For the best shows on BBC iPlayer, whether you love period dramas like Great Expectations or enjoy hits like SAS Rogue Heroes and An Irish Goodbye, BBC iPlayer offers a variety of great dramas for you. Make sure not to skip the final series of the Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise, and keep an eye out for new and exciting dramas like The Following Events Are Based On A Pack of Lies and The Woman in the Wall.
The platform offers a wide range of popular series from the BBC’s history, including hits like Killing Eve and Peaky Blinders. These shows are perfect for enjoying, and there are many more to explore while we anticipate the 60th anniversary.
All three seasons of Happy Valley, including the third season that had the entire nation eagerly watching at the beginning of this year, and the complete His Dark Materials series, based on Philip Pullman’s trilogy of novels, are also available for viewing.
If you’re in the mood to watch any of the best shows on BBC iPlayer, you can easily access them with just a click. Plus, there are numerous box sets of both classic series and popular modern shows for you to enjoy as well.
What are the 22 Best BBC iPlayer Series in 2024 to watch Outside UK?
We’ve compiled a list of the best series currently available. This way, you can easily find something you’ll enjoy, whether you prefer thrillers, sci-fi, or period dramas, without having to scroll endlessly.
For those outside the UK, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best shows on BBC iPlayer. This guide includes information on the genre, IMDb rating, and a brief overview of each show:
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Director: Anthony Byrne, Colm McCarthy
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10 (615K)
- Seasons: 6
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Port Sunlight, Wirral, Merseyside, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Netflix (US), Amazon Prime Video(US), ABC iView (Australia).
The Peaky Blinders were a street gang in Birmingham, England, active from the 1880s to the 1910s. Most of its members were young criminals from various social backgrounds. They were involved in crimes like robbery, violence, racketeering, illegal betting, and overseeing gambling activities.
With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.8, Peaky Blinders attracts Tom Hardy to take on a supporting role. Cillian Murphy leads as the head of the Shelby Crime Family, managing crime in 1919 Birmingham. With its high IMDb score, the series stands out as the top show in the best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Happy Valley (2014 – 2023)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Director: Euros Lyn, Patrick Harkins
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 (61K)
- Seasons: 3
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Netflix (US), Apple TV (Canada), ABC iView (Australia), TVNZ (New Zealand)
Happy Valley, a British TV series airing on BBC, follows Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire. Introduced as she calmly handles a distressing incident, Cawood quickly becomes a character to love.
Both fans and critics appreciate Happy Valley. The series, with its 8.3 IMDb score, stands out as one of the #2 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Blue Lights (2023 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Director: Gilles Bannier
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 (7K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (Australia), Amazon Prime Video (the UK), ThreeNow (New Zealand)
Blue Lights follows Grace Ellis, a 40-something mom, as she takes a big risk by leaving her stable job as a social worker to join the police force. She faces a steep learning curve alongside rookie colleagues Annie and Tommy. To watch Blue Lights in the US on BBC iPlayer, Here is a complete guide to watch Blue Lights in the US for free.
As they navigate the challenges of policing in Belfast, they work on distinguishing who genuinely needs their help and who might resent them for their job. With its 8.2 IMDb score, it stands out as one of the #3 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
SAS Rogue Heroes (2022–2024)
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, War
- Director: Tom Shankland, Stephen Woolfenden
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 (19K)
- Seasons: 2
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Erfoud, Morocco
- Other Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video (the US), SBS (Australia), Apple TV (the US)
SAS Rogue Heroes is a BBC drama that takes us back to World War Two and the exciting beginnings of the SAS. Based on Ben MacIntyre’s best-selling book, it follows the British officer David Stirling, who hatches a bold plan to assemble a skilled team for daring missions behind enemy lines in North Africa.
Created by Steven Knight, the mind behind Peaky Blinders, the show is generating a lot of buzz. It shares Knight’s signature style, featuring a soundtrack that includes music from bands like AC/DC and Black Sabbath, giving the wartime action an extra punch. With its 8.1 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #4 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
The Sixth Commandment (2023)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, History
- Director: Saul Dibb
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 (4.9K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Bristol, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US), BritBox (the UK), Binge (Australia).
The Sixth Commandment is about Peter Farquhar, a retired teacher and writer, who was deceived by a young student, Ben Field. Field manipulated Peter into changing his will, drugged him, and isolated him until Peter’s death in 2015.
After Peter’s death, Field had a relationship with Peter’s elderly neighbor, Ann. While accused of planning Ann’s murder, Field was found not guilty.
However, he was sentenced to a minimum of 36 years in prison for Peter’s murder in 2019. The writer, Sally Phelps, is grateful for the trust of Peter and Ann’s families in sharing their stories. With its 7.9 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #5 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Strike: Troubled Blood (2017 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Director: Susan Tully, Michael Keillor
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 (23K)
- Seasons: 4
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Other Streaming Options: Foxtel (Australia), Apple TV (Canada), Max (the US)
Following her immense success with the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling, writing under the name Robert Galbraith, penned a series of novels featuring detective Cormoran Strike. In the BBC adaptation, Tom Burke stars as the detective, and Holliday Grainger plays his partner, Robin Ellacott.
The series covers the books The Cuckoo’s Calling, The Silkworm, and Career Of Evil. It also features guest appearances by Martin Shaw, Tara Fitzgerald, Sian Phillips, and Kierston Wareing. Additionally, the fourth adaptation, Strike: Lethal White, is available on iPlayer. With its 7.9 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #6 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Silent Witness (1996 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Director: Thaddeus O’Sullivan
- IMDb Rating: 7.9 (8K)
- Seasons: 16
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video (the US), Apple TV (Canada), ABC iView (Australia)
The initial series drew inspiration from Professor Helen Witwell, a forensic pathologist in Sheffield whom McCrery had encountered during his time as a police officer. The show initially centered around the work of Professor Sam Ryan, portrayed by Amanda Burton, who played a female pathologist. With its 7.9 IMDb rating based on 8K upvotes, it stands out as one of the #7 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
His Dark Materials (2019 – 2022)
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Director: Jamie Childs, William McGregor
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 (32)
- Seasons: 3
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Wolf Studios, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Binge (Australia), Crave (Canada), Max (the US), Sky New Zealand (New Zealand)
His Dark Materials is a remarkable fantasy series loved by both kids and grown-ups in the 20th century. In Northern Lights, you meet Lyra, an orphan in a world where science, religion, and magic are all mixed up. Her quest to find her kidnapped friend uncovers a dark plan involving stolen children and takes her on a journey to understand something mysterious called Dust.
In The Subtle Knife, she’s joined by Will, a boy with a special knife that opens doors to other worlds. As Lyra uncovers her family’s secrets and her destiny, they both get caught in a battle of cosmic forces that spans many worlds, leading to an exciting finale in The Amber Spyglass. With its 7.8 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #8 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Father Brown (2013 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Director: Paul Gibson
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 (14K)
- Seasons: 11
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Sudeley Castle, Sudeley, Gloucestershire, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US), BritBox (the UK), ABC iView (Australia)
Father Brown is a popular British TV series based on G.K. Chesterton’s beloved fictional detective-priest. Set in the charming Cotswold village of Kembleford during the early 1950s, the show follows Father Brown, played by Mark Williams, as he solves a wide range of crimes with his keen wit, intuition, and strong moral compass.
The series offers a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and insightful moral lessons, making it a favorite among viewers who appreciate classic whodunits with a touch of spirituality. Based on 14K upvotes and a 7.8 out of 10 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #9 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Death in Paradise (2011–)
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Director: Richard Signy
- IMDb Rating: 7.8 (26K)
- Seasons: 14
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US), BritBox (the UK), Binge (Australia)
Death in Paradise is a beloved British-French crime drama television series set against the stunning backdrop of the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. The show, created by Robert Thorogood, follows a series of charismatic detectives, each with their own unique quirks, as they tackle a variety of murder mysteries on the idyllic island.
With a blend of intriguing whodunits, witty humor, and a dash of Caribbean charm, the series has captured the hearts of viewers around the world. Death in Paradise not only offers captivating murder cases but also immerses its audience in the vibrant local culture, making it a delightful and engaging show that keeps fans coming back for more. Based on 26K upvotes and a 7.8 out of 10 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #10 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)
- Genre: Animation, Short, Adventure
- Director: Peter Baynton, Charlie Mackesy
- IMDb Rating: 7.8 (15K)
- Runtime: 32 Minutes
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Other Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video (the US), Apple TV (Canada)
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a 2022 animated short film based on the 2019 picture book of the same name by Charlie Mackesy. The film was directed by Peter Baynton and Charlie Mackesy and features the voices of Jude Coward Nicoll, Gabriel Byrne, Idris Elba, and Tom Hollander as the main characters. The rights to adapt the book were acquired by Cara Speller and Matthew Freud, with J. J. Abrams also producing the film.
The animation process involved a global team of over 120 people working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was praised by critics and received awards at both the Academy Awards and the British Academy Film Awards. With its 7.8 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #11 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
The Gold (2023)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, History
- Director: Lawrence Gough, Aneil Karia
- IMDb Rating: 7.4 (5.7K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Sevenoaks, Heron Square and Whittaker House, West Street in Dorking, York House in Twickenham, and Dorchester Prison.
- Other Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video (the US), Apple TV (Australia)
The Gold is an exciting British crime series inspired by the Brink’s Mat depot robbery in November 1983. During the real event, six armed robbers targeted the Brinks-Mat warehouse near London’s Heathrow Airport. In a twist of fate, they stumbled upon a treasure trove of £26 million worth of gold bullion, diamonds, and cash, turning a typical armed robbery into something extraordinary.
This six-part series, written by Neil Forsyth, delves into the crime and the chain of events that followed over the decades. It boasts a stellar British cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Charlotte Spencer, Dominic Cooper, Jack Lowden, and Tom Cullen. With its 7.4 IMDb rating, it stands out as the #12 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Marie Antoinette (2022 – )
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History
- Director: Geoffrey Enthoven, Pete Travis, Edward Bazalgette
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 (2.6K)
- Seasons: 2
- Production Country: France
- Filming locations: Château de Versailles, Versailles, Yvelines, France
- Other Streaming Options: PBS (the US), CBC Gem (Canada), Apple TV (Australia)
The story tracks Marie Antoinette, who was sent to France from Austria at the age of 14 by her determined mother to secure peace between the countries. Her mission is to marry the 15-year-old Dauphin, the future King Louis XVI, and have his child. However, she quickly discovers that the French court is full of dangers, and she must not only stand up for herself but also ensure her survival. With its 7.3 IMDb rating based on 2.6K upvotes, it stands out as one of the #13 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
The Woman in the Wall (2023)
- Genre: Thriller
- Director: Harry Wootliff, Rachna Suri
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 (2.4K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Northern Ireland
- Other Streaming Options: ShowTime (the US), Apple TV (the UK)
The Woman in the Wall follows Lorna Brady, who’s a survivor of one of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. She’s on a quest to find out what happened to her daughter, who was taken from her.
While Lorna’s story is made up, the Magdalene Laundries were real and affected many women’s lives. These institutions had a long history, but we know more about what happened in the 20th century when women entered them through the criminal justice system, reformatory schools, and health and social services. With its 7.3 IMDb rating based on 2.4K upvotes, it stands out as one of the #14 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Beyond Paradise (2023 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Director: Matt Carter
- IMDb Rating: 7.3 (3.6K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Looe, Cornwall, UK(Shipton Abbott)
- Other Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video (the US), Apple TV (Canada), Binge (Australia)
Beyond Paradise is a spin-off of Death in Paradise that’s available for streaming, even while you’re traveling. The show features DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, and his fiancée, Martha Lloyd, portrayed by Sally Bretton.
It focuses on their personal lives and adventures as they move to Martha’s hometown of Shipton Abbott. While Humphrey deals with unique crime cases, the series also delves into their relationship, making it more than just a procedural format. It’s a mix of familiar characters from Death in Paradise with a fresh perspective in a different paradise setting. With its 7.3 IMDb rating based on 3.6K upvotes, it stands out as one of the #15 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
An Irish Goodbye (2022)
- Genre: Short, Comedy, Drama
- Director: Tom Berkeley, Ross White
- IMDb Rating: 7.2 (3.1K)
- Runtime: 23 Minutes
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Templepatrick, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US)
In An Irish Goodbye, The story revolves around the reunion of long-separated brothers, Turlough and Lorcan. Lorcan, a devoted farmer, finds his plans to carry on with the family farm dashed when Turlough insists on relocating him to their aunt’s place on the opposite side of Ireland. With its 7.3 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #16 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
The Following Events Are Based On A Pack of Lies (2023 – )
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Director: Robert McKillop, Nicole Charles
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (870)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Oxford, Buckinghamshire at Chenies Manor House and Stoke Poges village, United Kingdom.
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US), Binge (Australia), TVNZ (New Zealand)
The Following Events Are Based On A Pack of Lies is set in Oxford and tells the story of Alice Newman, a straightforward personal assistant and devoted mother who becomes intrigued when she sees her deceitful ex-husband, now going by Dr. Robert Chance, a climate scientist. He’s befriended a wealthy writer, Cheryl Harker, after a mysterious reemergence.
Alice suspects he’s up to no good again and wants to con Cheryl. With the police unable to assist without proof, Alice must convince Cheryl to help expose Robert’s true intentions and outsmart him. With its 7.1 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #17 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Steeltown Murders (2023)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, History
- Director: Marc Evans
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (2.2K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Port Talbot, Burry Port and the Neath Valley.
- Other Streaming Options: Binge (Australia), Apple TV (the US)
Steeltown Murders is inspired by a real event, investigating three unsolved murders from 1973 in Neath Port Talbot. Decades later, with advanced technology, three experienced detectives joined forces to provide long-awaited justice for the victims’ families using a groundbreaking method called familial DNA profiling. With its 7.1 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #18 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star (2019-)
- Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
- Director: Robin Trump
- IMDb Rating: 7.0 (2.9K)
- Seasons: 5
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Language: English
- Other Streaming Options: Sky (the UK)
The initial season of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star premiered on March 6, 2019, and wrapped up on April 24, 2019, on BBC Three. The show was presented by Stacey Dooley and featured judges Dominic Skinner and Val Garland, both experts in the industry. Throughout the season, various guest stars, like David Malinowski and NikkieTutorials, made appearances. Ellis Atlantis emerged as the winner, with Nikki Patel as the runner-up and Leigh Easthope securing the third position. With its 7.0 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #19 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Wolf (2023 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Director: Lee Haven Jones, Kristoffer Nyholm
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 (3.5K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Monmouthshire, Wales, UK(location)
- Other Streaming Options: SBS (Australia)
BBC One’s crime drama Wolf, featuring Iwan Rheon from Game of Thrones and Sacha Dhawan from Doctor Who, delivers an enthralling story. It centers on DI Jack Caffery, determined to prove that his neighbor was responsible for his brother’s 1990s murder.
In a parallel plot, the wealthy Anchor-Ferrers family becomes the prey of a psychopath’s sinister games. As these two storylines converge, a gripping and intense race against time unfolds, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
While it may seem like a detective drama at first, Wolf transcends genres, incorporating elements of thriller, horror, crime, and even some comedy. Based on 3.5K upvotes and 6.7 out of 10 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #20 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Great Expectations (2023)
- Genre: Drama, History
- Creator: Steven Knight
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10 (2.9K)
- Seasons: 1
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Hampshire, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US), TVNZ (New Zealand)
The series Great Expectations follows Pip, an orphan who dreams of a better life. But when he meets Miss Havisham and Estella by chance, it leads to unexpected and complex experiences.
As Pip faces high hopes, he has to figure out what it really means and whether it’ll help him become the person he wants to be. In the end, it’s a story about growing up. With its 5.3 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #21 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
EastEnders (1958 – )
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
- Director: John Greening, Michael Owen Morris
- IMDb Rating: 4.7/10 (9K)
- Seasons: 32
- Production Country: United Kingdom
- Filming locations: Weymouth, Dorset, England, UK
- Other Streaming Options: Apple TV (the US), Binge (Australia)
This East End London show explores the complexities of love, family, and life. Its stories cover everything from important social problems to personal tragedies, and it’s not short on humor either. EastEnders features both beloved familiar faces and new characters across many episodes who have experienced life in The Queen Vic, shared moments of happiness or sadness, and passed by Ian Beale at some point. With its 4.7 IMDb rating, it stands out as one of the #22 best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Conclusion
From gripping crime dramas to witty comedies, thought-provoking documentaries, and compelling historical pieces, the platform has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking thrilling mysteries, heartwarming tales, or intellectually stimulating content, the 22 best shows on BBC iPlayer provide a fantastic lineup to indulge in.
You can stream BBC content on various devices, including Smart TVs and Android. Just remember to use a VPN if you want to enjoy these amazing series from outside the UK. Whether you’re exploring these series for the first time or revisiting your favorites, BBC iPlayer offers top-notch entertainment at your convenience.
