The Top 10 British TV shows have been ranked

By IMDb

Author: Alex RossPublished 19th Sep 2024

As a nation we LOVE a tele series! Whether it be crime dramas or comedy series, or docu-series and thrillers, it's safe to say us Brits love to sit down in front of a gripping TV show, mostly with a cuppa in hand.

IMDb, an online database containing information and statistics about movies, TV shows and video games, have ranked the Top 10 British TV shows, with some pretty interesting results!

Whilst the likes of The Crown, Peaky Blinders and of course, Game of Thrones all make the list, there's some pretty obvious shows missing, including the classic that is Only Fools and Horses!

Check out the Top 10 British TV shows according to IMDb:

10) Fleabag

Written by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, comedy-drama Fleabag is made up of two series. The hit show was adapted by Phoebe from her 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe one-woman play of the same name. The show first hit the BBC in July 2016, with the final episode airing in April 2019.

9) Downton Abbey

As well as having two hit movies and a third on the way, Downton Abbey started off as a popular historical drama series set in the early 20th century. The show was created by Julian Fellowes and is made-up of six series, with 52 episodes in total. Series one first aired in September 2010, with the final ever episode hitting our screens in November 2015. There were also a number of Christmas specials.

8) Doctor Who

It's been on our screens since 1963, so it's no shock to see science fiction series Doctor Who make the list. Now onto its 15th doctor, in the form of Ncuti Gatwa, the show still remains popular to this day, with the next series expected to air on BBC One in 2025.

7) The Crown

Despite being controversial, Netflix series The Crown has been incredibly popular since it first landed on the streaming platform back in 2016. Telling the story of the Monarchy through the years, from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II up until 2005, the show is made up of six series, with 60 episodes in total. Although fans have been crying out for producers to create more series, to portray the events closer to the present day, it looks like no more will be made.

6) Sex Education

It may have only started in 2019, but Netflix series Sex Education has amassed a huge following since. Starring the likes of Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson and Emma Mackey, the teen comedy drama is made up of four series in total. Bosses have already confirmed a fifth series isn't on the cards, but it will sure go down in history as being a great TV series by Netflix.

5) Ted Lasso

It's one of the most popular series in recent years, with football coach Ted Lasso captivating the nation. Starring Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso, which airs on Apple TV, follows Ted as he coaches AFC Richmond in the English Premier League, despite having no previous coaching experience. The show is made up of three series, with a fourth reportedly now in the works.

4) Black Mirror

Created by Charlie Brooker, anthology series Black Mirror first aired on Channel 4, before making its move to streaming platform Netflix in 2016. Series one of the show first aired in December 2011, with the sixth series airing in June 2023, featuring six brand new episodes. It's now been announced a seventh series is will air in 2025, which will feature a sequel to series four episode USS Callister.

3) Peaky Blinders

Perhaps one of the most recognisable British TV series ever created, Steven Knight's Peaky Blinders is a firm favourite with TV fans. Made up of six series, the show stars the likes of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, and Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby Jr. Despite fans calling out for more series, Steven has now confirmed the seventh instalment has been turned into a movie, which will be out in 2025.

2) Sherlock

Airing between 2010-2017, BBC crime drama Sherlock made it to number two on the list! Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson, the show consists of the team solving mysteries in modern-day London. Sherlock is made up of four series, with 13 episodes in total.

1) Game of Thrones

It's one of the most-talked about series ever made, despite THAT ending, so it's no surprise Game of Thrones has topped the list! Featuring a star-studded cast including the likes of Sean Bean, Kit Harington, Alfie Allen, Sophie Turner, Richard Madden, Rose Leslie and Maisie Williams to name a few, the HBO fantasy drama was adapted into a series from George R. R. Martin novels. The show is made up of eight series in total, featuring 73 episodes. The final ever episode aired in May 2019, but many people have binged the entire series numerous times.

Do you agree with the list?

Now read:

The best TV crime dramas to binge now

All of the TV shows we can't wait for the return of

The best true crime documentaries available on Netflix

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.