We’re only just entering the 2020s, but television and cinema haven’t stopped producing great and entertaining content to watch. From gripping dramas to light-hearted comedies, the UK has a long history of producing quality television programmes; this new decade is no exception. Known for their many great mini-series, a favorite among TV fans for their ability to tell compelling stories in about six episodes, they have captured audiences’ attention with their gripping storylines, exceptional acting and stunning visuals.
From shows created during the pandemic to bigger productions, we’ve got a little bit of everything so far. Comedy, drama, various formats and crime shows, you can certainly find hours to watch quality content from your own television. Let’s take a look at some of the great ones British miniseries from 2020 to now, and hope this list will grow a lot in the years to come.
10 Star-struck (2021)
Star struck is a sitcom that tells the story of Jessie, a young adult New Zealander living in London, working as a part-time nanny while dreaming of making it big as an actress. One night she meets Tom, a famous movie star, in a bar, and they hit it off. Despite their different backgrounds and Tom’s status, they strike up a whirlwind romance.
It is a great show where we see the main character having to deal with the questions and doubts of adult life, endure personal struggles including dealing with ex-boyfriends, family expectations and doubts about the desired career. With themes of love, fame and self-discovery, it’s a great watch if you’re into romantic comedies – and really great to see that as the main plot in a show.
9 The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021)
The Pembrokeshire Murders is a crime mini-series based on the true events of a series of murders that took place in the town of Pembrokeshire, Wales, in the 1980s and 1990s. The show follows the investigation led by the police to identify and capture the killer. Following the recent release of John Cooper (Keith Allen) from prison, who has served time for burglary and robbery, Detective Steve Wilkins (Luke Evans) suspects Cooper may be responsible for the string of unsolved murders from years earlier.
As the investigation progresses, Wilkins and his team work to collect crime scene evidence and interviews with witnesses and relatives of the victims. This show is doing what small town crime dramas do best, examining the impact on the community and people who may not be willing to cooperate, and at the top the lead detectives will have to balance their work and a complicated personal life.
8 Everything I Know About Love (2022)
Everything I know about love is a show based on the book of the same name by Dolly Alderton. It is only one season and the story is told in seven episodes. The comedy-drama adaptation follows the lives of two childhood best friends as they grow into adults. Maggie and Birdy move to London with some friends. During the episodes, we get to see a slice of their longtime friendship, how they go through good and bad relationships. The series aired with 94% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, with new people excited about the story and fans of the book happy with the adaptation.
7 The English (2022)
The English is a western miniseries written and directed by Hugo Blick. Set in an 1890s American landscape, the story follows Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), a newly arrived woman seeking revenge against the man she believes is responsible for her son’s death. Not much after her arrival, she meets Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), an ex-cavalry scout and member of the Pawnee Nation. Together they discover a shared history and a series of murders that will show them that things are not always what they seem.
Blunt is also the executive producer of the show and with six episodes, they manage to get some stunning visuals and great performances. A modern and fresh take on this genre not so common on our TVs these days.
6 The Essex Snake (2022)
With Claire Danes (Native country) and Tom Hiddleston (whom you may recognize as Marvel’s Loki), this AppleTV+ release tells the story of Cora Seaborne, a widow who moves to the Essex town to investigate reports of a ‘mythical snake’. They bond with the town’s local reverend, played by Hiddleston, and both begin a bond of scholarship and skepticism until tragedy strikes. Civilians accuse Cora of being responsible for luring the creature back. Based on Sarah Perry’s novel, The Essex snake challenges our beliefs and pits faith against science in an interesting drama series.
5 It’s a Sin (2021)
This mini-series was created by Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and was a success when it aired. It’s a sin tells the story of a group of friends who lived in London for ten years, from 1981 to 1991, and how their lives changed during the early years of the rise of AIDS in England. As they move into their new lives, they are forced to confront the devastating reality of the disease. Struggling with their own fears and prejudices, as well as the stigma and discrimination that come with being gay in a time of crisis, they are not afraid to live fiercely.
This emotional series will make you cry, laugh and fall in love with the characters. A must-see if you’re looking for a heartfelt portrait of the decade and how LGBT people struggled to get through it.
4 Deadwater Fell (2020)
Another great crime drama, Deadwater fell is a miniseries made for the fans of shows like Broadchurch (2013), where a crime takes place in a small town, and it changes the status quo. A family of five is killed in a tragic fire in the Scottish town of Kirkdarroch. What caused the fire? Was it arson or accidental? These are the questions a study will try to answer. The series begins with the immediate aftermath as the community tries to come to terms with the loss and focuses on two specific families: the Kendricks and the Campbells. David Tennant plays Tom Kendrick, a respected village doctor, husband to Kate and father of three young daughters. Eventually, the truth about the fire comes to light, but not without turning those people’s lives upside down.
3 I Can Destroy You (2020)
I can destroy you is an Emmy winner miniseries created and played by Michaela Coel. In 12 episodes we follow the story of Arabella, a young writer living in London who wakes up after a night out with friends and discovers that she has been sexually assaulted. Arabella’s journey is intercut with the stories of her friends Terry (Weruche Opia) and Kwame (Paapa Essiedu), who also struggle with their own experiences of sexual assault and the ways they negotiate their identities and relationships.
The series has been praised for its nuances and how it approaches such a complex theme. With brilliant writing and an amazing performance by Coel, it is thought provoking and will take audiences for a deep ride.
2 This Is Gonna Hurt (2022)
Created by Adam Kay, the same author of the book from which the show takes its name, This is going to hurt shows life as a junior doctor on the wards and the toll the job can take at home. This is a heartfelt drama, written according to the author’s life, with both funny and emotional moments. With seven episodes and Ben Whishaw in the role of Adam Kay, we get to know the lives of a group of doctors who work in an obstetrics and gynecology department in an NHS hospital and the consequences that working in such a stressful environment can have in their life. personal life. Like it Flea bag (2016) And House of Cards (2013)the show also uses the breaking of the fourth wall to allow characters to speak directly to the audience.
1 Normal People (2020)
Normal People was a great success. Featuring Oscar nominees Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Daisy Edgar-Jones (Flesh), the show, cast and crew have been nominated for numerous awards. This 12-episode drama series tells the story of two young people, Marianne and Connell, who have known each other since high school. Their complicated relationship extends to college. They come from very different backgrounds, develop a bond and begin a secret relationship.
At school, Connell was athletic and popular, while Marianne was an outcast and considered odd by other children. While in college, the dynamic changes, leaving them to now grapple with their identity, the expectations society places on them, and how their relationship stands in the midst of it all. This show is based on a novel of the same name by Sally Rooney.