The 10 best TV shows to watch on Britbox

Binge game-changing comedies, plenty of crime and costume dramas, and more beloved British imports

By Saloni Gajjar, Tim Lowery  |  November 8, 2023 | 3:00pm
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The 10 best TV shows to watch on Britbox
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Clockwise from top left: Matthew Macfadyen in Stonehouse (Photo: Britbox), Idris Elba in Luther (Photo: Des Willie/BBC), Ruth Jones and Joanna Page in Gavin & Stacey (Photo: BBC One), David Tennant and Michael Sheen in Staged (Photo: Simon Ridgeway and Paul Stephenson/GCB Films/Infinity Hill/BBC) Graphic: Libby McGuire

The aptly named platform Britbox is a go-to service for British gems, from addictive crime thrillers to laugh-out-loud, groundbreaking sitcoms. The streamer boasts influential hits like the original version of The Office, singular satires such as The Thick Of It, and stellar shows starring Matthew Macfadyen and a pre-late-night James Corden, not to mention, blissfully, quite a bit of Matt Berry. To help you sort through it all, here is The A.V. Club’s guide to the service (sorted in alphabetical order). And if you’re thirsty for more ace shows from across the pond, check out our rundown of the best offerings on Acorn TV.

Gavin & Stacey
Best Bits from Series 2 | Gavin & Stacey | Baby Cow

Stars: Mathew Horne, James Corden, Joanna Page, Ruth Jones, Larry Lamb, Melanie Walters, Rob BrydonOriginal networks: BBC Three (2007–2008), BBC One (2008–2010, 2019) Number of seasons: 3, plus 2 Christmas specials A pre- James Corden and Ruth Jones () penned this very funny comfort watch, about the titular young couple (played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page) who are split between Essex and a coastal town in Wales. Produced by Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow Productions, the series deservedly nabbed several BAFTAs during its run. And while not nearly as, let’s say, groundbreaking as some of the other comedy series on this list, it has a warm, sitcom-y vibe, with plenty of running gags and callbacks, and a bite all its own. Plus, Rob Brydon’s fantastic turn as Stacey’s ever-upbeat uncle, Bryn, alone makes it worthy of a lazy-afternoon binge. [Tim Lowery]

The IT Crowd
The IT Crowd Trailer

Stars: Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, Matt Berry, Noel Fielding, Chris MorrisOriginal network: Channel 4 (2006-2013) Number of seasons: 4, plus 1 specialThe workplace comedy  is a pretty genius ensemble piece. (That Matt Berry is everywhere, isn’t he?) Created by Graham Linehan, this show follows three workers in, yes, an IT department and details their bond with each other as well as with their employers. While it debuted with mediocre reviews, The IT Crowd quickly gained a following and even got its own American adaptation. But this is the version to watch. [Saloni Gajjar]

Luther
Luther - Season 1 Trailer

Stars: Idris Elba, , Dermot Crowley, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Michael Smiley, Patrick Malahide, Saskia Reeves Original network: BBC One (2010-2019) Number of seasons: 5 First things first: Casting as a tall, broody, handsome detective was a spot-on choice that helped elevate . Based on Neil Cross’ books, the crime drama follows his DCI John Luther, whose passion for solving dark cases often leads him down a troubled path. To make matters worse, he falls for a notorious and manipulative criminal, Alice Morgan (Wilson). Once you watch all five seasons, consider checking out , a Netflix film released just this year. [Saloni Gajjar]

The Office
The Stapler Prank | The Office - BBC

Stars: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis, Stirling GallacherOriginal networks: BBC Two (2001-2001), BBC One (2003) Number of seasons: 2, plus 1 Christmas specialIt has been said so often since it took off in the early aughts, but Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s series really was a game changer, essentially shepherding in a new era for TV comedies with its mockumentary, single-camera format. Even 22 years after its debut (how did that happen?) and many, many imitators and international adaptations, also still has a comedic sensibility and rhythm that feels unique, especially with its joke building. What’s more, it had some real empathy (flipping the script and even making its “boss from hell” David Brent someone you pull for), tough-to-watch cringe, an absorbing will-they-won’t-they romance, some choice quotes (“Trust, encouragement, reward, loyalty … satisfaction”), and something meaningful to say. And it did it all over the course of 12 episodes and a Christmas special. [Tim Lowery]

Pride & Prejudice
PRIDE & PREJUDICE Official Trailer “Restored in 4k” (HD) Colin Firth

Stars: , Jennifer Ehle, Alison Steadman, Benjamin Whitrow, Adrian Lukis, David BamberOriginal network: BBC One (1995) Number of seasons: 1 Jane Austen’s beloved novel has gotten several adaptations, but remains one of the most notable. Firth and Ehle are perfect as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, respectively. They both belong to different aspects of society but manage to develop a truly charming and witty banter that (obviously) leads to a great love story. With only six episodes, Pride & Prejudice wins you over by staying true to the source material while also developing a unique voice. [Saloni Gajjar]

Staged
Staged - Teaser

Stars: , Michael Sheen, Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg, Lucy Eaton Original networks: BBC One (2020-2021), Britbox (2022) Number of seasons: 3, plus 1 special There’s nothing funnier than watching stars Tennant and Sheen–who are real-life friends—engage in hilarious banter onscreen. And that’s what is all about. Filmed initially during the pandemic lockdown in 2020, the show features Tennant and Sheen playing fictionalized versions of themselves. Either they’re rehearsing for a play or reveling in their success, but trust us, they know how to make everyone laugh. Plus, several actors make cameos in Staged, including Samuel L. Jackson, Judi Dench, Simon Pegg, Jim Parsons, , Olivia Colman, Ken Jeong, and Ewan McGregor. [Saloni Gajjar]

Stonehouse
Stonehouse | BritBox Original Exclusive Trailer

Stars: Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, Kevin McNally, Dorothy Atkinson, Emer Heatley, Aoife ChecklandOriginal network: ITV (2023)Number of seasons: 1 leads , a part-fictional biopic on Labour politician John Stonehouse, who faked his death after committing fraud and espionage. In 1974, he disappeared from a luxury hotel in Miami, leaving behind only a neatly folded pile of clothes before apparently swimming into the sea. The three episodes take some creative liberties to unravel what happened, with the star sharing the screen with his IRL wife, Keeley Hawes. [Saloni Gajjar]

The Thick Of It
Wildest Moments of The Thick of It, Series 3 | The Thick of It | BBC Comedy Greats

Stars: Peter Capaldi, Chris Langham, Rebecca Front, Chris Addison, Joanna Scanlan, James Smith, Polly KempOriginal networks: BBC Four (2005), BBC Two (2009-2012)Number of seasons: 4, plus 2 specialsEven nearly 20 years removed from its premiere, Armando Iannucci’s blistering, foul- and motor-mouthed satire, which counts ’s Jesse Armstrong and ’s Simon Blackwell as writers, still sings like no other show. Iannucci, who would go on to make Thick’s feature-film spin-off In The Loop as well as its HBO adaptation , captures the anxiety-inducing chaos of working in the British government, where PR crises arise out of nowhere and situations quickly, inevitably spin out of control and crash. Beyond the razor-sharp writing, the series also boasts an absolutely powerhouse performance by Peter Capaldi as the fuming director of communications. [Tim Lowery]

This Time With Alan Patridge  
This Time with Alan Partridge: Trailer - BBC

Stars: Steve Coogan, Susannah Fielding, Felicity Montagu, Tim KeyOriginal network: BBC One (2019-2021) Number of seasons: 2 If there is any host best suited to present a current-affairs chat show post Me Too—that is, best suited for a parody; he’s the absolute worst suited person to do that type of show—it’d have to be Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge. Written by Coogan and brothers Neil and Rob Gibbons, who co-penned the hilarious webcam radio sendup Mid Morning Matters, among other Partridge projects, the series finds our guy finally back on the small screen, co-hosting the titular show with Susannah Fielding’s Jennie, who proves his perfect foil. Do you need to take in to enjoy this one? No. Although, honestly, you should. [Tim Lowery]

 
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