You’ve probably seen the same three shows recommended on every "best of" list for the last six months. It's usually a mix of Slow Horses, whatever crime thriller Sarah Lancashire is currently dominating, and maybe a period drama if the costumes are expensive enough.
But honestly? The landscape of uk series to watch has shifted. We aren't just in the era of the "grim northern noir" anymore.
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2026 has already kicked off with some genuinely weird, high-budget, and surprisingly heartfelt television that doesn't always make the front page of the streaming apps. If you're tired of the same old police procedurals where a grizzled detective stares at a rainy window, you're in luck. The current slate is much more ambitious.
The Big Returns Everyone is Obsessing Over
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The Night Manager is back. It took a decade—literally—but Season 2 premiered on New Year’s Day 2026. Tom Hiddleston is still doing the charming-yet-lethal thing, and Olivia Colman is, well, she’s Olivia Colman. It’s slick. It’s expensive. It’s exactly what you want when you have a Sunday night and a glass of wine.
But if you want something with more "bite," Industry Season 4 just landed this January. It’s messy. The characters are terrible people, mostly. Yet, watching them navigate the cut-throat world of international banking between London and New York is strangely addictive. This season added Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) and Kiernan Shipka to the mix, which gives it a fresh energy that the "finance bro" genre usually lacks.
Then there's Slow Horses. Apple TV+ has basically turned this into an annual tradition. Season 6 is slated for later this year. Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb is still the grossest, smartest man on television. If you haven't started this yet, you have a lot of catching up to do, but it’s the rare show that actually gets better as it ages.
Why 2026 is the Year of the "New Wave" Drama
We are seeing a massive pivot in what the BBC and Channel 4 are commissioning. There's a move away from the "murder of the week" and toward what I’d call personal stakes dramas.
Half Man (BBC)
Richard Gadd is the name on everyone’s lips after the absolute explosion of Baby Reindeer. His new project, Half Man, stars Jamie Bell alongside Gadd himself. It’s not a sequel, but it carries that same raw, slightly uncomfortable intimacy. It follows two childhood friends who reconnect at a wedding. It’s funny, then it’s devastating. That’s the Gadd brand now.
How to Get to Heaven From Belfast (Netflix)
Lisa McGee, the genius behind Derry Girls, has moved over to Netflix for this one. It’s a comedy-thriller about three friends in their late 30s who get caught up in a murder mystery involving a fourth, estranged friend. It’s got that signature Belfast wit but with a much darker, more mature edge. Honestly, it’s probably the most "bingeable" thing on this list of uk series to watch right now.
A Thousand Blows (Disney+)
Steven Knight (of Peaky Blinders fame) is back in Victorian London, but instead of flat caps and razor blades, we’re looking at the illegal world of bare-knuckle boxing. Season 2 just dropped on January 9th. Stephen Graham is the star here—does the man ever sleep? He plays Henry "Sugar" Goodson, and his performance is predictably powerhouse.
The "Quiet" Hits You Might Have Missed
Sometimes the best uk series to watch are the ones that don't have a massive marketing budget.
- Waiting for the Out (BBC): This one is fascinating. Based on Andy West’s memoir, it stars Josh Finan as a philosopher teaching in a prison. It’s not a "prison break" show. It’s about luck, freedom, and whether you can actually change who you are.
- Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials (Netflix): This isn't your grandma’s Poirot. Directed by Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch), it’s set in 1925 and feels much more like a high-energy caper than a slow-burn mystery. Mia McKenna-Bruce is brilliant as the amateur sleuth Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent.
- Riot Women (BBC): This is a joy. It’s about five midlife women who form a rock band. It sounds like a cliché, but with a cast including Tamsin Greig and Joanna Scanlan, it’s actually a very sharp look at being "invisible" in your 50s.
The Problem with "Best Of" Lists
The main issue with finding a new uk series to watch is that the algorithms usually push you toward what's already popular. If you liked Line of Duty, it’ll give you Blue Lights (which is actually great, by the way—Season 3 is out now).
But British TV is at its best when it's being weird. Look at The War Between The Land and The Sea. It’s a Doctor Who spin-off, but it’s being framed as a massive international crisis thriller. It stars Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. It’s a big swing for the BBC, and it shows they aren't afraid to lean into genre-bending.
What to Look Out for Later This Year
If you're planning your TV schedule for the rest of 2026, keep these on your radar:
- Sherlock Holmes (Young Sherlock): Guy Ritchie is directing this for Prime Video. It’s an origin story starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Expect fast cuts, underground Oxford brawls, and probably a lot of style over substance—but in a fun way.
- The Other Bennet Sister: A Pride and Prejudice spin-off focusing on Mary Bennet. It’s based on Janice Hadlow’s novel. If you like Bridgerton but want something a bit more grounded (and starring Richard E. Grant), this is the one.
- Tip Toe: Russell T. Davies is returning to Manchester’s Canal Street. After It’s a Sin, anything he touches is a must-watch. This one stars David Morrissey and Alan Cumming.
How to Actually Choose Your Next Binge
The "expert" advice is usually to follow the creator. If you liked the pacing of Peaky Blinders, you’ll likely enjoy A Thousand Blows. If you want the emotional gut-punch of Baby Reindeer, go for Half Man.
British television in 2026 is characterized by a "no-holds-barred" approach to casting. We're seeing huge movie stars like Nicole Kidman (in Scarpetta) and Natalie Dormer (in The Lady) moving into UK-based productions. The line between "Hollywood" and "British Telly" has basically evaporated.
Practical Steps to Refresh Your Watchlist
- Check the "U" app: If you’re in the UK, the rebranded "U" (formerly UKTV Play) has been snatching up high-quality dramas like Murdoch Mysteries and new originals that often fly under the radar.
- Look for the Writers: Don't just look for the actors. Names like Hugo Blick (California Avenue), James Graham (Sherwood), and Steven Knight are usually guarantees of quality.
- Don't ignore the "Spin-offs": In the past, spin-offs were seen as cheap cash-ins. Now, shows like The Split Up or The War Between The Land and The Sea are being given the same budgets and care as the flagship series.
If you’re stuck on what to pick first from this list of uk series to watch, start with How to Get to Heaven From Belfast. It captures that specific mix of dark humor and genuine tension that the UK does better than anyone else right now.
Go through your streaming settings and make sure your "Region" is set correctly if you're using a VPN, as many of these BBC and ITVX gems land there months before they hit US Netflix or BritBox. Happy binging.