16 Top-Rated British TV Series
16 titles
- 1
Ripper StreetTV · 2012 · 5 seasons · Drama, Mystery, CrimeIn 1889, Victorian London's Ripper Street is a gripping drama set in the aftermath of the infamous Ripper murders. The story unfolds in Whitechapel, the East End's gritty heart, focusing on H Division, a police precinct known for its chaos and intense pressure.
The series explores how the Ripper's horrific crimes continue to haunt the lives of those involved, forever changing their world and the city itself. At its center is a team of dedicated detectives striving for justice and searching for hope in a dark environment.
Ripper Street expertly combines suspenseful investigations with powerful human stories, offering a realistic portrayal of a community battling its past and striving for a better future.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.4 - 2
LutherTV · 2010 · 5 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryIdris Elba stars as Luther in this intense psychological crime drama. Luther is a detective haunted by his past, his personal demons mirroring the darkness of the criminals he chases. The story explores how Luther's inner turmoil impacts his investigations, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. The series masterfully combines suspense with a deep dive into Luther’s mind, revealing a man as dangerous as the monsters he pursues.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.9 - 3
MarcellaTV · 2016 · 3 seasons · Crime, DramaMarcella’s world is shattered when her husband, Jason, unexpectedly tells her he no longer loves her, leading to their divorce. Heartbroken and adrift, she returns to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Murder Squad – a unit she left a decade ago to raise a family.
She'd put her career on hold for her husband and children, but now, with her personal life falling apart, Marcella finds refuge in diving back into police work. As she grapples with the end of her marriage and a strained relationship with her teenage daughter and young son, she becomes deeply involved in a series of intense murder cases.
The story explores themes of love, loss, and finding oneself as Marcella uses her work to rebuild her life amidst the emotional chaos of her personal struggles.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 4
WhitechapelTV · 2009 · 4 seasons · Crime, DramaDetective Inspector Chandler is pulled into a disturbing case in London's East End: a series of brutal murders mirroring a famous crime from the past. As Chandler investigates, he navigates the city's criminal networks and confronts his own troubled history to understand why someone is committing these copycat killings.
The story examines how past events continue to shape the present, as Chandler races against time and his personal demons to stop more violence. The series offers a tense, realistic portrayal of London's streets and its dangerous inhabitants. With a complex plot and Chandler’s unwavering pursuit of justice, viewers are gripped by this dark and unforgiving world.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.2 - 5
Top of the LakeTV · 2013 · 2 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryDetective Robin Griffin is a determined investigator who relentlessly chases the truth in the most twisted cases. Plagued by her own history, Robin’s past haunts her work, making it hard to separate justice from personal feelings. As she explores the darkest parts of people, Robin's strength starts to break down. She’s fighting to solve crimes and find peace while battling her own trauma. This intense drama looks at identity, finding forgiveness, and how the past shapes the present, all set against the stunning landscapes of New Zealand.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 6
The HourTV · 2011 · 2 seasons · Drama, War & Politics, CrimeThis series plunges into the high-stakes world of Cold War journalism. It follows an ambitious journalist, a clever producer, and a veteran news anchor on a top investigative program in 1960s England. Their pursuit of truth amidst international espionage leads them through a dangerous world of secrets, lies, and surprising partnerships. As they grapple with national security and media control, loyalties are tested, and the boundaries between allies and enemies become unclear. Against a backdrop of global tension, this thrilling drama explores the price of truth, the strength of journalistic principles, and the relentless fight for justice during a time of worldwide conflict.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 7
Wire in the BloodTV · 2002 · 6 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryDr. Tony Hill is a clinical psychologist who specializes in profiling dangerous criminals, especially murderers. His ability to understand their twisted minds makes him a key asset for law enforcement. But this gift comes with a cost: he struggles to emotionally detach from the dark details of each case. Constantly exposed to such depravity, Dr. Hill battles to maintain his own sense of self, navigate relationships, and define the line between right and wrong. As he helps solve these baffling crimes, can he hold onto his sanity?IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 8
CopperTV · 2012 · 2 seasons · Action & Adventure, DramaNew York City, 1860s. The Five Points is a vibrant, dangerous place. Kevin Corcoran, an Irish immigrant and police officer, struggles to keep the peace in a neighborhood overflowing with crime. But Corcoran's world crumbles when his wife disappears and his daughter dies tragically. Haunted by loss and driven by a desperate need for answers, he plunges into the dark underbelly of 19th-century New York, facing constant peril in his pursuit of the truth about his family. It’s a story of resilience and a man's unwavering fight for justice.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.1 - 9
Prime SuspectTV · 1991 · 7 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryDetective Inspector Jane Tennison battles sexism and ambition within a tough police force while tackling difficult cases. She’s determined to prove herself, breaking down barriers with her sharp mind and relentless drive. The series explores the dark side of crime alongside issues of gender inequality and power struggles at work. Tennison's unwavering fight for justice showcases her exceptional skills and inspires others to persevere and believe in themselves.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.7 - 10
SilkTV · 2011 · 3 seasons · Drama"Silk" is a British drama series created by Peter Moffat and first shown on BBC in 2011. It offers a compelling look inside the lives of barristers as they strive to become Queen's Counsel – a highly coveted position. The series explores their personal and professional lives, revealing the fierce competition, complicated relationships, and difficult ethical choices they face in a demanding world. "Silk" captures the intense atmosphere and psychological drama of the legal profession, making it a gripping series for fans of crime and courtroom stories.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 11
ThorneTV · 2010 · 1 seasons · Crime, DramaThorne is a six-episode television drama that premiered on Sky1 in the UK on October 10, 2010. Adapted from Mark Billingham's novels, the series stars David Morrissey as Detective Inspector Tom Thorne.
The first part, "Sleepyhead," follows Thorne as he investigates a string of attacks on young women and is forced to confront his own traumatic past while racing to catch a killer.
In the second part, "Scaredycat," two women are murdered near St Pancras station, in distinct ways. When a link is discovered to two earlier murders, also occurring on the same day, Thorne suspects two serial killers may be working together.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 12
Waking the DeadTV · 2001 · 9 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryA detective team uses innovative methods to crack long-unsolved cold cases.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.3 - 13
Five DaysTV · 2007 · 2 seasons · Crime, DramaA gripping thriller following a police investigation across five intense twenty-four hour periods.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8 - 14
SurvivorsTV · 2008 · 2 seasons · Drama, Sci-Fi & FantasyAfter a devastating virus kills nearly everyone on Earth, a few scattered survivors fight to survive.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 15
What RemainsTV · 2013 · 1 seasons · Drama, MysteryAfter a young woman, Melissa Young, is discovered deceased in a newly purchased apartment, Detective Len Harper begins investigating how she died and why her disappearance went unnoticed.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 16
Above SuspicionTV · 2009 · 4 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryAbove Suspicion is a British crime drama starring Kelly Reilly as Anna Travis, a rookie detective striving to prove herself in a male-dominated police department while investigating a series of gruesome murders committed by an unknown serial killer.
Each season adapts a novel by Lynda La Plante: Above Suspicion (2009), The Red Dahlia (2010), Deadly Intent (2011), and Silent Scream (2012).IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
