Top 10 Most Popular UK TV Shows & Series You Should Be Watching Right Now

Top 10 Most Popular UK TV Shows: If you have some free time or you are free and bored, then you must watch some Top 10 Most Popular UK TV Shows & Series. Whether you are a long-time fan of BBC or a newcomer discovering the charm of British series, there is no shortage of great shows to watch.

If you are wondering what are the most popular TV shows in UK right now, or which famous British TV shows you should watch, then you should read this article till the end. From gripping crime dramas to funny comedies and from thought-provoking period pieces to thrilling mysteries, this article has information about TV shows and series of every genre for you.

In this article, we will share top 10 most popular TV shows in UK right now, including both classics and the best new series currently on air. From the best British series on Netflix to lists of BBC drama series, we’ve carefully create a collection of TV shows you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for a great British crime drama series or want to know what the best series are on Netflix right now.

Top 10 Most Popular UK TV Shows in 2025

When it comes to tv shows, the UK has long been a powerhouse of storytelling, producing some of the most popular TV shows UK right now and iconic series that have captivated audiences both at home and abroad. From gripping crime dramas to heartwarming comedies, British TV has something for everyone. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to watch. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 10 most popular TV shows UK right now that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

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1. The Crown (Netflix)

The Crown is a famous British series that streams on Netflix. The show is directed by Peters Morgan and Tobias Mink. It is based on the life of the British royal family, depicting their struggles and personal experiences.

The star cast includes Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth II), Matt Smith (Prince Philip), and Olivia Colman (Queen Elizabeth II) in lead roles. The show has 6 seasons and 60 episodes so far.

Talking about on air dates, its first season was launched on 4 November 2016. The show has been included in the Top 10 Most Popular UK TV Shows, and it has a huge fan following around the world.

2. Peaky Blinders (BBC/Netflix)

Peaky Blinders is a popular British crime drama series. It is based on the gangster Shelby family of 1919 Birmingham, England. The series was created by Steven Knight and its first episode was aired on BBC on 12 September 2013.

The show stars Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, a cunning and ambitious gang leader. Other main cast members of the series include Paul Anderson (Arthur Shelby), Helen McCrory (Polly Gray), Sophie Rundle (Ada Thorne), Sam Neill (Chester Campbell) and Tom Hardy (Alfie Solomons).

A total of 6 seasons and 36 episodes of Peaky Blinders have been made so far, and its last episode aired on 3 April 2022. The show is famous for its vintage fashion, historical background and tremendous cinematography.

3. Line of Duty (BBC)

Line of Duty is a popular British crime drama, which was aired on BBC. The show started on 26 June 2012 and launched the final episode of its sixth season on 2 May 2021. This series has a total of 6 seasons and 36 episodes.

Talking about the story, it revolves around the AC-12 (Anti-Corruption Unit) team, which works to expose corruption within the police department. The main characters are Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott), Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming), and Adrian Dunbar (Superintendent Ted Hastings) in lead roles. Its excellent screenplay and twist-filled story has made it one of the Best British crime dramas.

4. Sherlock (BBC)

Sherlock is a famous British crime drama, created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. This series is based on the thrilling cases of Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (Dr. John Watson).

A total of 4 seasons and 13 episodes have been shot in this series. Its first episode aired on 25 July 2010. Since the release of the series, it has been considered one of the best British crime dramas, and even today it is included in the Most popular TV shows UK right now.

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5. Killing Eve (BBC)

Killing Eve (BBC) is a famous British spy thriller series which is considered one of the best British crime dramas in UK. It was broadcast between 8 April 2018 to 27 April 2022. The story of this series revolves around an MI5 agent, Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), and a skilled assassin, Villani (Jodie Comer).

The star cast of this show includes Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, and Kimberly Gloster. A total of 4 seasons and 32 episodes of this show have been aired. The show features interesting duels and suspense between the hero and the villain.

6. Bodyguard (BBC)

Bodyguard (BBC) is a major British thriller series, which was released in 2018. The series stars Richard Madden (David Budd) and Keeley Hawes (Julia Montague) in the lead roles. The show is the story of a former British police soldier who protects a political leader.

The series has a total of 6 episodes and was aired from 26 August 2018 to 23 September 2018. The show was a tremendous success in the list of Most popular TV shows UK right now. Its thrilling and suspense-filled plot kept the audience hooked and it also received a lot of praise from critics.

7. The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4)

The Great British Bake Off is a famous reality baking competition show, which airs on Channel 4. In this show, the contestants have to face various baking challenges. The show has been running since 2010 and has several seasons.

The star cast includes Mel Giedroy, Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, and Sandi Toksvig. The total number of episodes is around 150, as it consists of several seasons and special episodes. It is counted among the famous British TV shows, as it has a profound impact on British culture.

8. Downton Abbey (ITV)

Downton Abbey is a famous British historical drama series, which aired on ITV on 26 September 2010. The series is based on the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, who are facing major changes in 20th century Britain. It has a total of 6 seasons and 52 episodes.

The star cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens in the lead roles. The series references several historical events, such as World War I and the decades that followed. This show is included in the famous British TV shows, and it has been highly appreciated all over the world.

9. Broadchurch (ITV)

Broadchurch (ITV) is a famous British crime drama series, which first aired in 2013. The show is mainly based on the murder of a child in a small seaside village and the subsequent investigation. It stars David Tennant (Det. Alec Hardy) and Olly Robinson (Detective Ellie Miller) in the lead roles.

The show has a total of 3 seasons and 24 episodes. This TV show was aired between 4 March 2013 to 17 April 2017. This show is one of the best British crime dramas, and it has been highly appreciated for its strong storyline and acting.

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10. Sex Education (Netflix)

Sex Education is a famous British drama-comedy series, which released on Netflix on 11 January 2019. It is considered one of the best British series on Netflix. The main character of the show is played by Otis Milburn (Aaska Strange), who is a high school student and works as a sex advisor.

Other main cast members include Emma Mackey, Nika Araki, Cuoco Jones, and Gillian Anderson. The series has released 3 seasons so far, and the fourth season is coming in 2023. The show has a total of 24 episodes. The show presents issues of sex, relationships, and youth with humor, which is very much liked by the audience.

Conclusion

The British television industry has produced great shows for decades. In this article, we have listed the Top 10 Most Popular UK TV Shows, which includes many series that have gained popularity globally. These include iconic series like The Crown, Sherlock, Peaky Blinders, and Bodyguard. Thanks to Netflix and other OTT platforms, you can watch these British shows from the comfort of your home. These shows have a great cast, strong storylines, and high-quality production that keeps the audience hooked.

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