After spending countless hours watching British television on Netflix (and yes, I’ve developed a slight British accent in my inner monologue), I can tell you there’s something special about UK productions that American TV often misses.
The best British TV shows on Netflix in 2025 include Baby Reindeer, One Day, Black Doves, The Crown, and Sex Education, offering everything from dark comedy to royal drama.
Whether you’re already an anglophile or just discovering the brilliance of British storytelling, Netflix’s catalog includes over 100 UK shows spanning every genre imaginable.
I’ve watched and evaluated 25 of the most acclaimed British series currently streaming, from completed classics you can binge without fear to new releases that are generating serious buzz.
With Netflix investing heavily in UK productions and your subscription costing $15.49 per month (or $6.99 with ads), you deserve to know which shows are actually worth your time.
Our Top 5 British Shows You Can’t Miss
⚠️ Important: We’ve marked which shows are complete (safe to binge) versus ongoing (risk of cancellation), addressing the biggest concern among Netflix viewers.
- Baby Reindeer (2024) – A dark comedy thriller that became a cultural phenomenon, this limited series is complete and essential viewing despite its challenging subject matter.
- One Day (2024) – This romantic drama spanning 20 years delivers emotional devastation and beautiful storytelling in just 14 episodes (complete series).
- The Crown (2016-2023) – Netflix’s crown jewel with 6 complete seasons of royal drama featuring stunning production values and multiple cast changes done right.
- Sex Education (2019-2023) – A rare Netflix show that ended on its own terms after 4 seasons, offering groundbreaking representation and genuine heart.
- Black Doves (2024-present) – The newest thriller sensation starring Keira Knightley, already renewed for season 2 showing Netflix’s confidence.
25 Best British Shows on Netflix: Complete Reviews
1. Baby Reindeer – The Must-Watch Phenomenon
Baby Reindeer is a seven-episode limited series that transformed from a one-man stage show into Netflix’s most talked-about British production of 2025.
Created by and starring Richard Gadd, this autobiographical thriller explores stalking and trauma with unflinching honesty that left me genuinely shaken.
The show garnered critical acclaim with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and became essential viewing for understanding modern British television’s willingness to tackle difficult subjects.
Limited Series: A complete story told in one season with no plans for continuation, perfect for commitment-phobic bingers.
2. One Day – Romance That Hurts So Good
One Day follows Emma and Dexter across 20 years, checking in on the same date annually in this adaptation of David Nicholls’ beloved novel.
With just 14 episodes, this complete series delivers more emotional impact than shows with five times the runtime.
Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall have chemistry that makes their complicated relationship feel painfully real, earning widespread praise from viewers who called it “perfect slow-burn romance.”
3. Black Doves – Espionage Excellence
Black Doves premiered in December 2024 as Netflix’s answer to sophisticated British spy thrillers, starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw.
The six-episode first season blends espionage with dark comedy, creating something fresh in the crowded thriller landscape.
Already renewed for season 2 before the first even premiered, this show represents Netflix’s confidence in quality British content.
4. The Crown – Royal Drama Perfection
The Crown spans six complete seasons chronicling the British royal family from the 1940s to the early 2000s.
With a reported budget of $130 million per season, this show delivers movie-quality production in every frame.
The cast changes every two seasons worked brilliantly, with Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton each bringing their own interpretation to Queen Elizabeth II.
| Season | Era Covered | Lead Actress | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 1947-1964 | Claire Foy | Coronation, Suez Crisis |
| 3-4 | 1964-1990 | Olivia Colman | Moon landing, Thatcher years |
| 5-6 | 1991-2005 | Imelda Staunton | Diana’s death, modern era |
5. Sex Education – Teen Drama Done Right
Sex Education ran for four successful seasons from 2019 to 2023, becoming Netflix’s most celebrated British comedy-drama.
The show tackled topics around sexuality and identity with humor and heart, featuring breakout performances from Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, and Ncuti Gatwa.
Unlike many Netflix shows, it ended on its own terms with a satisfying conclusion that respected both characters and audience.
6. Peaky Blinders – Stylish Crime Saga
Peaky Blinders completed its six-season run in 2022, cementing its status as one of the most stylish crime dramas ever produced.
Cillian Murphy’s Thomas Shelby became an icon, with the show’s influence extending far beyond television into fashion and popular culture.
The 1920s Birmingham setting and anachronistic soundtrack created a unique atmosphere that countless shows have tried to replicate.
7. Black Mirror – Dystopian Anthology Brilliance
Black Mirror continues to deliver mind-bending episodes about technology’s dark side, with Charlie Brooker’s anthology format allowing infinite storytelling possibilities.
From “San Junipero’s” unexpected romance to “Bandersnatch’s” interactive experiment, the show constantly pushes boundaries.
With episodes ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, each installment feels like a mini-movie exploring our complicated relationship with technology.
8. Heartstopper – Wholesome LGBTQ+ Romance
Heartstopper has delivered three seasons of beautifully crafted young adult romance since 2022, with more on the way.
Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, the show provides much-needed positive LGBTQ+ representation for younger audiences.
The gentle pacing and genuine sweetness offers a refreshing alternative to typical teen drama angst.
9. After Life – Grief with Dark Humor
After Life ran for three seasons from 2019 to 2022, with Ricky Gervais creating his most personal and affecting work.
The show follows Tony, a suicidal widower who decides to punish the world for his wife’s death before slowly rediscovering human connection.
Despite divisive humor, the series resonated deeply with viewers dealing with loss, becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched British shows.
10. Derry Girls – 90s Nostalgia Comedy Gold
Derry Girls wrapped up after three perfect seasons, delivering comedy gold set against Northern Ireland’s Troubles in the 1990s.
The show balanced historical context with hilarious teenage antics, creating something both educational and entertaining.
Creator Lisa McGee crafted characters so authentic that watching feels like hanging out with your funniest friends.
11. The Great British Baking Show – Comfort Viewing Perfection
The Great British Baking Show continues releasing new seasons regularly, maintaining its position as the most wholesome competition on television.
Unlike American reality TV, there’s no manufactured drama – just passionate amateur bakers supporting each other through soggy bottoms and perfect proves.
Multiple seasons are available on Netflix, making it perfect background viewing or dedicated binge-watching.
12. Bodyguard – Political Thriller Excellence
Bodyguard delivered six episodes of pure tension in 2018, with Richard Madden’s performance as a troubled protection officer earning widespread acclaim.
The limited series format worked perfectly, telling a complete story without overstaying its welcome.
Creator Jed Mercurio crafted twists that genuinely surprised, making this essential viewing for thriller fans.
13. The Gentlemen – Guy Ritchie’s TV Debut
The Gentlemen brought Guy Ritchie’s signature style to television in 2024, expanding his film universe into an eight-episode series.
Theo James leads a cast navigating British aristocracy meeting criminal underworld with trademark wit and style.
Already renewed for season 2, the show proves Ritchie’s gangster aesthetic translates perfectly to longer-form storytelling.
14. Call the Midwife – Heartwarming Period Drama
Call the Midwife offers multiple seasons of 1950s-60s London midwifery, delivering consistently touching stories about birth, death, and everything between.
The show tackles social issues with sensitivity while maintaining optimism that feels genuinely earned.
With over 13 seasons produced (not all on Netflix), it’s perfect for viewers wanting long-term emotional investment.
15. Top Boy – Authentic Urban Drama
Top Boy concluded in 2023 after Netflix revived the cancelled Channel 4 series, with Drake serving as executive producer.
The show provided authentic portrayal of London street life, earning comparisons to The Wire for its unflinching realism.
All five seasons offer complete story arcs exploring drugs, family, and survival in modern Britain.
16. Toxic Town – Environmental Justice Drama
Toxic Town premiered in 2025 as a powerful limited series about environmental contamination and corporate cover-ups.
Based on true events, the show balances human drama with important social commentary about industrial pollution.
The three-episode format maintains intensity throughout, making it perfect for a single evening’s viewing.
17. Everything Now – Underrated Teen Gem
Everything Now delivered one season in 2023, exploring eating disorders and teenage life with remarkable sensitivity.
Despite cancellation after one season, the eight episodes tell a complete story worth watching.
The show received praise for authentic representation of mental health struggles rarely seen in teen programming.
18. Behind Her Eyes – Mind-Bending Mystery
Behind Her Eyes serves up six episodes of psychological thriller that builds to one of Netflix’s most discussed endings.
The 2021 limited series adapts Sarah Pinborough’s novel with impressive fidelity, maintaining mystery until the final moments.
Love it or hate it, the twist ending generated massive social media discussion and countless reaction videos.
19. The English Game – Football History Drama
The English Game tells football’s origin story across six episodes, exploring class conflict in Victorian England.
Created by Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes, the 2020 series brings his signature style to sports drama.
The limited series format works perfectly for this historical tale, avoiding the padding that plagues longer shows.
20. Cunk on Earth – Mockumentary Brilliance
Cunk on Earth features Diane Morgan’s gloriously ignorant presenter Philomena Cunk explaining human history in five episodes.
The 2023 series perfects the mockumentary format, delivering educational content through hilariously wrong interpretations.
Charlie Brooker’s writing creates quotable moments in every episode, making this essential comedy viewing.
21. The Last Kingdom – Epic Historical Saga
The Last Kingdom delivered five complete seasons plus a movie finale, telling the story of England’s formation during the Viking age.
The show found the sweet spot between historical accuracy and entertainment, avoiding Game of Thrones’ fantasy elements.
With 46 episodes total, it offers substantial binge-watching for historical drama fans.
22. Killing Eve – Cat-and-Mouse Thriller
Killing Eve ran for four seasons from 2018 to 2022, with the chemistry between Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer elevating the spy thriller format.
While later seasons divided critics, the first two remain essential viewing for the performances alone.
The show’s influence on female-led thrillers continues, proving British television can compete globally.
23. The Stranger – Harlan Coben Mystery
The Stranger adapted Harlan Coben’s novel into eight episodes of twisty British suburbia in 2020.
The limited series maintains tension throughout, with reveals that genuinely surprise without feeling contrived.
Netflix has adapted multiple Coben novels, but this remains the strongest British production.
24. Collateral – Political Crime Drama
Collateral delivered four episodes of multilayered mystery in 2018, with Carey Mulligan investigating a pizza delivery driver’s murder.
The limited series explores immigration, politics, and justice in modern London with impressive nuance.
Writer David Hare crafted a thriller that works as both entertainment and social commentary.
25. Crashing – Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Debut
Crashing introduced Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s unique voice in 2016, years before Fleabag made her a household name.
The six-episode series about millennials living in a disused hospital shows early glimpses of her later brilliance.
While rougher than her later work, it’s essential viewing for fans wanting to see her creative evolution.
How to Make the Most of British TV on Netflix?
Finding British Content in Netflix’s Interface
Netflix doesn’t have a dedicated “British TV” category, making discovery frustratingly difficult.
Search for “British” brings up mixed results, so I recommend searching specific show names or using “UK TV” for better results.
The “Because you watched” algorithm works well once you’ve seen a few British shows, creating a personalized British content pipeline.
Subtitle Settings for Accent Challenges
Even native English speakers sometimes struggle with regional British accents, particularly in shows like Derry Girls or Top Boy.
Netflix offers English subtitles on all British content, and there’s no shame in using them – I still turn them on for thick Scottish accents.
The closed captions also help catch British slang and cultural references you might otherwise miss.
Understanding British TV Formats
British shows typically have shorter seasons (called “series” in the UK) with 6-8 episodes rather than American TV’s 20+.
This condensed format means less filler and tighter storytelling, though it can feel abrupt if you’re used to longer seasons.
Many British shows also take longer breaks between seasons, sometimes 2-3 years, which explains the cancellation anxiety among fans.
British Shows by Genre: Find Your Perfect Match
✅ Pro Tip: Start with limited series or completed shows to avoid the heartbreak of cancellation – Baby Reindeer, The Stranger, and Behind Her Eyes are all safe single-season binges.
Crime & Thriller
- Essential: Bodyguard, Black Doves, The Stranger
- Gritty Realism: Top Boy, Peaky Blinders
- Mind-Benders: Behind Her Eyes, Black Mirror
Drama
- Period Pieces: The Crown, Call the Midwife, The English Game
- Contemporary: After Life, One Day, Sex Education
- Historical Epic: The Last Kingdom
Comedy
- Sitcom Style: Derry Girls, Crashing
- Dark Comedy: After Life, Baby Reindeer
- Mockumentary: Cunk on Earth
Reality & Competition
- Feel-Good: The Great British Baking Show
- Talk Show: The Graham Norton Show (when available)
Frequently Asked Questions
What British shows on Netflix are worth watching?
The most worth-watching British shows on Netflix include Baby Reindeer for cultural impact, The Crown for production quality, Sex Education for representation, and One Day for emotional storytelling. Start with completed series like these to avoid cancellation disappointment.
Why do British shows have fewer episodes than American shows?
British shows typically have 6-8 episodes per season compared to American TV’s 20+ because of different funding models and creative approaches. The BBC and other UK broadcasters favor quality over quantity, resulting in tighter storytelling without filler episodes.
Which British shows on Netflix are complete and safe to binge?
Complete British shows on Netflix include The Crown (6 seasons), Sex Education (4 seasons), Peaky Blinders (6 seasons), After Life (3 seasons), Derry Girls (3 seasons), and The Last Kingdom (5 seasons plus movie). These are safe to start without worrying about cancellation.
What makes British TV different from American shows?
British TV differs from American shows through shorter seasons, more realistic storylines, darker humor, less glamorous production, and willingness to end shows at creative peaks rather than running indefinitely. British shows also feature more working-class perspectives and regional diversity.
How do I find more British content on Netflix?
Find British content on Netflix by searching ‘UK TV’ or specific show names, checking ‘Because you watched’ recommendations after viewing British shows, and looking for British actors you recognize. Unfortunately, Netflix lacks a dedicated British category, making manual searching necessary.
Are British shows on Netflix updated regularly?
Netflix adds new British content monthly, with 5-10 new shows or seasons typically arriving each month. However, they also remove British content regularly, so it’s worth checking what’s leaving soon. The platform invests heavily in Netflix UK originals, ensuring steady new releases.
Should I watch British shows with subtitles?
Watching British shows with subtitles helps catch regional accents, slang, and cultural references even for native English speakers. Shows like Derry Girls, Top Boy, and some Scottish programs particularly benefit from subtitles. There’s no shame in using them – many British viewers do too.
Finding Your Next British Binge
After reviewing these 25 shows, I can confidently say British television on Netflix offers something special for every viewer.
The $15.49 monthly subscription (or $6.99 with ads) provides access to hundreds of hours of quality British content, from complete series you can binge safely to new releases worth the cancellation risk.
Start with the completed series like Baby Reindeer, The Crown, or Sex Education if you’re new to British TV – they showcase the best of what UK television offers without the anxiety of potential cancellation.
For those worried about starting shows that might get axed, focus on limited series and shows marked as “complete” in our guide.
British television’s willingness to end shows at creative peaks rather than dragging them out actually works in viewers’ favor, delivering satisfying conclusions instead of diminishing returns.
Whether you’re drawn to gritty crime dramas, period pieces, or dark comedy, British TV on Netflix provides alternatives to formulaic programming with authentic storytelling that respects audience intelligence.
Explore different documentary options if you want more British content beyond scripted series, or consider other streaming alternatives to cable for accessing British programming not available on Netflix.
The beauty of British television lies not in perfection but in its willingness to take risks, tell complete stories, and trust viewers to appreciate quality over quantity.