5 Great British TV Series to stream on Netflix
Carolina
Argentinian Carolina has an extensive movie background in the cinematic universe. She is our resident TV analyst and a seasoned expert in global streaming platforms. She showcases her comprehensive knowledge through her love for Netflix 'Originals', Frozen, The Good Place, and The Dragon Prince.
We often think Netflix has it all, we then search for our favourite TV show or movie only to find it’s not available.
Disappointing, right?
But the truth is Netflix has almost everything but scattered around the globe through the different libraries in different regions. Not every country has access to the same content.
So, if you like British TV shows, but you don’t live in the UK, you’re missing several shows that are only available on the Netflix UK library.
In this article I will not only show you the five very best British TV shows on Netflix but also how to access every one of them in your country.
How to access to Netflix UK
Before we delve into the top 5 picks, let’s see how we can get about accessing them.
Since Netflix automatically detects your region by your IP address and display the library according to your country, you’ll need the help of an additional app.
To do this, you’ll need a VPN, which allows you to hide your actual location by another of your choice.
There are a lot of VPN services on the market. Still, my recommendation is ExpressVPN because it has the best connection speed, it’s effortless to configure and use, and they provide a 30-day money back guarantee so you can test the service completely risk-free!
You can also try NordVPN and Surfshark. Two great options with pretty similar features and fees. It’s up to you!
30-day money back guarantee
Step by Step
Configuring a VPN is very easy. By following these steps, you’ll have everything set and watching Netflix UK in a few minutes!
Step 1
Go to ExpressVPN website and choose the plan you prefer. My recommendation if you have the money is selecting the yearly package because you end saving a lot in comparison with the monthly fee.
Step 2
Start the account creation process by choosing a username and entering your email address.
Then complete the sign up process.
Step 3
Now you’ve got an account you can download their app from the “Products” section of their website or search your app store for ‘ExpressVPN’.
Step 4
Log in with the credentials you created in step 2.
Step 5
With the app installed and already logged into your account, go to VPN locations and search for the “United Kingdom“, choose one location from the list, double click and you’ll be connected.
Unlock UK Netflix using ExpressVPN.
Now you can watch Netflix UK as if you were living in the UK!
Now let’s find out which five series you should be considering binging right now.
1. Doctor Who
(2005) (Adventure, Drama, Family)
Doctor Who is perhaps one of the most emblematic British TV series. It’s a sci-fi classic that has survived for more than 50 years, and it’s still fresh.
On Netflix UK, you can find the ten seasons from the Revived Era. The last two seasons with Jodie Whittaker haven’t arrived yet.
The series follows the adventures of the Doctor who happens to be a rogue Time Lord from an alien race. Equipped with a TARDIS, a time travel machine, the Doctor can appear in different times and places seeking historical events and protecting Earth from evil forces.
2. The Office
(2001) (Comedy, Drama)
The Office is the original British series which was the inspiration for the American sitcom of the same name.
Created, written, and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the series is a mockumentary sitcom following the daily lives of office employees in the Slough branch of the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company.
Ricky Gervais also plays the main character, David Brent, the general manager of the office. The cast is completed by Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, and Lucy Davis among others. Both seasons are available on Netflix UK.
3. Life on Mars
(2006) (Crime, Drama, Mystery)
Sam Tyler (John Simm) is a policeman belonging to the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who after being hit by a car in an accident in 2006 wakes up in 1973.
Now, living in a different time than his own, he’s a Detective Inspector part of the Criminal Investigation Department at the same time he’s trying to solve the mystery of his situation.
4. Top of the Lake
(2013) (Crime, Drama, Mystery)
Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) investigates the mysterious disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant girl in New Zealand.
The second season, Top of the Lake: China Girl, is set 5 years later than the first season and deals with the death of an unidentified Asian girl found at Bondi Beach.
The series was created and written by Jane Campion (The Piano), a New Zealand screenwriter, director, and producer famous for being one of the few women nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.
The supporting cast is also completed by Holly Hunter, Gwendoline Christie, and Nicole Kidman.
5. Wallander
(2008) (Crime, Mystery, Drama)
Adapted from the novel series about detective Kurt Wallander by Swedish novelist Henning Mankell, this British series is starred by Kenneth Branagh in the role of the famous detective.
This British redemption is the first one bringing the Swedish series to the English language.
All the four seasons are available on Netflix UK.
Summary
Netflix has it all but scattered around the many libraries around the world. If you keep using your account only in your region, you’ll be missing a lot of great and exciting series and movies that are available in other countries.
These five great British TV shows are proof of this because you can only find them on Netflix UK.
But with the help of a VPN like ExpressVPN, you can solve this issue and access Netflix UK or any other region to enjoy many TV shows and movies as you want.
Your regular Netflix account works in any country, so you’ll only need the VPN. Sign up, download the app, connect to the UK and enjoy streaming some great British small screen TV whatever country you’re in.
