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As soon as you have seen a couple of British TV exhibits on mainstream companies like HBO or Netflix or Peacock, you may end up wanting extra. Finally, you might end up signing up for a British TV subscription service like Acorn TV.
When you join, although, it is simple to get overwhelmed on the sheer variety of new exhibits to discover. As of at present (November 2022), I rely 332 totally different titles on Acorn TV.
Take into accout – Acorn TV shouldn’t be strictly restricted to British exhibits. Traditionally, they’ve used the road “Britain and Past” of their advertising, and that is very correct. British programming makes up the majority of the service’s choices, however each passing month brings extra various choices.
Together with British exhibits, you may additionally see English-language programming from Australia, New Zealand, Eire (technically a part of the British Isles, however not precisely “British”), and Canada, together with the occasional subtitled collection from Scandinavian or mainland Europe.
For these not up on their geography, it is value mentioning that Scotland and Wales are a part of Nice Britain (the island that is house to three out of the 4 nations that make up the UK). Scottish and Welsh TV exhibits would, then, be thought-about British.
See additionally: What’s the Difference Between England, Scotland, Great Britain, The United Kingdom, and the British Isles?
***Particular be aware for our American readers: If you’d like a information to extra British TV exhibits on Acorn TV, Netflix, Amazon, BritBox, and different streaming companies, try our quarterly British TV Streaming Guide. It is a helpful printed information to 2400+ British TV exhibits throughout 24 totally different US streaming companies – together with an index within the again for trying up the suitable streaming companies by present identify.
For these new or returning Acorn TV customers who aren’t positive the place to start watching, we have created this listing of what we imagine are a few of the finest exhibits on Acorn TV. I am positive there shall be some disagreement right here, so please be happy to share your favorites within the feedback. Completely happy watching!
The Finest British Thriller Exhibits on Acorn TV
Midsomer Murders – It would not get significantly better than Midsomer Murders, and Acorn TV is now the unique US house for viewing ALL episodes of the long-running collection. No official phrase on season 23 of Midsomer Murders simply but, however we would be stunned in the event that they did not supply that one when it is out.
The present has been airing for greater than twenty years now, and it combines grisly murders with beautiful English nation surroundings.
In the event you watch intently, you may discover quite a lot of your favourite actors have guest-starred in varied episodes through the years. Everybody from Robert Hardy to Sarah Alexander to Richard Briers appears to have made an look on this basic British TV present. You can read more Midsomer Murders trivia HERE.
The Brokenwood Mysteries – In the event you took Midsomer Murders and moved it to a small city in New Zealand, you’d get one thing a bit like Brokenwood Mysteries. It is rougher across the edges and would not have that genteel, countryside appeal – but it surely nonetheless sees quiet nation life disrupted by homicide regularly. The collection begins when nation music-loving DI Mike Shepard exhibits up for an task within the city of Brokenwood, solely to seek out he enjoys the slower tempo of life.
Signora Volpe – Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) stars as British spy Sylvia Fox, a middle-aged girl who units off for Italy to attend her niece’s marriage ceremony. When the groom goes lacking, she finds herself roped into fixing the thriller for the sake of her household – however she quickly falls in love with the world, settling into a ravishing however rustic house within the countryside.
As she adjusts to her new life and begins the method of restoring her house, she finds herself tackling native mysteries and getting nearer to good-looking officer Giovanni Riva (Giovanni Cerfiera, American Crime Story: Assassination of Gianni Versace). Every episode is a enjoyable train in fantasy/want achievement – with notes of Miss Fisher’s Homicide Mysteries, Killing Eve, and Madame Blanc Mysteries.
No Offence – This edgy, fast-paced Manchester-based crime drama has greater than its justifiable share of massive, enjoyable characters. It comes from the creator of Shameless, and contains a female-led staff of officers who monitor down serial killers. It is a one-mystery-per-series sort of present, and there is fairly a little bit of character backstory that comes into the episodes.
It is also value mentioning that the most effective characters is pathologist Randolph Miller, performed by the immensely gifted Paul Ritter. Sadly, he died in early 2021.
Dalgliesh – Primarily based on P.D. James’ Adam Dalgliesh series, this Acorn TV Unique collection stars Bertie Carvel as the enduring detective. Set within the Seventies (as a substitute of the 60s as within the novels), the collection is darkish, gradual, and atmospheric.
In the event you want classic-style mysteries like Marple and Poirot, you might not like this one – however in the event you get pleasure from bleak Scandi-noir productions, you may most likely like it.
Oh, and in the event you’re questioning – there WILL be a season 2 of Dalgliesh.
My Life is Murder – This pleasant Australian thriller stars Lucy Lawless as a retired police detective who helps out on the occasional case. Although I would not name it a real cozy thriller (it sometimes skews only a bit too darkish for that), it undoubtedly has quite a lot of enjoyable cozy parts – together with bread baking and a cat!
Seasons 2 and three have now landed on Acorn, and each of the 2 newer seasons transfer the motion over to New Zealand.
Darby & Joan – Australia – 2022 – Former police officer Jack Darby (Bryan Brown, Bloom) travels in a battered Landcruiser with solely his canine for firm. English nurse Joan (Greta Scacchi, Struggle & Peace) is doing a lot the identical, however in a snug new motor house. Each of them are on the street searching for one thing, however when their nomadic lives collide, they’ll be drawn right into a collection of surprising mysteries.
Loch Ness (UK: The Loch) – In the event you recognize darkish and atmospheric mysteries that really feel vaguely Scandinavian, try Loch Ness. Set in a small city alongside the banks of Loch Ness, this thriller sees a quiet group ripped aside after a physique is discovered murdered. In the event you loved Monarch of the Glen, you might recognize seeing a now older “Archie MacDonald” in a barely darker position.
Hamish MacBeth – Hamish MacBeth is a nontraditional thriller set within the Scottish Highlands and based mostly on the collection by M.C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney). The collection stars Robert Carlyle as an especially intelligent and succesful small city constable whose most important objective in life is to do as little as essential to carry out his job honorably, thus permitting him to keep away from promotion to a different police power. It is laborious to resolve which is best – the colourful townsfolk who spherical out the solid, or the gorgeous Scottish surroundings.
Agatha Raisin – One other M.C. Beaton collection, this one is a real cozy (Agatha is an ex-public relations skilled, not a cop) AND it is set within the Cotswolds. Whereas the present most likely might have accomplished a greater job of sticking to the ebook by way of Agatha’s appears to be like, the surroundings and supporting characters make up for these points.
Balthazar – Whereas this one’s French, it is value coping with subtitles. It is a one-mystery-per-episode collection with quite a few ongoing storylines associated to the 2 most important characters. Provided that the principle character is a forensic pathologist, there are some grotesque bits, however the characters have nice chemistry that elevates it above the usual procedural. We additionally perceive that many viewers are fairly keen on the quite a few shirtless scenes involving lead actor Tomer Sisley.
Pie in the Sky – For individuals who get pleasure from a lighthearted thriller, Pie within the Sky is bound to thrill. When DI Crabbe leaves the police power to open a restaurant, they proceed to drag him again in for part-time crime-solving. The present follows his efforts to stability his twin lives. It is a bit dated now, however in the event you like your mysteries light, give your self a couple of episodes to recover from the present’s age and actually sink into the tales.
Queens of Mystery – In the event you get pleasure from mild mysteries, undoubtedly give this new Acorn TV Unique a strive. Younger and single detective Mattie has simply been promoted to DS standing, and he or she’s assigned to her hometown of Wildemarsh the place her three mystery-writing aunts stay.
Although she does her finest to maintain them out of her instances, it by no means appears to work. Take a look at our full Queens of Mystery review or our interview with Julie Graham.
Murdoch Mysteries – This latest interval thriller follows Canadian detective William Murdoch as he makes use of cutting-edge Victorian science to unravel crimes in flip of the century Toronto. Yannick Bisson stars, and I am positive it’ll escape nobody’s consideration that he is fairly simple on the eyes.
Manhunt – Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) stars on this true crime dramatisation in regards to the instances of DCI Colin Sutton. Sutton was the lead detective on quite a few high-profile instances, and in retirement, he is written about a few of these instances. You possibly can study more about the series HERE.
Republic of Doyle – Canada – This Newfoundland-based personal detective collection follows the Doyle household as they remedy mysteries across the island. Allan Hawco stars as son Jake Doyle, whereas Seán McGinley performs his father Malachy.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries – In Twenties Melbourne, Miss Fisher occupies a category all her personal. She’s a completely trendy girl operating her personal personal investigations follow in a male-dominated world. It is well-written, atmospheric, and extremely really helpful. The 2020 Miss Fisher film can be out there on Acorn TV.
Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries – This latest Miss Fisher spinoff takes us to Sixties Melbourne, the place Phryne Fisher has gone lacking, declared lifeless, and her niece Peregrine takes over in her footsteps. Whereas it is a very totally different really feel from the unique Miss Fisher collection, it is no much less pleasant – assuming you are in a position to mentally separate the 2.
Line of Duty – This one’s not everybody’s cup of tea, however the individuals who prefer it appear to REALLY prefer it. It is a few group of devoted officers who work to uncover corruption inside the police, and it undoubtedly leans towards the gritty, action-packed finish of the spectrum. Although it is fairly distinctly British, it has loads in frequent with the extra intense, action-oriented American police programmes.
Keeping Faith – Eve Myles stars as Religion Howells, a lawyer whose life appears glad till her husband all of the sudden disappears. Her seek for reality will educate her that life wasn’t all it appeared. In the event you fall in love together with her rain jacket (like almost everybody who watches), you’ll want to get the details on it HERE.
Darby & Joan – New in 2022, this street journey thriller follows retired Australian murder detective Jack Darby (Bryan Brown, Cocktail) after a journey mishap pairs him and his canine up with English nurse Joan Kirkhope (Greta Scacchi, The Participant). Joan is on a mission to get solutions about her husband’s mysterious loss of life, whereas Darby is occupied with the enterprise of avoiding his previous.
The 2 polar opposites quickly discover themselves drawn into a wide range of mysteries as they transfer via Australia’s various landscapes. It might not be what they anticipated of their travels – but it surely may be simply what they want.
Need extra mysteries? See the list of British Mysteries on Acorn TV.
The Finest British Comedies on Acorn TV
Detectorists – There aren’t quite a lot of exhibits I’ve watched greater than as soon as, however that is considered one of them. It is robust to clarify the attraction to somebody who hasn’t watched a few episodes already, but it surely’s a unique form of comedy. It is calm and quiet and it has a realism you do not see fairly often. The characters might simply be obnoxious and unlikable, however author/director/star Mackenzie Criminal has accomplished such a very good job with the writing that we see the issues every character is combating – and that makes them extra human.
Doc Martin – After the intense however socially awkward surgeon Doc Martin develops an aversion to blood, he relocates to a Cornish fishing village to function the city’s physician. Although his stiff demeanor is at odds with small city familiarity and closeness, he manages to get by. It is value noting that, as of late 2022, Acorn TV is the unique US supply for the 10th and final season of Doc Martin.
The Rebel – In the event you like exhibits about mischievous and barely misanthropic previous individuals entering into hassle, you may get pleasure from this 2016 Simon Callow comedy. Set in Brighton, the lead character is an growing old mod who, whereas initially not very sympathetic, can develop on you because the collection goes on.
The Worst Week of My Life – Ben Miller (Death in Paradise) stars on this comedy a few man who appears to muck up just about something and every thing. Sarah Alexander (Coupling, Jonathan Creek) stars as his long-suffering romantic accomplice.
Decline & Fall – When Paul Pennyfeather (Jack Whitehall) is unfairly expelled from Oxford College, it units off a series of occasions he by no means might have anticipated. This quirky comedy is predicated on Evelyn Waugh’s basic novel of the identical identify.
Mount Pleasant – This working-class comedy follows the day-to-day lives of a gaggle of family and friends in suburban Manchester, England. Whereas many British TV exhibits concentrate on the higher lessons, this can be a nice likelihood to see extra atypical characters.
The Strange Calls – In the event you loved American exhibits like Eerie, Indiana and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, you may most likely get pleasure from this uncommon Australian collection. It follows younger cop Toby Banks after he strikes to the city of Coolum Seaside, the place nothing is kind of because it appears.
The Other One – After her father dies, Cathy learns her father had one other spouse and daughter – and the daughter shares her identify! Within the wake of tragedy, the 2 very totally different households should study to share his reminiscence.
You, Me, & Them – This household comedy follows a Might-December couple as their households come to phrases with their romance – and the huge hole of their ages. Eve Myles (Holding Religion) and Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) star.
Trivia – This charming Irish collection strikes at a tempo just like Detectorists, and it follows a gaggle of 4 individuals who get collectively every week to compete in a neighborhood pub quiz.
The Finest British Dramas on Acorn TV
Delicious – This collection has been summed up as “meals, love, and infidelity in Cornwall” – and whereas that is extremely correct, it would not seize simply how stunning the present may be at instances. It feels very similar to a British model of one thing which may air on Showtime or HBO (with significantly better surroundings than the typical American present). In the event you like Daybreak French within the Vicar of Dibley, you may discover this position a bit unusual – but it surely’s not too far off her latest position in The Trouble with Maggie Cole.
The Syndicate: All or Nothing – Every collection of The Syndicate follows a unique group of lottery winners as they grapple with private dramas, newfound wealth, and temptation. Of the 4 collection it whole, it might be probably the most attention-grabbing as a result of it has the added drama that comes with a employees that all of the sudden has extra liquid funds than the employers.
Pitching In – This Welsh dramedy stars Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey) as a person who desires to promote his tenting park to a lovely property agent (performed by Hayley Mills). His daughter units out to vary his thoughts.
The Good Karma Hospital – After a relationship sours, a younger British-Indian girl decides to maneuver to India to work in an impoverished hospital. Little does she know, she’s acquired loads to study. Amanda Redman stars alongside Amrita Acharia.
Cold Call – When a single mom falls prey to a rip-off name, she quickly finds herself getting more and more determined to seek out these accountable and salvage her household’s future.
Ten Percent – Primarily based on the unique French collection Dix pour cent (aka Name My Agent on Netflix), Ten % presents a reasonably shut copy of the unique plots – however in English, with acquainted British actors like Jack Davenport (Coupling) and Maggie Steed (Pie within the Sky). In the event you just like the premise of the unique however hate coping with subtitles or unhealthy dubbing, you may undoubtedly wish to test this one out.
The collection follows the private {and professional} lives of staff at a expertise company in London. As if the final administration of celebrities wasn’t sufficient, the company is shortly thrown into turmoil by a detailed tragedy.
The Finest Documentary & Way of life Exhibits on Acorn TV
Penelope Keith’s Hidden Coastal Villages – You possibly can virtually scent the salty air on this enjoyable journey alongside Britain’s prolonged shoreline. On this one, Dame Penelope breaks out the Batsford guides once more, venturing to the Isle of Wight, Northumberland, West Sussex, the Scottish Borders, East Anglia, and Suffolk.
Being Poirot – Typically considered the very best Poirot of all time, David Suchet held the enduring position for roughly 1 / 4 of a century. On this three-part collection, he makes an attempt to share a few of his experiences and clarify why individuals have cherished Poirot for thus lengthy.
Discovering Britain – On this enjoyable journey collection, Maureen Lipman (Metamorphosis) and Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey) be part of quite a few their fellow British actors as they journey the nation exploring its heritage.
Wainwright Walks – On this collection, rambler and presenter Julia Bradbury follows the favorite Lake District routes of famed fell walker Alfred Wainwright. The Lake District is likely one of the UK’s loveliest areas, so it is properly value a look ahead to the surroundings.
Digging for Britain – Professor Alice Roberts shares her ardour for Britain’s historical past as she takes us to a wide range of thrilling archaeological websites. From Roman burial websites to Viking treasures to historical past as latest as World Struggle II, there is a little bit of every thing on this one, together with loads of skilled commentary to assist add context.
The Secret History of the British Garden – British gardening legend Monty Don hosts this take a look at the evolution of British gardens during the last 400 years. It isn’t flashy or thrilling, but it surely’s simply the most effective exhibits on Acorn TV.
Tales of Irish Castles – This docu-series tells the story of Irish historical past via its castles. Even in the event you’re not one for historical past, the surroundings on this one makes it well worth the watch.
Although we have talked about fairly a couple of exhibits right here, we have additionally needed to pass over many fantastic exhibits (lest we make this only a listing of all of the exhibits on Acorn TV). Nearly each present on Acorn TV is gorgeous, and that is solely supposed that can assist you get began together with your exploration.
Need a information that permits you to browse all of the exhibits on Acorn TV (and all of the British exhibits on 19 different US-based streaming companies)? Do not miss our quarterly British TV Streaming Guide: US Edition.
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After founding I Coronary heart British TV in 2016 as a useful resource for her granny, Stefanie has grown I Coronary heart British TV right into a useful resource that serves thousands and thousands of British TV followers yearly. When not writing posts or enhancing contributions to the location, you may most likely discover her engaged on the most recent print version of the British TV Streaming Information.