The British TV industry has a history of creating extremely high caliber and complicated TV shows, and 2022 was no exception. British television has developed into one of the most intriguing segments of both UK broadcasting and global television in general.
A staggering and astounding number of episodes kept us interested, enthralled, and on the edge of our seats, from coming-of-age dramas like Heartstopper to thrillers like The Responder, and returning series like The Crown and Bridgerton. Here are the top 15 British TV series of 2022 without further ado.
Am I Being Unreasonable
The comedy-thriller Am I Being Unreasonable has a female lead cast, with Daisy May Cooper as Nic and Selin Hizli as Jen. The narrative follows Nic and Daisy as they navigate their love while coping with the difficulties of life. Nic is a mother who experiences a tragic loss that she can’t talk about with anyone. In addition, her marriage is having difficulties, and her kid Ollie (played by Lenny Rush) is her world.
We didn’t know we needed a dynamic pair like Cooper and Hizli. In Am I Being Unreasonable, the significance of female friendships is highlighted, and we can’t help but laugh along with them as they deal with everyday issues like life, parenthood, and marriage.
Bridgerton
With its sensual scenes, drama, and hint of mystery, Season One of Bridgerton was an almost perfect translation of Julia Quinn’s best-selling novel of the same name. We were quite excited to see what season two would bring after season one’s enormous success. In the second season of Bridgerton, Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey) becomes the main character as he is tasked with finding the perfect spouse. But Anthony wants to get married out of obligation, not love. Anthony struggles to find the ideal bride since he finds the candidates he is provided with boring. Calling the Sharma sisters.
The youngest Sharma sister, Edwina (played by Charithra Chandran), appears to be the ideal bride for Anthony at last. He is nevertheless captivated by her older sister Kate. The ideal love-hate dynamic between Anthony and Kate hides their boiling desire for one another. Sydney Dynevor made a comeback as Daphne Bridgerton, who was trying to find her place in the world as a Duchess. Bridgerton’s second season may not have been quite as spicy as the first, but it still managed to offer the drama and romance the show is known for.
Chloe
British television in 2022 did not fall short when it came to drama-filled thrillers with surprising story twists. Alice Seabright is the author of the six-part psychological suspense series Chloe. Erin Doherty plays the lonely Becky Green, who is trying to figure out why her estranged childhood friend Chloe murdered herself. Becky assumes a new identity as Sasha and infiltrates Chloe’s buddy group in order to learn why this woman, who appeared to have the ideal existence, took her own life.
She befriends Chloe’s former best friend Livia (Peter Bennet-Warner) in order to gain access to her life. When she starts dating Chloe’s ex-husband Elliot (played by Billy Howle) and learns some disturbing details regarding Elliot and Chloe’s marriage, her life becomes even more tangled. As the show goes on, Becky learns that Chloe’s life is more complicated than her flawless Instagram image suggests. The way Becky and Chloe are portrayed by Erin Doherty is charming. There are some unsolved issues regarding Becky even if the main mystery in Chloe is satisfactorily resolved.
Conversations with Friends
You will surely experience an emotional rollercoaster during conversations with friends. The 12-part television series is based on Sally Rooney’s same-titled New York Times Best Seller. It focuses on the lives of two slam poetry college students as they attempt to break into the Dublin literary scene: Frances (played by Alice Oliver) and Bobbi (played by Sasha Lane). They make friends with Nick (played by Joe Alwyn) and Melissa (played by Jemima Kirke) after meeting them. But it quickly becomes apparent that Melissa likes Frances better than Bobbi. Frances and Nick begin a friendship that develops into a sensual relationship. A wonderful depiction of Frances and Bobbi’s relationship troubles, Conversations with Friends is an elegy.
The ensemble of the show puts on magnificent and heartbreaking performances as it follows Bobbi and Frances as they find comfort in their chats and learn to deal with the highs and lows of life, love, and friendship. If you want to see a series that explores the nuances of interpersonal relationships and how friendship may be therapeutic, consider Conversations with Friends.
Everything I Know About Love
Dolly Alderton, a British author and journalist, has adapted her memoir Everything I Know About Love into a seven-part television series. The show follows Maggie (Emma Appleton), her pals and flatmates Birdy (Bel Powley), Amara (Aliyah Odoffin), and Nell (Marli Siu), as they make their way into adulthood. The anecdotes of Alderton’s life, from negotiating London’s dating scene and experiencing heartbreak to learning to accept her flaws, are hilarious and occasionally poignant.
As Maggie thinks back on her own experiences, it is an open account of the difficulties of being a woman in the current world. The show reflects everything from the benefits of female friendship to the problems of the London dating scene, and it is full of wisdom and fun.
Heartstopper
A romantic coming-of-age tale is the best entertainment on television. An Alice Oseman web series with the same name served as the inspiration for the British LGBTQ+ program Heartstopper. The plot centers on two adolescent guys named Charlie (played by Joe Locke) and Nick (played by Kit Connor), who must deal with the difficulties of maturation, love, and a society that doesn’t always accept their sexuality. Charlie and Nick are diametrically opposed. Nick is popular and athletic, whereas Charlie is kind-hearted and outwardly gay.
They become friends and eventually fall in love as the story of the show progresses. The Heartstopper cast performs brilliantly. They make us remember what it was like to be a teenager and are funny and sympathetic. Check out Heartstopper if you enjoyed episodes like Sex Education and Love, Simon.
His Dark Materials
The Philip Pullman trilogy of novels of the same name serves as the inspiration for the sweeping fantasy adventure television series His Dark Materials. The program centers on Will Parry and Lyra Belacqua, an orphan living in a parallel dimension who discovers a potent secret. Lyra Belacqua is portrayed by Daphne Keen. They discover a dark scheme along the way involving the enigmatic substance Dust and a strong organization called the Magisterium.
We pick up right where we left off in season three of His Dark Materials, which is based on the third book, The Amber Spyglass. Lyra has been kidnapped by Mrs. Coulter in order to bring her back to “protection” in their planet after Lord Asriel requested the assistance of the angels in his war efforts. Now that Lyra needs to be saved from her mother, Will is looking for her. The third season of His Dark Materials is the ideal way to wrap out a beloved series.
Peaky Blinders
In 2022, the sixth and final season of the eagerly awaited Peaky Blinders was broadcast. Peaky Blinders returned in February 2022 after a pandemic-related production hiatus, and we finally got to satisfy our curiosity about what happened after the season five cliffhanger. The late 19th and early 20th centuries are shown in the crime drama Peaky Blinders, which is set in Birmingham, England.
The Shelby crime family’s lives in post-World War I Britain are followed. The plot follows the Shelbys as they attempt to amass fortune and power while up against resistance from the authorities, other gangs, and other criminal organizations. Paul Anderson, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Sam Claflin are among the cast members that are well-known. Stephen Graham, Conrad Khan, and Amber Anderson are newcomers. Although we are disappointed that Peaky Blinders won’t be returning for a seventh season, season six was the ideal conclusion to this fantastic series.
The Crown
Talking about British TV programs would be incomplete without including The Crown. After a two-year wait, The Crown finally came out to the delight of its devoted fan base. The fifth season of The Crown centers on Prince Charles’ (Dominic West) and Princess Diana’s tumultuous 1990s life, including their struggles with their marriage, the media, and the royal family.
The Crown has received its fair share of complaints and debate. The show received criticism for its choice of actors and the absence of a disclaimer stating that it is a fictitious representation of the royal family. Who doesn’t enjoy royal family drama? The Crown is one of the best dramas from the UK, despite the controversy it encountered. The cast of The Crown delivers performances deserving of awards, and Imelda Staunton is enthralling as Queen Elizabeth II.
The Devil’s Hour
Tom Moran’s thriller The Devil’s Hour depicts the life of Lucy, a child protection service worker, who is portrayed by Jessica Raine. Every night at 3:33 AM, the devil’s hour, Lucy experiences horrifying nightmares that cause her to wake up. In addition, Lucy must deal with her schizophrenic mother and her slightly odd and emotionally distant son Isacc (played by Benjamin Chiver).
The narrative follows her as she becomes involved in a cold-case homicide. She believes Gideon, the murderer, from visions she has seen. Lucy works with Detective Ravi Dhillon (played by Nikesh Patel) to use her paranormal abilities to help crack the case. You’ll be interested in The Devil’s Hour’s outstanding blend of mystery, thriller, and drama as you wonder whether Lucy will be successful in assisting in the capture of Gideon. You’ll be pleased to know that The Devil’s Hour has been renewed for seasons two and three if you enjoy thrillers.
The English
The English is arguably the best British television program of 2022 and one of the most well-received. Hugo Blick is the writer and director of this western TV show. The television show centers on Lady Cornelia Locke, a British aristocrat (played by Emily Blunt), who relocates to Hyoxim, Wyoming in 1890 in search of the man she thinks is to blame for the death of her son.
Eli Whipp, a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, who is portrayed by Chaske Spencer, crosses her path, and they learn that they have a common past. The English’s cast is captivating, which is to be expected when the excellent Emily Blunt is at the helm. The English is the ideal show to watch if you miss watching a nice western TV program.
British television had a great year in 2022, with a wide variety of amusing and thought-provoking programs. We eagerly anticipate what 2023 will bring.
The Essex Serpent
One of the best miniseries of 2022 was The Essex Serpent, which was also among the top shows on British television. It is based on Sarah Perry’s best-selling work of gothic fiction of the same name. The Cora Seaborne character in the series, played by Claire Danes, moves to the Essex, England, village of Aldwinter after recently losing her husband. The series is set in 1893. She is adamant about looking into local legends regarding the alleged reappearance of the legendary Essex Serpent in the marshes.
In addition to her challenges and her developing connection with the local vicar, Will Ransome, Cora also has to deal with the prejudices of the community. The Essex Serpent is a worthwhile viewing because to its all-star ensemble, which vividly interprets the book.
The Lazarus Project
Joe Barton is the author of the astounding sci-fi thriller The Lazarus Project. The story follows George (played by Paapa Essiedu), a man with a genetic mutation that gives him the ability to shift time, as he is thrust into a reality that is completely different from the one he is familiar with. In The Lazarus Project, George awakens one morning and discovers that he is reliving a day from his history, but some significant events, such as his marriage to Sarah (played by Charly Clive) and his professional achievement, are absent.
The Lazarus Project, an organization run by Wes (Caroline Quentin), can turn back time whenever the Earth is in danger of extinction. Archie (played by Anjli Mohindra) then contacts George and is accepted into the group. As you watch George battle with the idea that he cannot go back in time to save his wife, The Lazarus Project will transport you to a maelstrom of action and drama.
The Responder
There are many police dramas to select from, but The Responder offers a distinctive viewpoint on contemporary policing. Martin Freeman, Adelayo Adebayo, Ian Hart, and MyAnna Buring star in Tony Schumacher’s British police drama series The Responder, which he also created. Chris, a Liverpool urgent response police officer, experiences difficulties in both his professional and personal life as the story follows him.
He is partnered with rookie Rachel (played by Adelayo Adebayo), and despite their initial reluctance, they both come to the realization that their ability to support or undermine one another will determine whether they are successful in the competitive world of nocturnal crime. The cast of The Responder does a fantastic job of bringing Tony Schumacher’s concepts to life, making it one of the best police and detective dramas on British television right now.
This Is Going to Hurt
Based on the autobiographical comedy-drama series This is Going to Hurt by Dr. Adam Kay The miniseries tracks his development as a junior doctor and the various difficulties he encounters, such as the long hours, challenging patients, and NHS bureaucracy. This is Going to Hurt is a “love letter to the NHS,” according to Dr. Adam Kay. Adam is exposed to a world of suffering, joy, and challenging moral quandaries as a junior doctor.
He has to deal with the harsh reality of a line of work that frequently requires him to take on responsibility for the lives of his patients and make difficult decisions. He gains an understanding of the humanity and comedy that can be found in even the most hopeless situations along the way. This is Going To Hurt has been compared to a British adaptation of the current American hit The Bear because to its outstanding cast, excellent performances, and perfect amount of humor.
