As the world of television continues to evolve, British TV shows remain a staple in the global entertainment landscape. With their unique blend of wit, drama, and impeccable storytelling, British television has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. In 2023, there is an exciting lineup of British TV shows that are gaining popularity and are available to stream. Whether you're a fan of gripping crime dramas, historical epics, or quirky comedies, there's something for everyone. Here are 10 of the most popular British TV shows to stream in 2023.
1. Happy Valley Season 3
Happy Valley Season 3 is the final installment of the acclaimed BBC crime drama created by Sally Wainwright and starring Sarah Lancashire as Sergeant Catherine Cawood.
The six-episode series, which premiered on January 1, 2023, follows Catherine as she investigates a gangland murder that leads her back to her old enemy, Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton), who is still in prison. Meanwhile, Catherine's grandson Ryan (Rhys Connah), who is the son of Tommy and Catherine's late daughter Becky, is now 16 years old and faces a crucial decision about his relationship with his biological father.
The series also features Siobhan Finneran as Catherine's sister Clare, Amit Shah as Catherine's new colleague DS Sunil Khan, Mark Stanley as Ryan's teacher Daniel Cawood, and Mollie Winnard as Daniel's girlfriend Kelly Cross. Happy Valley Season 3 is a gripping and emotional conclusion to the story of Catherine Cawood and her family, as they confront their past and their future in the Calder Valley.
2. The Crown Season 6
The Crown Season 6 is the final installment of the Netflix drama series that chronicles the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The season is expected to cover the events from 1997 to the early 2000s, including the death of Princess Diana, the relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the premiership of Tony Blair.
The season is also the first one to be produced after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. The cast features Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, and many more. The season is set to be released by Netflix in late 2023.
3. Fleabag Season 2
Fleabag Season 2 is the second and final series of the British comedy-drama television show created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also stars as the title character. The series follows Fleabag, a free-spirited but troubled young woman in London, as she falls in love with a priest (Andrew Scott) and tries to mend her relationships with her sister Claire (Sian Clifford) and her father (Bill Paterson).
The series premiered on BBC One on 4 March 2019 and concluded on 8 April 2019. It received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and originality, and won six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress, and Outstanding Writing for Waller-Bridge. It also won two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Television Series and Best Actress for Waller-Bridge.
4. Killing Eve Season 4
Killing Eve season 4 is the final season of the critically acclaimed thriller series that follows the twisted relationship between a former MI6 agent and a psychopathic assassin. The season premiered on February 27, 2022, with two episodes airing back-to-back on BBC America and AMC. The season promises to reveal the identity of The Twelve, the mysterious organization that employs Villanelle, the charismatic killer played by Jodie Comer. Sandra Oh stars as Eve Polastri, the spy who becomes obsessed with Villanelle and vice versa.
The season will also explore the consequences of their actions in the previous seasons, as well as their possible future together. Killing Eve season 4 has eight episodes, each with a catchy title such as "Just Dunk Me," "Don't Get Eaten" and "Hello, Losers." The season finale will air on April 10, 2022, marking the end of one of the most original and addictive shows on television.
5. Derry Girls Season 3
Derry Girls Season 3 is the third and final series of the British teen sitcom created and written by Lisa McGee. It follows the lives of five teenagers living in Derry, Northern Ireland, during the final years of the Troubles in the 1990s.
The series premiered on Channel 4 in April 2022 and concluded with a special extended episode titled "The Agreement" in May 2022. The series features popular music of the era, archival footage of political events, and a surprise cameo from a famous actor. Derry Girls Season 3 is available to stream on Netflix from October 2022.
6. Heartstopper Season 2
Heartstopper Season 2 is the second season of the Netflix adaptation of the popular webcomic by Alice Oseman. The show follows the lives and love stories of Nick and Charlie, two British teenagers who meet at an all-boys school. The first season ended with Nick coming out to his friends and family, and Charlie dealing with his past trauma.
The second season will explore their relationship as they face new challenges, such as homophobia, mental health issues, and the pressures of growing up. Fans can expect more heartwarming moments, as well as some drama and angst, as the show stays faithful to the original comic. Heartstopper Season 2 is set to premiere in early 2024 and will consist of eight episodes, each about 30 minutes long.
7. Dreaming Whilst Black
Dreaming Whilst Black is a British comedy-drama television series that follows the life of Kwabena, a young black filmmaker who struggles to balance his personal and professional aspirations in London.
The show is based on the web series of the same name created by Adjani Salmon, who also stars as Kwabena. The show explores themes such as racism, representation, identity, and creativity in the film industry and beyond. The show premiered on BBC Three in September 2021 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
8. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a Netflix original series that serves as a prequel to the popular historical romance drama Bridgerton. The series, created by Shonda Rhimes, follows the life of Queen Charlotte, who was married to King George III of England in the 18th century.
The series explores the challenges and joys of their marriage, as well as the impact of the king's mental illness on their relationship and the royal family. The series also features characters from Bridgerton, such as Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, and reveals their backstory and connection to the queen.
The series stars India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest as the young Queen Charlotte and King George, and Golda Rosheuvel and Adjoa Andoh as their older counterparts. The series also features Michelle Fairley, Ruth Gemmell, Sam Clemmett, Freddie Dennis, Hugh Sachs, and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
9. Sex Education Season 4
Sex Education Season 4 is the last installment of the popular Netflix series that follows the lives and loves of a group of British teenagers. The final season takes the Moordale Secondary students to Cavendish Sixth Form College, a progressive and diverse school where they meet new friends, rivals, and challenges.
Otis and Maeve try to make their long-distance relationship work, while Eric faces his identity crisis after breaking up with Adam. Jean struggles to balance motherhood and her career, and the Groff family deals with the aftermath of Michael's affair. Sex Education Season 4 explores themes of sexuality, identity, friendship, and family, with humor, heart, and honesty.
10. Black Mirror Season 6
Black Mirror is a dystopian sci-fi anthology series that explores the dark and twisted consequences of technology on human society. Each episode tells a standalone story with a different cast, setting, and genre, but they all share a common theme of exposing the flaws, fears, and fantasies of modern life. Season 6 of Black Mirror, which premiered on Netflix on June 15, 2023, features six new episodes that challenge the viewers' expectations and reinvent the show's format. Here are the titles and summaries of each episode:
Joan Is Awful: A woman finds out that her mundane life has been turned into a hit drama series starring Salma Hayek, who plays a fictionalized version of her.
Loch Henry: A couple filming a wildlife documentary in Scotland stumbles upon a sinister secret that links the town's history to a mysterious creature in the lake.
Beyond the Sea: In an alternate 1969, two astronauts on a perilous space mission face a personal tragedy and a cosmic mystery that could change the course of history.
Mazey Day: A troubled Hollywood actress tries to escape from the relentless paparazzi and cope with the guilt of a fatal accident that she caused.
Demon 79: A timid saleswoman discovers that she has to commit horrific acts to prevent a looming disaster in 1979 England.
More Details: A meta-episode that reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets of how Black Mirror is made, featuring interviews with the creators, cast, and crew.
Conclusion
British TV continues to produce some of the most compelling and beloved shows in the world. In 2023, these ten series offer a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, crime thrillers, or quirky comedies, these popular British TV shows are a testament to the enduring quality of British television and are well worth streaming in 2023.
Watch more video: Top 10 Popular British TV Shows of 2022