BritBox is a niche platform that offers a generous library of British TV series, from worldwide hits like Line of Duty to underrated gems like Black Books.
Even better, the service offers a 7-day free trial, so you can sign up and consume a whole lot of content for an entire week, no strings attached. But once your account is up and running, what should you watch first? We suggest kicking off your binge with one of the highly acclaimed titles listed below.
For our best show and movie recommendations we look at a combination of titles' IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes scores (where available), what's popular on the service's app and the expert and critical opinion of our writers, who have over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
1. Stonehouse
Disgraced Labour politician John Stonehouse vanished from the beach of a large luxury hotel in Florida in November 1974, leaving a neatly folded pile of clothes as he swam into the sea, intent on faking his own death.
Inspired by true events, Stonehouse is a captivating limited series. Matthew Macfadyen offers a dedicated performance and the story is just as outrageous as you'd expect.
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1 seasons
2. A Spy Among Friends
Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce star in this espionage thriller that follows the gripping true story behind the defection of the most notorious British intelligence officer and KGB double agent in history.
A Spy Among Friends is the kind of thriller series brimming with character drama. A slow burn, it never fails to keep you engaged.
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1 seasons
3. The Cleaner
It’s the cops’ job to clean up the city, but it’s Wicky’s job to clean up the crime scenes. BAFTA winner Greg Davies writes and stars in a truly arresting comedy.
Sharp and entertaining, dark comedy The Cleaner is bloody, grim and oddly comforting TV.
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2 seasons
4. Broadchurch
The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.
A slowly unfolding mystery with brilliant acting, Broadchurch will keep you glued to the screen.
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3 seasons3 seasons3 seasons3 seasons3 seasons
5. Line of Duty
Set in the fictional police anti-corruption unit AC-12, Line of Duty is a cat-and-mouse thriller that takes a probing look into modern policing and corruption.
British crime drama Line of Duty has been all the rage in recent years and it's easy to see why. The writing is fantastic, the acting stellar and the storylines are intriguing enough to keep you coming back for more. Repeat viewings aren't out of the question.
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6 seasons5 seasons5 seasons1 seasons6 seasons
6. Karen Pirie
Prompted by a provocative true crime podcast, DS Karen Pirie reopens a cold case involving the brutal murder of a teenager in St Andrews, fiercely determined to unearth the truth.
Sink your teeth into this crime series featuring a protagonist you'll be cheering on in no time. Trying to figure out whodunnit is only half the fun. Getting to know Pirie is equally enthralling.
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1 seasons
7. Black Books
Welcome to England's most "charming" bookshop. Never before have the darkest nooks of human misery been this funny.
The core trio of characters makes Black Books an hilarious comedy, from misanthropic owner Bernard to eternally optimistic assistant Manny and their realistic friend Fran. Genuine LOLs are guaranteed each episode.
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3 seasons
8. The Tower
After a long-serving cop and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a London tower block, detective Sarah Collins investigates the dark heart of policing.
The Tower is another quality British crime drama. If you love Line of Duty, you're sure to love this.
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2 seasons
9. Irvine Welsh's Crime
From the creator of Trainspotting comes this highly anticipated detective drama. When a local girl goes missing, troubled DI Ray Lennox investigates her disappearance while he battles inner demons.
Crime is a fresh kind of police drama where you'll be on the edge of your seat throughout.
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2 seasons
10. The Curse (2022)
Based in East London in the early 1980s, a gang of hopeless small-time crooks, through their own stupidity and poor judgement, find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest gold heists in history.
In the mood for a fun period comedy? You can't go wrong with The Curse.
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1 seasons2 seasons
11. The Pembrokeshire Murders
The show is about the extraordinary true-to-life pursuit of the most notorious serial killer in Welsh history, from the makers of Line of Duty.
The Pembrokeshire Murders is well-crafted and compelling. Whether or not you're familiar with the real-life events that inspired it, there's plenty here to love in this haunting series.
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1 seasons
12. All Creatures Great and Small
A remake of the 1978 series, All Creatures Great and Small follows the heartwarming and humorous adventures of a young country vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s.
Older viewers will fondly remember the version of All Creatures Great and Small from the 1970s and 80s. This remake also has a picturesque setting and heart to spare. Prepare to be mesmerised.
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4 seasons3 seasons
13. Stath Lets Flats
Stath is an ambitious lettings agent. The trouble is, he’s absolutely rubbish at letting flats.
Stath Lets Flats is written by and stars Jamie Demetriou, who you've probably seen pop up in multiple TV shows and movies before. But here he shines, delivering a hilarious comedy series on his own. Plus the stellar supporting cast have since gone on to star in major shows such as Ghosts, What We Do in the Shadows and Ted Lasso, among others.
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3 seasons
14. Unforgotten
London detectives investigate crimes from the past, unravelling secrets left buried for years.
Unforgotten is compulsively watchable thanks to its top-tier acting. This crime series makes for a rewarding binge.
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5 seasons5 seasons4 seasons4 seasons
15. Call the Midwife
A moving and intimate insight into the colourful world of midwifery and family life in 1950s East London.
Call the Midwife makes for a comforting and satisfying binge. The show not only depicts the day-to-day lives of the midwives but also how historical events impact their lives. The kindness of these characters will warm your heart.
Ross Poldark returns to England after fighting in the American Revolution. His family and friends thought he was dead. The woman he hoped to marry is now engaged to his cousin. His father has died and the property he inherited has deteriorated. Poldark faces the challenge of making his land productive, caring for the tenants who rely on him and trying to win back the woman he loved.
Based on the novels of the same title by Winston Graham, Poldark is an outstanding historical drama.
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5 seasons
17. Vera
A sharp detective with a messy life, DCI Vera Stanhope patrols her “patch” of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping and blackmail. Stanhope is obsessive about her work and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage.
Vera greatly benefits from having the charming Brenda Blethyn as the lead. Once you tune in, you'll find yourself completely immersed in Vera's world in no time.
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7 seasons11 seasons3 seasons
18. Midsomer Murders
The peacefulness of the Midsomer community is shattered by violent crimes, suspects are placed under suspicion and it is up to a veteran DCI and his young sergeant to calmly and diligently eliminate the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.
Just one watch will show you why Midsomer Murders is an iconic crime drama and has lasted so long. To call it relaxing would be an understatement.
Life After Life is the mesmerising story of Ursula Todd, who dies and is reborn over and over while navigating the momentous events of the 20th century, through 2 world wars, the Spanish flu and an encounter with Hitler.
Beautiful and absorbing, Life After Life will stay with you for a long time.
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1 seasons
20. Last Tango in Halifax
Widowed childhood sweethearts reunite after 60 years in this heart-warming BAFTA-winning comedy-drama about second chances from the creator of Happy Valley.
Sweet and well-written, Last Tango in Halifax is the kind of show you should binge at the end of a difficult week. It will put a smile on your face in no time.
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5 seasons
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Stream British TV including Line of Duty, Luther and Poldark. Monthly or annual subscriptions available.
Mark Neilsen is a writer at Finder, specialising in streaming and broadband. He knows what you want to watch, how you can watch it and find you the cheapest way to watch it. He has over 20 years' experience in entertainment media, having worked for street bible The Drum Media as well as The Music's magazine and website. His articles have also appeared in Inpress, Beat, Time Off, Rave and more. While at Finder, Mark’s expertise has also been featured in Yahoo Finance, The New Daily, Ad News, Tech Guide and news.com.au. In his time at Finder he has done over 300 articles on streaming and broadband. In his time away from Finder he is trying to get through the watchlists of the 11 streaming services he is currently subscribed to.
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