Introduction: The UK has long been known for producing some of the best television content in the world, from gripping dramas to side-splitting comedies. As we head into 2024, the small screen promises to deliver even more unforgettable stories, with new shows debuting alongside returning favorites. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, historical epics, or cutting-edge comedy, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 20 UK TV shows you should tune into in 2024.
1. Line of Duty (Season 7)
Description: Returning after a gripping cliffhanger in Season 6, Line of Duty remains one of the UK’s most-watched crime dramas. AC-12 continues its mission to root out police corruption, with complex characters and nail-biting suspense. Genre: Crime Drama. Popularity: One of the highest-rated UK dramas, consistently drawing millions of viewers per episode. Special Features: Twists and turns, gripping storytelling, and stellar performances from stars like Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar. Link: Watch Line of Duty
2. The Crown (Season 6)
Description: The final season of The Crown brings the story of the British monarchy into the 21st century, covering key moments like the death of Princess Diana and the early reign of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Known for its stunning production design and complex portrayal of the royal family. Genre: Historical Drama. Popularity: A global hit, especially popular with fans of royal history and biographical dramas. Special Features: Lavish sets, historically significant storylines, and award-winning performances from its cast. Link: Watch The Crown
3. Happy Valley (Season 3)
Description: After a long hiatus, Happy Valley returns for its third and final season, following Catherine Cawood, a no-nonsense police sergeant dealing with crime and personal demons in West Yorkshire. Known for its gritty portrayal of rural crime. Genre: Crime Drama. Popularity: Critically acclaimed for its writing, with Sarah Lancashire’s performance earning widespread praise. Special Features: Powerful performances and a mix of crime-solving and deep emotional drama. Link: Watch Happy Valley
4. Peaky Blinders (Spin-Off)
Description: Following the epic conclusion of Peaky Blinders, a spin-off series is set to explore new stories in the same gritty Birmingham underworld, focusing on a new generation of gangsters. Genre: Historical Crime Drama. Popularity: With the original series being a global sensation, fans are eagerly awaiting this spin-off. Special Features: Gritty period setting, iconic style, and intense character-driven plots. Link: Peaky Blinders Spin-Off
5. Doctor Who (2024 Specials)
Description: Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Doctor Who is set to release several special episodes in 2024, with fan-favorite actors David Tennant and Catherine Tate reprising their roles. New storylines, cosmic adventures, and shocking surprises await. Genre: Sci-Fi. Popularity: A cultural icon, Doctor Who remains one of the longest-running and most beloved sci-fi series globally. Special Features: Time-travel adventures, alien creatures, and exciting new plot arcs. Link: Watch Doctor Who
6. Sherwood (Season 2)
Description: Set in a small Nottinghamshire mining town, Sherwood explores the fallout from a double murder with deep roots in the area’s political history. Season 2 promises more intricate storytelling, with family tensions and political intrigue. Genre: Crime Drama. Popularity: Known for its strong social commentary and gripping narrative, Sherwood has been a breakout hit. Special Features: Sharp dialogue, compelling characters, and a unique look at British working-class life. Link: Watch Sherwood
7. Bridgerton (Season 3)
Description: The hit Regency-era drama returns with another season of romance, intrigue, and scandal. Season 3 will focus on the blossoming relationship between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Genre: Period Drama. Popularity: A massive international hit thanks to its mix of romance, drama, and dazzling costumes. Special Features: Sumptuous visuals, diverse casting, and the perfect mix of romance and drama. Link: Watch Bridgerton
8. His Dark Materials (Season 4)
Description: The final season of His Dark Materials brings Philip Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy to its dramatic conclusion. The stakes are higher than ever as Lyra and Will battle against dark forces in parallel worlds. Genre: Fantasy. Popularity: A favorite among fans of fantasy literature, the show has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the books. Special Features: Stunning CGI, complex characters, and high-stakes drama in a richly imagined world. Link: Watch His Dark Materials
9. Black Mirror (Season 7)
Description: Charlie Brooker’s dystopian anthology series returns with more chilling tales that explore the dark side of technology. Each episode is a standalone story, delving into themes of artificial intelligence, social media, and surveillance. Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller. Popularity: Critically acclaimed for its thought-provoking and often unsettling look at the future of technology. Special Features: Dark, mind-bending storytelling that challenges societal norms. Link: Watch Black Mirror
10. The Witcher (Season 4)
Description: With Liam Hemsworth stepping into the role of Geralt of Rivia, Season 4 of The Witcher promises to bring even more monster-slaying action and political intrigue. Based on the popular book series and video games, it continues to blend fantasy with intense drama. Genre: Fantasy. Popularity: A global phenomenon, beloved by fans of the fantasy genre. Special Features: Sword-fighting, magic, and an epic storyline set in a richly detailed world. Link: Watch The Witcher
11. Trigger Point (Season 2)
Description: This high-stakes thriller follows the life of bomb disposal experts, exploring the tense and dangerous situations they face daily. Season 2 promises more intense drama and life-or-death decisions. Genre: Thriller. Popularity: A gripping first season has fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this edge-of-your-seat series. Special Features: High-octane action, suspense, and complex character dynamics. Link: Watch Trigger Point
12. Gentleman Jack (Season 3)
Description: Based on the real-life diaries of Anne Lister, Gentleman Jack follows the life of this extraordinary woman in the early 19th century as she challenges social norms and seeks to restore her family’s estate. Genre: Historical Drama. Popularity: Praised for its strong lead performance by Suranne Jones and its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. Special Features: Period-accurate costumes, beautiful Yorkshire settings, and a unique protagonist. Link: Watch Gentleman Jack
13. The Responder (Season 2)
Description: This gritty police drama starring Martin Freeman returns for its second season. The show follows a troubled urgent response officer trying to balance his difficult personal life with the pressures of his demanding job. Genre: Crime Drama. Popularity: Freeman’s powerful performance and the show’s raw, realistic portrayal of police work have garnered critical acclaim. Special Features: Gritty realism, intense emotional performances, and complex characters. Link: Watch The Responder
14. Sex Education (Season 5)
Description: The fifth season of this beloved comedy-drama continues to follow the quirky students and staff of Moordale Secondary School as they navigate relationships, identity, and personal growth. This season delves deeper into the characters’ journeys as they prepare to leave school behind. Genre: Comedy-Drama. Popularity: Hugely popular for its honest, humorous, and heartwarming approach to teen issues. Special Features: Bold exploration of sexuality, humor, and a diverse cast of lovable characters. Link: Watch Sex Education
15. Industry (Season 3)
Description: Industry offers a fast-paced glimpse into the cutthroat world of international finance, following a group of young graduates as they navigate the high-stakes world of a London investment bank. Genre: Drama. Popularity: Acclaimed for its portrayal of ambition, power dynamics, and the pressures of corporate life. Special Features: Realistic depictions of finance, diverse characters, and high-intensity drama. Link: Watch Industry
16. Top Boy (Season 5)
Description: The final season of Top Boy will bring the gritty street drama of East London to a close, with tensions reaching an all-time high in the world of crime, loyalty, and betrayal. Genre: Crime Drama. Popularity: Praised for its raw depiction of urban life, it’s become a cultural phenomenon. Special Features: Intense storytelling, nuanced characters, and social commentary on life in modern London. Link: Watch Top Boy
17. This Is Going to Hurt (Season 2)
Description: Based on Adam Kay’s memoir of his time as a junior doctor, this darkly comedic series returns for a second season, chronicling the highs and lows of working in the NHS. Genre: Comedy-Drama. Popularity: Loved for its humor and heart-wrenching portrayal of life on the frontlines of healthcare. Special Features: A perfect mix of comedy and drama, with sharp writing and an honest portrayal of the medical profession. Link: Watch This Is Going to Hurt
18. Killing Eve (Spin-Off)
Description: Following the massive success of Killing Eve, this spin-off will dive deeper into the world of MI6 and the assassins that wreak havoc across Europe. Expect more intrigue, dark humor, and thrilling cat-and-mouse games. Genre: Thriller/Drama. Popularity: With Killing Eve being a massive hit, the spin-off is highly anticipated by fans of the original series. Special Features: Espionage, thrilling plotlines, and new dynamic characters. Link: Watch Killing Eve Spin-Off
19. Outlander (Season 8)
Description: This time-traveling historical drama continues the epic romance between Claire and Jamie Fraser, with Season 8 promising more adventures through Scotland, America, and beyond. Genre: Historical Drama/Fantasy. Popularity: A global phenomenon, Outlander has a dedicated fanbase captivated by its sweeping romance and historical intrigue. Special Features: Time-travel, romance, and breathtaking historical settings. Link: Watch Outlander
20. The Great British Bake Off (Season 15)
Description: The beloved baking competition returns for another season of cakes, pies, and showstoppers. Expect even more baking disasters, heartwarming moments, and mouthwatering creations. Genre: Reality/Competition. Popularity: A British TV institution, watched by millions and loved for its wholesome content. Special Features: New bakers, exciting challenges, and the signature warmth and humor of the series. Link: Watch Bake Off
Conclusion: 2024 promises to be a fantastic year for UK television, with a diverse lineup of new shows and returning favorites. From thrilling crime dramas to feel-good comedies and epic historical sagas, there’s something for everyone. Which of these shows are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!