12 Unsung British Films There is never a lack of entertaining television to watch, especially with the availability of programming from various nations. There are so many options available that items frequently go unnoticed and are not given the attention they merit, especially when it comes to television programmes, which release considerably more frequently.
February 2023 update: This article has been modified by Wishka Tilakaratne to add new information and entries to keep it current.
The BBC is renowned for its extensive selection of television programmes, which range from the bizarre science fiction series Doctor Who to compelling dramas like Peaky Blinders. There is genuinely something to appreciate for everyone when it comes to British television. But because there are so many choices, not all of them receive the appreciation and attention audiences should give them. Here are a few British television programmes that everyone should watch.
Bodyguard
Police Sergeant David Budd, a Scottish Afghanistan War veteran with PTSD, is replaced by Richard Madden in the film. In the series, Budd struggles with his identity as he must decide where his allegiances lie while trying to deal with his past traumas. Budd’s position unfortunately forces him to watch over Rt. Hon. Julia Montague MP (Keeley Hawes). This psychological thriller explores crucial subjects like immigration, terrorism, and the influence of politicians in great detail. Bodyguard closes with certain unresolved issues, which prompts the audience to become more aware of their surroundings.
Broadchurch
If Olivia Coleman and David Tennant’s presence isn’t enough to persuade you, perhaps the fact that this programme had three hugely successful seasons will. An eleven-year-old child is murdered at the beginning of the crime thriller Broadchurch. The narrative then follows Hardy and Miller, two detectives, as they work to solve the case. The ability of the series to focus on significant subjects like community, judicial system, and family ties allows viewers to relate to the complaints even though this sounds like any ordinary murder-mystery. The series is highly engaging because to the additional benefit of outstanding aesthetics. In series two, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
also makes an appearance.
Chewing Gum
This is unquestionably a hidden gem; it was written by Michaela Coel and is based on her play Chewing Gum Dreams from 2012. The series centres on virgin 24-year-old Tracey Gordon, who comes from a traditional household. She is anxious to learn more about the idea of sex, yet she is frequently undecided and confused. Tracey frequently finds herself in the most awkward situations, such as attempting to “seduce” her impulsive flings and being expelled from her family home. The embarrassing things Tracey tries to pull off ultimately cause the viewers to feel embarrassed in the background. Undoubtedly, that is an entertaining show.
Crashing
A comedy series created and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge is frequently overlooked in favour of her other show, Fleabag, despite being full of nonstop humour and touching moments. Lulu, the star of the television series Crashing, visits Anthony, her old childhood best friend, as a surprise. She ultimately decides to stay with him, his fiancée, and several of their other pals who rent-free at an ex-hospital as Property Guardians. The show delivers on the promise of weirdness made by the unusual setting in spades. The characters in this series go through a lot as they deal with the difficulties of everyday life as well as with one another and their own identities, and there are lots of funny moments, awkward times, upsetting and infuriating moments, and chaotic moments. Despite the fact that this programme is a comedy through and through, it has some incredibly sincere moments and explores how people interact and treat one another.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
This funny and endearing TV show, which is a loose version of a Douglas Adams book, was regrettably cancelled after just two seasons because it didn’t receive nearly as much attention as it ought to have. In the series, Todd, a hotel clerk who feels like his life has taken a turn for the worse, meets Dirk Gently, a self-described holistic detective who always seems to be in the right place at the right time (even though that often means some danger and havoc is involved). Todd is dragged along while Dirk investigates a bizarre murder with the help of his reluctance. As they delve more into the enigma, stranger things start to happen, and Todd soon discovers that Dirk is not the only “holistic” person with extraordinary talents. In addition to mystery and adventure, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency features a wide range of fascinating characters and intertwining plot lines. Everyone who like a wacky adventure should watch the show since it is excellent and the cast is incredibly talented.
Friday Night Dinner
A middle class British Jewish family is the focus of Friday Night Dinner, another comedy that will have you rolling with laughter. Every time the Goodman family tries to have a nice Shabbat dinner, it degenerates into turmoil. There is never a “pleasant family supper” at the Goodmans due to the brothers pulling practical jokes on one another, unusual family members, or unexpected visitors. The presence of well-known comedy actors like Tamsin Greig and Paul Ritter is unquestionably a big factor in why the audience adores the show.
Ghosts
This charming sitcom follows Alison and Mike as they settle into a stunning estate that Alison unexpectedly inherited. They were going to convert it into a B&B because they were short on cash. However, Alison is pushed out of the window by a ghost and, as a result of her near-death experience, she can now see the diverse mix of spirits who consider the mansion to be their home and want it to stay that way. This ghostly series features a quirky cast that keeps the show light and interesting, including a caveman, several generations of aristocrats, a crooked politician, and more. Ghosts has been renewed for a second season, which promises even more antics for both the show’s devoted followers and any potential new viewers.
I, Claudius
I, Claudius, a film with an 8.9/10 rating on IMDb, is a hidden gem. The early Roman Empire, from 24 BC to AD 54, is the centre of this 1976 BBC adaptation of Robert Graves’ 1934 novel and its sequel. Derek Jacobi assumes the character of Claudius and tells the tale from his point of view. This drama series is still one of the best because of its all-star ensemble and dramatic retelling of a major historical period. I, Claudius is a literature-rich TV series because of its strong narrative focus and endeavour to include and recreate significant events from the Roman Empire.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
The amazing and imaginative limited series Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is another option. This television show is based on a book written by Susanna Clarke, a writer who is well-liked by both moviemakers and viewers. The titular Strange and Norrell, who are both magicians in Victorian England where magic has largely disappeared, serve as the show’s central characters. An ancient prophecy that predicts the return of a dark sorcerer known as The Raven King has interwoven their stories. This television show has it all, from an endearing array of people to romance to spellbinding magic sequences. The talented ensemble captivates you with their performances as they transport you into this exquisitely crafted universe for an amazing tale of rivalry and friendship, good and evil, and the ways in which fate can sometimes be inexorable. The author Susanna Clarke and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell deserve more recognition, but anyone willing to give this series a try won’t be let down. TV Programs Deserving of Your Attention
Merlin
Many Anglophiles and fantasy enthusiasts will recall the beloved television programme Merlin, which was cancelled in 2012 after a long run.Merlin is followed throughout the book as he makes his way to Camelot to be with Gaius, an old friend of his mother who will look out for him as a magic user in a place where it is illegal. Their humorous and endearing friendship begins when Merlin unintentionally becomes enmeshed in the life of Prince Arthur and takes on the role of his servant. In order to protect Arthur and assist him in achieving his destiny as the legitimate ruler of Camelot, Merlin must use cunning and covert methods of magic use in order to avoid being killed. Together with charm and humour, this show features a lot of action and adventure. It flawlessly integrates every aspect of the narrative to produce a superb interpretation of the classic Arthurian epic.
The IT Crowd
Peak British humour explodes when Katherine Parkinson plays Jen, Chris O’Dowd plays Roy, and Richard Ayoade plays Moss in The IT Crowd. The three characters’ efforts to bridge their own “gaps” are the main theme of the television show. By playing the interview to her advantage, Jen ends up taking over as the organization’s leader of the IT division. She is shown to be completely uninformed about all things technological, though. Roy and Moss, on the other hand, are two geeks who struggle with social interaction. Together, these three produce a chaotic dynamic that draws spectators into a humorous adventure.
Wolf Hall
The two novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel were adapted for this 2015 miniseries. Instead of focusing on Henry VIII, Mark Rylance’s portrayal of Thomas Cromwell from history is featured in this political thriller. Cromwell, who rose from being a blacksmith’s son to become one of Henry VIII’s most dependable agents, was important to British history. In a word, the series centres on Cromwell, who is “a quintessential 21st-century TV antihero 500 years before his time: simultaneously cruel and thoughtful, deceitful yet devoted.” Thus, Wolf Hall is a British television series that examines a historical era and reveals one of its underappreciated but significant personalities.
