If you’re in the mood for some top-notch storytelling, BBC iPlayer is your best bet! Packed with everything from thrilling mysteries to heartwarming dramas, this platform brings the best of British TV right to your screen.
Our guide to the 20 best BBC iPlayer dramas will help you pick your next binge-watch favorite, whether you’re into gritty crime thrillers, epic romances, or historical adventures. Immerse yourself into these captivating stories that keep viewers around the world glued to their screens.
Top 20 Shows to Watch on BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer has a wide range of top movies and shows for everyone to enjoy. From exciting new series to classic favorites, there’s always something interesting to watch on this platform. Explore our curated list of the top 20 shows to watch on BBC iPlayer right now.
Line of Duty
Line of Duty follows a dedicated police unit known as AC-12, tasked with rooting out corruption within the police force itself. Each season introduces a new case, challenging the team to uncover deep and often dangerous corruption involving officers who are supposed to enforce the law.
The BBC TV show is known for its intense suspense, complex characters, and surprising plot twists that keep viewers guessing about who can really be trusted.
Peaky Blinders
Set in the shadowy aftermath of World War I, Peaky Blinders captures the ambitious Shelby family at the forefront of the feared Peaky Blinders gang in Birmingham. The drama unfolds as the family rises to power in the criminal underworld, facing off against rivals, law enforcement, and even their own inner turmoil.
The BBC iPlayer drama is praised for its gritty portrayal of the era, strong performances, and a gripping narrative that explores both power struggles and personal redemption.
The English
In The English, Emily Blunt plays a woman who crosses the American West on a mission of vengeance against those who wronged her. Set in the late 1800s, this drama combines the elements of a classic Western with a powerful personal story of survival and revenge.
As she confronts various foes and allies in the wild frontier, the BBC TV show paints a picture of the harsh realities of the time and the fierce determination of its protagonist.
Sherwood
Sherwood is inspired by real events and set in a Nottinghamshire village, where historical grudges and current events collide. The plot revolves around two shocking murders that reopen old wounds among the village’s residents.
As detectives dive into the community’s complex web of relationships and past conflicts, they uncover secrets that many would prefer stayed hidden. This BBC TV show blends crime drama with social commentary, making it both a compelling mystery and a thoughtful look at community dynamics.
Silent Witness
Silent Witness follows Dr. Nikki Alexander and her team of forensic pathologists as they work with law enforcement to solve crimes by examining the bodies of the deceased. Each episode introduces a new case, where the team uncovers vital clues hidden within the bodies that help solve mysteries and bring justice for the victims.
The BBC TV show digs deep into both the scientific aspects of pathology and the personal struggles of the characters, creating a compelling mix of drama and mystery.
Happy Valley
In Happy Valley, Sarah Lancashire plays Catherine Cawood, a dedicated police sergeant in a small English town. Catherine is still coping with the suicide of her daughter, which she blames on a man who is now out of prison and back in town.
As she navigates her demanding job and complex family issues, including raising her grandson, Catherine faces various crimes that reveal the dark underbelly of her seemingly quiet town. The BBC TV show is known for its intense, realistic portrayal of life’s struggles and the resilience needed to overcome them.
War and Peace
War and Peace is a complex narrative that chronicles the lives of aristocratic families in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. The story focuses on the interconnected lives of Pierre Bezukhov, an awkward but kind-hearted man who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune, and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, who seeks redemption on the battlefield.
The drama weaves their stories with that of Natasha Rostova, a young woman whose journey from carefree innocence to mature womanhood intersects with those of the men. Against the backdrop of war and social change, their stories explore themes of love, loss, and destiny.
Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack recounts the life of Anne Lister, a landowner in 19th-century Yorkshire who is determined to restore her family’s faded estate and find a wife. Unlike most women of her time, Anne is open about her relationships with women and plans to marry a wealthy heiress.
The BBC TV show is based on the true story of Anne’s life as chronicled in her diaries, which contain detailed accounts of her financial ventures, love interests, and social challenges. With a combination of charm, wit, and confidence, Anne navigates the complexities of her society in a way that’s both revolutionary and deeply human.
Vigil
Vigil takes place aboard a UK nuclear submarine where the sudden death of a crew member leads to an intense investigation. Detective Amy Silva, played by Suranne Jones, is brought in under covert conditions to uncover the truth.
Amidst her investigation, she discovers layers of military secrecy and a conspiracy that could threaten the entire nation. The BBC TV show captures the claustrophobic life on a submarine and combines it with the suspense and complexity of a spy thriller.
The Tourist
Jamie Dornan stars in The Tourist as a man who finds himself in the vast expanse of the Australian outback with no memory of his identity or past. Throughout the BBC iPlayer drama, he encounters a variety of eccentric characters who either help or hinder his quest to uncover the truth.
The mix of mystery, action, and humor keeps the atmosphere tense yet engaging, as each clue he finds slowly pieces together his complicated history.
The Responder
Martin Freeman plays Chris, a police officer working night shifts in Liverpool, who is struggling to keep his life together both personally and professionally. The Responder showcases his nightly encounters with crime and crisis, which often bring out his own inner demons.
The BBC iPlayer drama is gritty and intense, providing a realistic portrayal of the pressures faced by police officers and how these pressures affect their mental health and family lives.
Call the Midwife
Set in the 1950s and 1960s in East London, Call the Midwife follows a group of midwives and nuns from Nonnatus House, who deliver babies and provide care to the poorest women of the area.
The BBC iPlayer drama blends touching personal stories with the broader social changes of the time, such as the introduction of birth control and the thalidomide crisis. Each episode features different mothers and their unique experiences of childbirth, highlighting the bravery and compassion of the midwives who serve them.
This Is Going To Hurt
This Is Going To Hurt is based on the real-life experiences of Adam Kay, a former doctor in the NHS. The series vividly portrays the overwhelming stress, unexpected humor, and critical moments that medical staff face every day.
Through Adam’s journey, viewers get an inside look at the challenges of hospital life, from the unrelenting pressure of saving lives to the personal sacrifices doctors make. The BBC iPlayer drama balances moments of laughter with the harsh realities of the healthcare system, offering a candid peek behind the curtain of medical practice.
The Sixth Commandment
The Sixth Commandment focuses on a small town shaken by a murder that exposes underlying tensions and conflicts among its residents. The drama unfolds around the investigation of this murder, highlighting how deeply personal and religious beliefs can influence community relationships.
The BBC TV show delves into the backgrounds and motivations of the people involved, revealing a complex web of emotions and past grievances that contribute to the tragic outcome. It’s a detailed exploration of faith, betrayal, and the impact of unresolved issues on community life.
Normal People
Normal People follows Marianne and Connell, two teenagers from different backgrounds who start a complex romantic relationship during their high school years in a small Irish town. As they move on to university in Dublin, their relationship continues to evolve, deeply affecting their personal development.
The BBC TV show is a sensitive portrayal of young love, capturing the intense emotions and significant life changes that their connection brings. It beautifully illustrates the misunderstandings, reconciliations, and growth that define their bond over the years.
The Serpent
The Serpent chronicles the sinister exploits of Charles Sobhraj, a charismatic and dangerous con artist and killer who targeted Western tourists in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. Posing as a gem dealer, Sobhraj, along with his girlfriend and accomplice, drugged, robbed, and murdered several travelers on the so-called hippie trail.
The BBC TV show captures his evasion of international law enforcement and the relentless pursuit by a Dutch diplomat determined to bring him to justice. It’s a gripping tale of deception, manipulation, and the pursuit of a cold-blooded criminal across borders.
Last Tango in Halifax
Last Tango in Halifax tells the story of Alan and Celia, two widowed individuals who were once childhood sweethearts. They unexpectedly reunite after several decades when their grandsons connect them on Facebook. Both in their seventies, they quickly rekindle their love and decide to marry, much to the surprise and sometimes dismay of their respective families.
The BBC TV show warmly explores how their reunion impacts their families, bringing up old conflicts and new challenges as their very different families blend together.
Sherlock
Sherlock is a contemporary reboot of the classic Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Sherlock Holmes, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, uses his sharp intellect and keen powers of observation to solve complex crimes in modern-day London, assisted by his flatmate and friend Dr. John Watson, played by Martin Freeman.
The BBC TV show mixes traditional detective work with modern technology and personal drama, creating intriguing puzzles and dynamic interactions among characters.
The Fall
The Fall features Gillian Anderson as Stella Gibson, a highly skilled detective from the London Metropolitan Police, who is sent to Belfast to review the progress of a murder investigation that has remained active longer than expected. Once there, she quickly realizes that a serial killer is on the loose.
The show focuses not only on the pursuit of the murderer but also on the personal and professional life of Gibson and the killer, Paul Spector, played by Jamie Dornan, providing a deep dive into their minds and motivations.
Luther
Luther follows the intense life of Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, played by Idris Elba. Luther is dedicated to his job but often becomes obsessively involved in his cases, which deal with serial killers, psychopaths, and other dangerous criminals.
The BBC iPlayer drama highlights his brilliant mind, emotional volatility, and the darkness that his work brings into his personal life, often blurring the lines between justice and revenge as he confronts moral ambiguity and the depths of human depravity.
Wrapping it up!
BBC iPlayer is an excellent destination for those looking to explore a diverse range of high-quality dramas. With its extensive library, viewers can find themselves immersed in stories that span various genres, each created with deep narratives and intricate character developments that reflect the rich storytelling tradition of British television.
Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping thriller, a poignant drama, or an innovative mystery, BBC iPlayer has something to captivate every type of viewer. Dive in and discover your next favorite show on this premier streaming platform. Happy watching!
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