005 to present – It may be dark and cold, but there’s still plenty to see out in nature. Broadcasting from the Scottish Highlands, the Winterwatch team looks at what’s going on with the local wildlife, along with a bit on how all of Britain’s wildlife is doing.
