Entertainment
10 Best British TV Shows on Hulu
## 10 Best British TV Shows on Hulu: The Definitive Ranking From gritty crime dramas that burrow into the dark corners of the human psyche to irrever...
1. 10 Best British TV Shows on Hulu: The Definitive Ranking
From gritty crime dramas that burrow into the dark corners of the human psyche to irreverent comedies that redefine the sitcom, British television offers a unique and compelling viewing experience. Thanks to Hulu's extensive library, you no longer need a passport to dive into some of the most innovative and critically acclaimed series from across the pond. The streaming giant has become a veritable treasure trove for Anglophiles and casual viewers alike, offering a diverse slate of programming that showcases the very best of UK telly. Whether you're in the mood for a mind-bending sci-fi adventure, a searingly honest teen drama, or a police procedural that will keep you on the edge of your seat, there's a British show on Hulu waiting to become your next obsession.
This list aims to provide a definitive ranking of the best British shows Hulu has to offer. We've sifted through the extensive catalog to bring you a curated selection that represents the pinnacle of storytelling, performance, and originality. These are the shows that have not only garnered rave reviews but have also left a lasting impact on the television landscape, influencing creators and captivating audiences worldwide. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and prepare to discover your next binge-watch as we count down the 10 best British TV shows available for your streaming pleasure on Hulu.
10. Skins
A Raw and Unflinching Portrayal of British Youth
When Skins first premiered in 2007, it was a cultural phenomenon that forever changed the landscape of teen drama. The series, which follows the lives of a group of sixth-form students in Bristol, offered a stark and unapologetic look at the realities of being a teenager. With its controversial storylines exploring everything from mental illness and substance abuse to sexuality and dysfunctional families, Skins was a far cry from the glossy, idealized depictions of adolescence often seen on television. Its commitment to authenticity, which included casting actual teenagers in the roles and employing a young writing team, resonated deeply with its target audience.
The Generational Structure
One of the most innovative aspects of Skins was its decision to replace its primary cast every two seasons, creating distinct "generations" of characters. This unique structure allowed the show to continually reinvent itself while staying true to its core themes. Each generation brought a new set of faces and a fresh batch of problems, ensuring that the series never grew stale. This format also served to underscore the fleeting nature of adolescence, with each two-season arc acting as a self-contained story of a particular group's journey through their final years of school.
Lasting Cultural Impact
The influence of Skins can still be seen in many of the teen dramas that have followed in its wake. Shows like Euphoria owe a debt to the groundbreaking series for its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter with honesty and nuance. Skins launched the careers of several of its young stars, including Dev Patel, Nicholas Hoult, and Daniel Kaluuya, who have all gone on to achieve international success. More than just a television show, Skins was a cultural touchstone that gave voice to a generation and set a new standard for teen-centric storytelling.
9. Extraordinary
A Fresh and Funny Take on the Superhero Genre
In a world saturated with superhero stories, Extraordinary manages to feel both fresh and utterly hilarious. The series is set in a world where everyone develops a superpower on their 18th birthday—everyone, that is, except for 25-year-old Jen. Jen's lack of powers leaves her feeling adrift and left behind in a world where her peers can do everything from rewind time to communicate with the dead. This clever premise serves as the foundation for a deeply funny and surprisingly poignant exploration of what it means to be ordinary in an extraordinary world.
Relatable Characters and Cringe-Worthy Humor
At its heart, Extraordinary is a show about a group of messy, endearing misfits trying to navigate their twenties. Jen and her flatmates—Carrie, a medium who can channel the dead, and Kash, who has the ability to rewind time—are a found family of sorts, supporting each other through breakups, career woes, and the general chaos of young adulthood. The humor is often cringe-worthy in the best way possible, with plenty of awkward encounters and ill-advised decisions. Yet, beneath the jokes and the often-bawdy humor, there's a genuine warmth and emotional depth to the characters and their relationships.
More Than Just a Sitcom
While Extraordinary is undoubtedly a comedy, it also delves into some surprisingly deep themes. The show explores the pressures of living up to expectations, the fear of being left behind, and the importance of self-acceptance. Jen's journey to find her power is as much about discovering who she is as it is about gaining a superhuman ability. The series has been praised for its witty dialogue, clever world-building, and the standout performance of its lead, Máiréad Tyers.
8. The Office (U.K.)
The Original Cringe Comedy Masterpiece
Before there was Michael Scott and Dunder Mifflin, there was David Brent and Wernham Hogg. The original British version of The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, is a masterclass in cringe comedy and a landmark in television history. The mockumentary-style series, set in a bleak paper company in Slough, revolutionized the sitcom format with its lack of a laugh track, its naturalistic performances, and its often-uncomfortable humor.
David Brent: The Boss from Hell
At the center of it all is David Brent, the Regional Manager of Wernham Hogg, played to excruciating perfection by Ricky Gervais. Brent is a man of profound delusion, a desperate-to-be-liked boss who sees himself as a philosopher, a comedian, and a friend to his employees. In reality, he is tactless, ignorant, and deeply insecure. Unlike his American counterpart, Michael Scott, David Brent is a less redeemable character, making the comedy all the more biting and satirical.
A Legacy of Influence
Though it only ran for two six-episode series and a two-part Christmas special, the impact of The Office (U.K.) has been immense. It not only spawned a hugely successful American remake but also paved the way for a new wave of mockumentary-style comedies. The show's influence can be seen in its more cynical and sardonic tone compared to the warmer American adaptation. The relationship between Tim (the equivalent of Jim) and Dawn (the equivalent of Pam) is also a more central and emotionally resonant part of the American version. However, the original remains a must-watch for its sharp writing, its unflinching portrayal of office life, and its unforgettable central character.
7. Misfits
A Gritty and Irreverent Take on the Superhero Origin Story
What if you gave a group of young offenders superpowers? That's the brilliantly simple premise of Misfits, a show that blends science fiction, comedy, and drama into a completely unique and unforgettable package. The series follows five teenagers on community service who are caught in a freak electrical storm and subsequently develop a range of supernatural abilities. However, these aren't your typical, noble superheroes. They're a group of sarcastic, street-smart kids who are just trying to get through their community service and navigate the complicated realities of their lives.
More Than Just Powers
The powers in Misfits are often an ironic reflection of the characters' personalities and insecurities. For example, Kelly, who is hyper-aware of what others think of her, gains the ability to read minds, while Curtis, a disgraced athlete full of regret, can turn back time. This clever approach to its sci-fi elements allows the show to explore deeper themes of identity, social alienation, and the consequences of one's actions. The series is also known for its dark humor and its willingness to tackle mature themes with a refreshing honesty.
A Constantly Evolving Story
Like Skins, Misfits was not afraid to shake up its cast, with new characters being introduced as original cast members departed. While some fans have a particular fondness for the original group, the show's ability to reinvent itself allowed it to stay fresh and unpredictable throughout its five-season run. The series has been praised for its sharp dialogue, its creative and often absurd plotlines, and its perfect blend of humor and pathos.
6. Normal People
A Heartbreakingly Intimate Portrait of First Love
Based on Sally Rooney's bestselling novel, Normal People is a stunningly beautiful and emotionally devastating exploration of the complexities of modern love. The series charts the on-again, off-again relationship between Marianne and Connell, two Irish teenagers from different social classes, as they navigate the transition from secondary school to university and beyond. The show's power lies in its quiet intimacy and its raw, honest portrayal of the emotional and psychological landscape of its two protagonists.
A Masterclass in Acting and Direction
The performances from Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne and Paul Mescal as Connell are nothing short of breathtaking. They bring a level of vulnerability and nuance to their roles that is truly captivating to watch. The direction, by Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, is equally impressive, with a focus on close-ups and quiet moments that draw the viewer into the characters' inner worlds. The series has been widely praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of intimacy and its unflinching exploration of issues like depression, anxiety, and social class.
A Faithful and Transcendent Adaptation
Fans of the novel will be pleased to know that the series is a remarkably faithful adaptation of Rooney's work. The show manages to capture the novel's unique tone and its deep psychological insights, while also bringing a new level of visual and emotional depth to the story. Normal People is a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a poignant and unforgettable portrait of two people who are forever changed by their connection to one another.
5. Killing Eve
A Stylish and Subversive Spy Thriller
Killing Eve is a spy thriller unlike any other. Based on the "Villanelle" novellas by Luke Jennings, the series is a cat-and-mouse game between Eve Polastri, a brilliant but bored MI5 security officer, and Villanelle, a psychopathic and incredibly stylish assassin. The show subverts the traditional tropes of the spy genre with its dark humor, its focus on its two complex female leads, and its exploration of the obsessive, and at times romantic, relationship that develops between them.
A Tale of Two Women
At the heart of Killing Eve is the magnetic and complicated dynamic between Eve and Villanelle. Sandra Oh delivers a captivating performance as Eve, a woman who finds her mundane life turned upside down by her fascination with Villanelle. Jodie Comer is equally brilliant as the charismatic and unpredictable assassin, bringing a chilling charm to a character who is both terrifying and strangely alluring. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, and their twisted dance of obsession is what drives the series forward.
A Genre-Bending Masterpiece
The show's writing, particularly in its first season, which was penned by Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame, is sharp, witty, and full of unexpected twists and turns. Killing Eve is a show that defies easy categorization, blending elements of a spy thriller, a black comedy, and a psychological drama into a completely original and addictive package. While critical reception was more mixed for its later seasons, the first two series, in particular, are a must-watch for their style, wit, and unforgettable characters.
4. Inside No. 9
An Anthology of Darkly Comic and Twisted Tales
From the brilliant and twisted minds of Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, Inside No. 9 is an anthology series that is as inventive as it is unsettling. Each episode is a self-contained story that takes place in a location marked with the number nine—be it a house, a dressing room, or a sleep-in compartment on a train. The show is a masterclass in storytelling, with each 30-minute episode offering a perfectly crafted tale that is often darkly comic, deeply poignant, or downright terrifying.
A New Story Every Week
The beauty of Inside No. 9 is its sheer variety. One week you might be watching a silent, slapstick comedy about a heist gone wrong, and the next you could be watching a heartbreaking drama about the end of a comedy double act. The show is known for its clever writing, its intricate plots, and its jaw-dropping twist endings. Shearsmith and Pemberton, who write and star in every episode, are masters of their craft, able to create a fully realized world and a cast of memorable characters in just a short amount of time.
A Celebration of Storytelling
Inside No. 9 is a love letter to the art of storytelling, drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, from gothic horror and classic whodunits to Shakespearean tragedy and farce. The show is a testament to the power of a well-told story and a must-watch for anyone who appreciates clever, original, and thought-provoking television. With its constantly surprising and consistently brilliant episodes, Inside No. 9 has rightfully earned its place as one of the most acclaimed and beloved British series of recent years.
3. Luther
A Gritty and Psychological Crime Drama
Idris Elba delivers a tour-de-force performance as the brilliant but deeply troubled DCI John Luther in this dark and gripping psychological crime thriller. Luther is not your typical police procedural. The show is less concerned with the "who" of the crime and more interested in the "why," delving into the twisted minds of its killers and the toll that their crimes take on the man who is tasked with bringing them to justice.
A Complex and Compelling Protagonist
John Luther is a man haunted by the darkness he confronts on a daily basis. He is a brilliant detective with an uncanny ability to get inside the minds of the criminals he is hunting, but his methods are often unorthodox and his personal life is a mess. Elba's portrayal of Luther is magnetic, capturing the character's intelligence, his fierce sense of justice, and his inner demons with a raw and powerful intensity. He is a flawed and often self-destructive hero, but one that you can't help but root for.
A Twisted Friendship
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is Luther's complicated relationship with Alice Morgan, a brilliant psychopath and murderer whom Luther is unable to arrest. Ruth Wilson is mesmerizing as Alice, a character who is both Luther's intellectual equal and his moral opposite. Their twisted friendship, a dangerous and unpredictable dance of wits and wills, is one of the show's greatest strengths and a key part of what makes Luther such an addictive and unforgettable viewing experience.
2. Line of Duty
A Tense and Addictive Police Corruption Thriller
"Who polices the police?" That is the central question at the heart of Line of Duty, a show that has become a national obsession in the U.K. for its thrilling and intricate exploration of police corruption. The series follows the officers of AC-12, a controversial anti-corruption unit, as they investigate their fellow officers. Each season focuses on a new case, with a new "bent copper" for AC-12 to investigate, but an overarching conspiracy unfolds throughout the series, keeping viewers hooked with its shocking twists and turns.
A Masterclass in Suspense
Line of Duty is a masterclass in building and sustaining suspense. The show's creator, Jed Mercurio, is known for his intricate plotting and his ability to keep audiences guessing. The interrogation scenes, in particular, are a highlight of the series, long, dialogue-heavy sequences that are as tense and exciting as any car chase or shoot-out. The show's commitment to realism and its use of police jargon and procedure adds to its authenticity and its immersive quality.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The series has been a massive critical and commercial success, with its viewership growing steadily throughout its run. The finale of its sixth series was one of the most-watched television events of the 21st century in the U.K. The show has been praised for its complex and morally ambiguous characters, its intricate and rewarding plotlines, and its unflinching look at the challenges of maintaining integrity within a flawed institution.
1. Fleabag
A Hilarious and Heartbreaking Masterpiece
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag is more than just a television show; it's a cultural phenomenon. What began as a one-woman play has become one of the most acclaimed and beloved series of all time, a hilarious and heartbreaking portrait of a young woman navigating grief, guilt, and the complexities of modern life. Waller-Bridge stars as the titular "Fleabag," a witty, sex-positive, and deeply flawed woman who breaks the fourth wall to share her innermost thoughts and feelings with the audience.
A Unique and Intimate Connection
The show's use of the fourth-wall break is not just a gimmick; it's a vital part of its storytelling. It creates a unique and intimate connection between Fleabag and the viewer, making us her confidante as she navigates her messy life. This device is used to brilliant comedic and dramatic effect, particularly in the second season, when the "hot priest," played by Andrew Scott, becomes the only character who seems to notice her direct-to-camera asides.
A Perfect Second Season
While the first season is excellent in its own right, the second season of Fleabag is a perfect piece of television. It is a beautifully crafted story about love, faith, and the possibility of redemption that is both laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly moving. The show has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, and has been praised by critics for its sharp writing, its innovative storytelling, and its unforgettable performances. Fleabag is a true masterpiece, a show that will make you laugh, cry, and think, and it is without a doubt the best British TV show on Hulu.
12. Conclusion
The landscape of British television is as rich and varied as ever, and Hulu has curated an impressive collection that showcases the very best the UK has to offer. From the groundbreaking teen drama of Skins to the comedic and poignant genius of Fleabag, the shows on this list represent a gold standard in storytelling and performance. They challenge conventions, push boundaries, and offer unique perspectives on the human experience. Whether you're a seasoned Anglophile or new to the world of British telly, these ten series provide the perfect entry point into a world of unforgettable characters and captivating narratives. So, the next time you're scrolling through your Hulu queue, consider taking a trip across the pond—you won't be disappointed.