4 best British shows to watch on Netflix (and 2 to skip)

It’s no secret that Netflix boasts an impressive array of British shows in its vast collection, making it the ultimate destination for enthusiasts of all things British. Over the years, the platform has gained a reputation as the go-to source for high-quality British entertainment. From gripping dramas to uproarious comedies, Netflix offers a diverse selection that can satisfy every palate.

But with such an extensive library at your fingertips, the challenge lies in deciding which British shows are truly worth your time and which ones you might want to skip. After all, nobody wants to invest hours in an unsatisfying series.

If you’ve been craving a taste of British television but find yourself overwhelmed by the choices, you’re in luck! We’ve carefully curated a list of four top-notch recommendations and two shows that, well, you might want to pass on. Keep in mind that these are just our opinions, and everyone’s taste varies, but that’s OK!

So, whether you’re a seasoned Anglophile or simply curious about what British television has to offer, let’s dive into our list and help you discover your next binge-worthy series!

First up on our list is… Black Mirror!

Black Mirror

Watch! This show will undoubtedly leave you wanting more every time you finish an episode! It’s one of the best TV series out there and we won’t hear otherwise! Each episode in the British dystopian anthology series, created by Charlie Brooker, is standalone and explores techno-paranoia. (Techno-paranoia: The unreasonable fear of modern technology).

Its concept, quality in production, thought-provoking themes, and feature of A-list celebrates give it a unique quality that no other show has captured.

Currently, there are a total of six seasons, with the latest season being released on June 15, 2023. Check out an official trailer for the season below:

Next on our list is… Obsession!

Obsession

Skip! This show was a bit much for us and gave us some serious ick, so we would recommend you skip it. However, if you like explicit sex scenes, poor character development, and an anticlimactic ending then maybe it’s a great choice for you!

The thriller series is based on the novel Damage (1991) by Josephine Hart and revolves around the character William, a surgeon who begins an affair with his son Jay’s fiancée, Anna.

Being that it is a limited series, only one season is available on Netflix. The series was released on March 29, 2023. Check out a trailer for the erotic British thriller below:

Drum roll, please… next up is Peaky Blinders!

Peaky Blinders

Watch! There’s no way we could have made a list of the best British shows to watch on Netflix, and not included Peaky Blinders. This show is gripping from the get-go and will have you on the edge of your seats throughout.

The series, created by Steven Knight, is set in 1919 in Birmingham, England, and follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family in the aftermath of World War I.

With its unique concept and ability to combine elements of historical drama, crime, and gangster swagger, this series deserves all the hype it has gotten over the years.

As of October 2023, there are six seasons of Peaky Blinders available on Netflix U.S., making it a perfect choice for a binging session. Check out the official trailer for Peaky Blinders below:

Next up is… The Crown!

The Crown

Watch! The Crown is probably one of the best British shows depicting the British monarchy on Netflix, and maybe even ever! It was an instant hit when it originally debuted in 2016, and since has gone on to grow a cult following.

The historical drama series, often featuring well-known actors and actresses, tells the story of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that shaped her reign. Although the show is a fictional dramatization, it has been previously praised for its attention to historical accuracy and detail.

As of October 2023, there are five seasons of The Crown available on Netflix U.S. The sixth season will be broken up into two parts, releasing in November and December of this year. Check out the official trailer for The Crown season 5 below:

Now onto… The Innocents!

The Innocents

Skip! The Innocents is a British supernatural teen drama series that premiered on Netflix on August 24, 2018. While it did appeal to us with its supernatural elements, we felt that overall it was just not worth the watch.

At times we felt that it lacked originality, had poorly scripted scenes, and the production values were not up to par compared to some of Netflix’s other shows.

The show follows the story of two teenagers, June and Harry, who run away from their controlling parents. June discovers that she has the ability to shape-shift, and the show explores her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces as she tries to control her powers.

However, if you think it’s something that might be your cup of tea, don’t let us stop you from watching it! Check out the trailer for The Innocents below:

Now, finally… Sex Education!

Sex Education

Watch! If you’re looking for a series that depicts what it’s like to be a British teen in high school, then look no further than the critically acclaimed coming-of-age series Sex Education, created by Laurie Nunn.

The teen sex comedy-drama is full of relatable issues and struggles, as well as full of laugh-out-loud scenes and its fair share of tear-jerking moments too. Frankly, we can’t think of a more realistic depiction of what school life is like than in this top-notch British beaut.

Sex Education follows the lives of teenagers and adults in the fictional town of Moordale as they contend with various personal dilemmas, often related to sexual intimacy.

All four seasons of Sex Education are currently conveniently available to stream on Netflix. Watch a trailer for the latest season of Sex Education below:

What will you be watching on Netflix this weekend?