Chances are, you’ve been watching a whole lot of television as we shelter at home. I know I have!
Right before my community enacted stay at home orders, I signed up for BritBox, the streaming service from the BBC and ITV. Now I NEVER have to leave home again! Thankfully, between Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, there are plenty of British TV shows and movies to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for some suggestions, here are a few of my favorites.
Bancroft
If police dramas are your thing, don’t miss Bancroft. Starring one of my favorite actresses, Sarah Parish, Bancroft is a detective inspector who isn’t all that she seems. I don’t want to ruin it for you, so I won’t share more. I will say, it’ll keep you guessing! Watch two seasons of this fantastic show on BritBox.
Age Before Beauty
Fans of the show Grantchester, will recognize one of the actors of this drama. Robson Green stars as the husband of pretty shallow and vapid beauty salon owner. The drama is about the family business, and there’s a whole lot of twists and turns among the siblings, their spouses and children. And fun fact – one of the actors, James Murray, is married to Sarah Parish. This show is available on BritBox.
Boy Meets Girl
This was a really sweet drama about what happens when a 40-something transgender woman and 20-something man unexpectedly fall in love. This show came out in 2015, and to me, it’s pretty groundbreaking. I’m not sure it would play in America (back then or now) without a bit of controversy given the subject matter. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a great reminder that love is love. Check out the two seasons on BritBox.
Man Down
This show made me laugh out loud with every. single. episode! I first saw Greg Davies on a segment of The Graham Norton Show. He was promoting one of his comedy specials, which I watched and it was HILARIOUS! I’d forgotten that he had a TV show based loosely on his real-life experience as a teacher. When the title showed up in one of my recommendations, I knew I had to tune in. If being at home is getting on your nerves, watch this show. I laughed so hard at some of the episodes, I nearly fell off the couch! It’s been a much-welcomed distraction for me. There are several seasons of Man Down that you can view on Netflix.
Gavin & Stacy
I binge-watched all the episodes of this British favorite late last year on Amazon Prime. It follows the long-distance relationship between Gavin & Stacy and the antics of their friends and family. Now, it’s been a few years since the show aired and I’d read that the cast (which includes James Cordon) had reunited for a Christmas, 2019, holiday episode. It’s such a favorite in the UK that the BBC brought it back for quarantine viewing! You can’t go wrong with this amusing show. The cast of characters is fantastic and their comedic acting is just fun to watch. Seasons 1-3 are on Amazon Prime. The 2019 Christmas Special is on BritBox.
So, those have been some of my favorite shows so far. I’m sure they’re not the last of my recommendations! What have you been watching? Don’t be shy – share your recommendations in the comments or say hello on Facebook or Instagram. Cheers!