BBC & Netflix Logos – featured The Great British Bake off, The Office, Luther, Sherlock
The BBC is home to so many brilliant shows that has wowed the nation. It is truly a place for some of the best TV of all time and we’re fortunate enough to say that Netflix now streams some of those shows for us to watch and love all over again. We have updated you before on our favorites that Netflix brings from the BBC, it’s that time again and we’re going to talk about just a few and why we love them so much.
Some of these shows have been going on for years and are still popular today – if everyone knows about it, you know it’s good. BBC shows have scarred our hearts with happiness and pain – now it’s our turn to express our appreciation.
Netflix and the BBC often work together on projects and for the United States, are often the exclusive distributor too!
Top Gear
Available on Netflix in the United Kingdom
We all know that Top Gear is one of the most popular shows around and has been going for quite some time. We can all dream of fancy fast cars and testing out their limits, so thank goodness there’s a show dedicated to showing us the best and the worst of the vehicles of today. The show stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May as the hosts and ultimate car experts, they also have guests who test out their driving ability in different cars too. However, there has been mixed reviews due to the change in hosts over the past few years – some will love it, some will hate it. Either way, there’s plenty of action-packed episodes available to stream on Netflix right now.
Death in Paradise
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
Crime dramas have filled our screens with an array of stories and mystery and often it’s difficult to depict which one is the best. So, in this case, I’m simply going to tell you that Death in Paradise certainly isn’t the best because it can sometimes be repetitive, but it’s definitely not the worst. What makes this series so special is perhaps the predictability about the characters. We get to know them so well and how they work that we just know when something, in particular, is going to happen.
The show has had a few different main characters now but each one has their own quirks and interests, making them an interesting detective in their own right. To sum it up, the show is all about the murders that happen on one island (who knew that so many murders could happen on one small island?) and the events leading up to the big solve. There are currently five seasons available to stream on Netflix.
Happy Valley
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
Don’t let the name fool you… There’s plenty to be unhappy about in this crime drama. Happy Valley has a way of gripping you with the intense storylines and incredibly full-on scenes. It focuses on the life of Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood and the events that have led her to where she is now. After a tough time losing her daughter, she’s still having trouble letting go and when the opportune moment arrives for her to take down the man who assaulted her daughter, she embraces it. Everything is much deeper than it first seemed…
There are currently two seasons available to watch and if you are particularly fond of crime dramas such as Luther, you’ll want to give this one a watch. It’s one woman who has to battle her own demons while maintaining her ruthless attitude towards criminals. Sarah Lancashire plays the main role.
Call The Midwife
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
With all the technology and medication available nowadays, it’s easy to forget that once upon a time things weren’t so dandy. This period drama primarily focuses on one newly qualified midwife, Jenny, who is sent to work in a convent. You know what it’s like… Going somewhere new and feeling overwhelmed by everyone and everything, but then several months later you question why it felt so scary. Jenny soon makes friends with other nurses and makes a difference in other peoples’ lives.
Call The Midwife is set in 1950s England and gets down to the nitty-gritty and the reality of being a midwife during that time. If period dramas are your thing, add this one to your list.
Doctor Who
Available on Netflix in the United Kingdom
Many doctors come and go but the bond stays the same. I don’t know about you, but every time there’s a new doctor I feel a little piece of me lose hope. However, there comes a point (usually) in the show with a new Doctor and I think: ‘This ain’t so bad…’. Doctor Who is a show that many have grown up with and perhaps can’t even remember what all the episodes were about. It’s full of aliens, invasions and time travel and the Doctor, along with his companion, must find a solution before the world comes to an obliterative end.
Lucky for us, there are almost 10 full series of Doctor Who available to watch right now. Are you missing the tenth Doctor’s dashing pin-striped suits? Or perhaps you miss the 11th Doctor’s weird obsession with fish fingers and custard. We’ve just said goodbye to the 12th Doctor and a new one is on the way… So there’s no harm in going back in the meantime to indulge in a world where everything is constantly changing.
Poldark
Available on Netflix in the United Kingdom
After serving three years in the army, you’d hope to feel at ease when you return home. However, that’s not the case for Ross Poldark, who returns from the American War of Independence. He arrives home to find that his Father passed away, his estate is in pieces and the woman he truly loves has chosen another man. Safe to say that’s not the best welcome after all that time…
Everything may seem dark but there’s always a silver lining. Aidan Turner (The Hobbit) plays the main role of Captain Ross Poldark and Eleanor Tomlinson (Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging) as Demelza. Their story grows throughout the series and they face plenty of challenges along the way.
The Office
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
You may have seen the U.S. version of the show and loved every single episode but you may not have seen the original version. We suggest you watch the two seasons available of the UK’s version of The Office. This mockumentary was created, written and directed by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais. Office employees go about their day-to-day lives, one of which is Gervais himself playing one of the main characters, David Brent.
It’s worth watching this series to see where the fun first began.
Luther
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
Everyone has their own problems, complications and dilemmas. Life isn’t easy and when you’ve still got a job to do it can become even harder. Luther is a detective who has to deal with his own personal issues all while trying to remain focused on his job. He has to look at the deeper side of the crimes he comes face to face with and is engulfed by the darkness. Idris Elba plays the lead role as detective John Luther. There are four series available to stream and if you’ve seen Happy Valley you’ll want to give this show a try.
The Great British Bake Off
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
Who doesn’t like a little bit of Mary Berry every now and then? If you’re feeling hungry, enjoy baking shows or perhaps want to know how to make the perfect pie without a soggy bottom, The Great British Bake Off (titled The Great British Baking Show in the US) is the show to binge watch at the weekends. Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood judge a range of contestants and their ability to work under pressure to create the perfect bake. It is hosted by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc and their jokes and witty comments keep the baking tent at ease.
Although the show recently moved to Channel 4, the first seven seasons that were broadcast on the BBC are available to stream on Netflix. Those of you who were sad to see Mary, Sue and Mel go after the big move will hopefully feel a little at ease knowing you can go back and see them in action all over again!
Sherlock
Available on Netflix in the United States and the United Kingdom
The bold, the brave and the brilliant… Sherlock Holmes is a man of many talents and some would say he is absurdly unique and quirky. It’s his whole attitude and ability to apply himself to situations that makes him so loveable and amusing. In the BBC’s version of Sherlock, the main character is played by the inspirational Benedict Cumberbatch. Some of you may have seen Benedict Cumberbatch in the Marvel film Doctor Strange or perhaps The Imitation Game, but regardless of where you’ve seen him, we all know he’s a fantastic actor with many talents.
I doubt there’s many of you who don’t know the story of Sherlock Holmes but just in case you don’t… He is a thorough and ruthless detective who can solve the most unsolvable crimes. He likes things his way and only his way and, of course, he must always be right. Sherlock’s right-hand-man is Doctor John Watson, who aids him on cases in modern London. They’re the perfect pair.
Let us know which BBC shows are your favourites!
