If you're a big fan of good TV dramas, you've probably felt a touch of envy at the British television machine . It's not that Spain doesn't produce great shows—quite the opposite—but the UK has been churning out memorable series across all genres for decades, and they're currently enjoying another golden age on streaming platforms and broadcast channels.
In recent years, and looking ahead to 2026, the selection is so vast that it's hard to know where to begin; to help guide you, check out the best series . From recent gems like "Adolescence" to modern classics like "The Crown," and including essential historical shows like "Doctor Who," "Poirot," and "Inspector Morse," not forgetting everything that's coming this year: new seasons of hits, literary adaptations of Agatha Christie, prequels to "Game of Thrones," and original series from the BBC, ITV, Sky, Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
In recent years, and looking ahead to 2026, the selection is so vast that it's hard to know where to begin. From recent gems like "Adolescence" to modern classics like "The Crown," and essential historical series such as "Doctor Who," "Poirot," and "Inspector Morse," not forgetting everything that's coming this year: new seasons of hit shows, literary adaptations of Agatha Christie, prequels to "Game of Thrones," and original productions from the BBC, ITV, Sky, Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
The best modern British series to stream
The biggest problem with any list of British TV series is that, in Spain, it's very difficult to find many productions from before 2010 available for streaming . Some classic titles have almost disappeared from the platforms or appear and disappear from the catalog. Even so, there's a group of recent series and others from the last 15-20 years that can be watched (or rediscovered) today and are essential viewing for any TV series enthusiast.
“Adolescence” (2025) has become the biggest recent British television phenomenon. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, it's a four-episode miniseries that favors long takes and a highly immersive mise-en-scène. The plot revolves around a murder in a British community and a 13-year-old boy who becomes the prime suspect. With Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper leading the cast, the series builds a bleak atmosphere from beginning to end, one of those stories that leaves you shaken for days . It can be seen on Netflix.
Another essential title from recent British television is "I May Destroy You" (2020) , created by and starring Michaela Coel. The series follows Arabella, a young writer trying to rebuild her life after a sexual assault she doesn't clearly remember. Through the characters of Paapa Essiedu, Weruche Opia, and Coel herself, the series delves with brutal force into themes such as consent, relationships, abuse of power, and trauma. It premiered in 2020 and, six years later, is still considered one of the decade's most cathartic television experiences.
When discussing recent British masterpieces, it's impossible to leave out "The Crown" (2016-2023) . Created by Peter Morgan for Netflix, this six-season drama portrays the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her youth to the final years of the modern monarchy. With actresses like Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton successively embodying the Queen, and an impressive supporting cast, the series offers a lavish, high-budget biopic brimming with political and personal intrigue . While it has sometimes been criticized for toning down certain royal controversies, its historical and visual reconstruction remains breathtaking.
In the realm of comedy, the UK has produced some of the most influential titles of this century so far. “Fleabag” (2016-2019) is one of the clearest examples. Created, written, and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, with Sian Clifford and Andrew Scott as co-stars, it tells the story of a thirty-something Londoner grappling with grief, disastrous relationships, and a host of internal contradictions. It does so by breaking the fourth wall, with an acerbic, irreverent, and at times devastating tone that established Waller-Bridge as one of the most stimulating creative voices of recent years.
On the darker, more technological side, we find "Black Mirror" (2011-…) , the anthology series created by Charlie Brooker that imagines dystopian futures (or very near-futures) marked by technology and its effects on society. Each episode tells an independent story, with tones ranging from devastating drama to dark satire. Some episodes have been highly debated, while others are already considered masterpieces of contemporary television science fiction . What is clear is that the series has forever changed the way we look at our phones, social media, and gadgets.
Modern classics of British television
Beyond the most recent releases, the British film and television catalog of the 90s and 2000s remains a goldmine. Many titles aren't always available in Spain, but they're worth keeping an eye on because they're fundamental to understanding the evolution of British fiction.
One of the most iconic is “Sherlock” (2010-2017) , the modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman reinvent Holmes and Watson in contemporary London, with intricate cases and a dynamic visual pace. The series consists of short seasons with long episodes that function almost like TV movies. Between its visual style, rapid-fire dialogue, and the palpable chemistry between its leads , it has become a benchmark for literary modernizations.
In the realm of period dramas, few series have had as much impact as “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015) . Created by Julian Fellowes, it follows the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff in a Yorkshire manor house at the beginning of the 20th century. Over six seasons, the series covers major historical events (the sinking of the Titanic, the First World War, social and political changes) while focusing on love, tragedy, scandal, and small, everyday victories . Its influence on subsequent British period dramas is enormous.
For office comedy, one simply has to mention "The Office" (2001-2003) in its original British version. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant created this sitcom set in a nondescript paper company in Slough, with an awkward, almost documentary-style humor that led to the subsequent American version. Starring Gervais himself and Martin Freeman, the series exploited secondhand embarrassment, awkward silences, and the mediocrity of daily work life to almost painful—and hilarious—points.
Continuing with literary adaptations, British television has been known for its meticulous attention to classic works. “Pride and Prejudice” (1995) , written by Andrew Davies, is one of the most celebrated versions of Jane Austen's novel. With Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, this BBC miniseries offered a perfect cast, meticulously crafted locations, and a period recreation that captivated generations of viewers . It has even influenced how the character of Darcy is still imagined today.
Detectives, mysteries and the tradition of British crime
Crime and classic mystery are a hallmark of British culture. Much of that fame stems from adaptations of great authors and characters who have become television icons. Within this universe, we find several key series that, to varying degrees, remain available on platforms like Filmin and Prime Video.
On one hand, there's "Inspector Morse" (1987-1993) , based on the novels by Colin Dexter. Starring John Thaw, with Kevin Whately and James Grout, this series follows Endeavour Morse, a veteran police inspector in Oxford, considered the best in the Thames Valley. The series is structured in long episodes, almost like TV movies, in the style of "Columbo," and has since spawned prequels and spin-offs such as "Lewis" and "Endeavour." For lovers of slow-burning mysteries with a distinctly British character, it's a real treat . It can be found on Prime Video at certain times.
Another pillar of the genre is "Poirot" (1989-2013) , the long-running television adaptation of the cases of the famous Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Starring David Suchet—for many, the definitive incarnation of Hercule Poirot—the series ran for 13 seasons. Although its later seasons may show some visual signs of aging, it remains a treat for anyone who enjoys classic drawing-room mysteries , with well-constructed plots, seemingly impossible crimes, and a charmingly eccentric protagonist. It is available on Filmin, Prime Video, and occasionally on Movistar Plus.
Among the titles that, although not currently readily available on streaming services, cannot be overlooked when discussing British television series, "I, Claudius" (1976) stands out . This production, created by Martin Lisemore, Joan Sullivan, Herbert Wise, and Jack Pullman, and starring Derek Jacobi and Sian Phillips, among others, reconstructs the Roman Empire from the perspective of Emperor Claudius. With its theatrical yet powerful production, razor-sharp dialogue, and a truly stellar cast , it continues to be considered one of the best series in television history. It is not currently available on Spanish platforms, but as soon as it reappears, it's worth keeping an eye out for.
Doctor Who and other British television institutions
When discussing television institutions, it's essential to mention "Doctor Who" (1963-1989, 2005-…) . The BBC series about the Time Lord who travels through space and time in the TARDIS has accumulated decades of stories, with multiple incarnations of the Doctor, from classics like Tom Baker to more recent names such as David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Ncuti Gatwa. Throughout its 26 classic seasons and the 15 (and counting) of the modern era, it has explored all kinds of plots: alien invasions, dystopias, historical journeys, horror episodes, and emotionally charged moments that have become etched in the collective memory . In Spain, the most recent seasons can be seen on Disney+.
The production and following that “Doctor Who” achieves illustrate very well how British series can become part of the country's cultural landscape , something that also happens with more modern phenomena such as “Line of Duty” or the great comedies of Channel 4 and BBC.
New and returning British TV series in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, the British television calendar is packed. January, in particular, is an ideal month to hibernate on the sofa while storms like Storm Goretti rage outside, and the networks know it. The combination of new seasons of much-loved series, entirely new productions, and nostalgic returns results in one of the strongest years for British TV premieres.
Internationally, to begin with, several series stand out that, while not entirely British, do feature a strong presence of UK talent and production. For example, "Queer Eye" returns with its tenth and final season on Netflix on January 21, with its Fab Five preparing for new emotional transformations, this time in Washington DC. It will be the farewell to a format that has defined recent television and that, once again, promises equal parts tears and good vibes.
Among the new teen romance series with global appeal is an adaptation of the ice hockey novel "Game Changers," focusing on the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. This series, which has generated considerable buzz online, is finally arriving in the UK after its success in other territories, demonstrating how streaming platforms are investing in diverse, niche stories with international potential.
New series and highly anticipated seasons on streaming platforms
In the streaming world, the first quarter of the year is shaping up to be a strong one. “Tell Me Lies” premieres its third season on January 14 on Disney+. The first two seasons followed the toxic relationship between Lucy and Stephen, played by Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, and everything points to even more psychological games, twists, and surprises in this unhealthy dynamic. It's one of those series that hooks you with its emotional tension as much as its romantic drama.
On January 29, “Bridgerton” returns to Netflix with the first part of its fourth season (the second part arrives on February 26). This time, the main plot will focus on Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, in a love story with clear echoes of “Cinderella.” The eight episodes will be filled with period balls, social intrigue, passionate romances, and the now-classic soundtrack of pop covers. The series is one of Shondaland and Netflix's biggest global hits, and its universe expands even with parallel experiences like the “Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings” concerts, which allow you to relive the series' melodies surrounded by candlelight.
"Industry" returns to HBO (and the BBC in the UK) on January 12 on the BBC (January 11 on HBO in the US). This financial thriller, which starred Myha'la, Marisa Abela, and Kit Harington in recent seasons, will now also feature Charlie Heaton, known for "Stranger Things." Set in the competitive world of London finance, the series explores the extreme pressures, unchecked ambition, and emotional vulnerability of young people trying to climb the banking ladder.
Netflix is also making a strong push into literary mysteries with "Seven Dials" (January 15) , an adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel "The Mystery of the Seven Dials." In it, Mia McKenna-Bruce plays Bundle, a determined young woman who sets out to investigate a death that occurred in her own home. She is joined by heavyweights such as Martin Freeman, Helena Bonham Carter, and Corey Mylchreest, in a production that promises to blend Christie's classic charm with a modern pace.
Fantasy, prequels and major British brands
Game of Thrones fans have another key date at the beginning of the year with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (January 19, Sky Atlantic/NOW) . This series adapts George R.R. Martin's novellas "Tales of Dunk and Egg," set about 90 years before the events of the main saga. We will follow Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and the young Prince Aegon Targaryen (Egg) on their adventures in Westeros, with a slightly more adventurous tone but maintaining the political intrigue and complex world that characterizes the author.
In March, Prime will premiere "Young Sherlock" (March 4) , a reimagining of the famous detective during his university years. Based on the books by Andrew Lane and directed by Guy Ritchie, the series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin as a young Sherlock Holmes in his formative years at Oxford, facing his first murder mystery. The series aims to show how the character's analytical mind and traits develop , blending thriller elements with youthful adventures.
In the realm of teen drama, one of the most talked-about returns will be that of “Euphoria ,” scheduled for March on Sky Atlantic/NOW in the UK. Four years have passed since the second season and five since its final episode aired when the new season arrives. With Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi reprising their roles in the main cast, this third season is expected to be the last, concluding a raw and stylized portrayal of contemporary adolescence that has sparked intense debates about representation, drugs, mental health, and sexuality.
Nostalgic returns and new quality miniseries
Among the most nostalgic projects of 2026 is “Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair!” (April 10, Disney+) . The iconic family sitcom returns as a four-episode miniseries, each episode 30 minutes long, in which Malcolm and his daughter attend his parents' 40th wedding anniversary party. Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston reprise their roles, joined by much of the original cast. This series aims to appeal to both fans of the classic show and new generations , with the same blend of chaotic humor and heartwarming charm.
Apple TV+ will premiere “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” (April 15) , a miniseries based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe. Starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Nick Offerman, and Michelle Pfeiffer, it follows Margo, a young mother with a newborn and a mountain of bills, who is forced to find unconventional solutions to her financial problems. This series promises to combine social commentary, intimate drama, and awkward humor with a truly stellar cast.
The BBC is also expected to premiere “Dear England,” based on the Olivier Award-winning play that chronicles Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager of the English national football team. While the exact broadcast date is expected around May 24, 2026, on BBC One, it is already known that Joseph Fiennes will portray Southgate in four episodes that will blend sport, politics, media pressure, and the emotional management of both failure and success.
On ITV, one of the most talked-about series even before its premiere is "The Lady" (early 2026, ITV) . Over four episodes, the production explores the rise and fall of Jane Andrews, a former dressmaker to the royals who was ultimately convicted of murder. Mia McKenna-Bruce plays Andrews, while Natalie Dormer portrays Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. The latter has refused to promote the series following the public revelation of her connections to Jeffrey Epstein, which has added another layer of controversy and media attention.
Major literary adaptations and high-profile projects
Disney+ is preparing the return of "Rivals ," an adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel. The new season, still without a specific release date but expected at the end of the year, promises more wit, desire, scandals, and surprising twists. David Tennant, Alex Hassell, and Declan O'Hara will reprise their roles in a series that plays with glamour, professional rivalries, and unleashed passions in the world of British high society.
On Prime Video, one of the most anticipated titles is the "Tomb Raider" series , developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner. Sophie Turner, known for "Game of Thrones," will play Lara Croft, while the cast includes names like Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs. Although the exact release date hasn't been announced, it's known that the project aims to update the iconic video game character with Waller-Bridge's signature humor and style.
Netflix, meanwhile, is preparing a new version of "Pride and Prejudice," reimagined by Dolly Alderton, author of the BBC series "All I Know About Love." Emma Corrin, whom many remember from "The Crown," will play Elizabeth Bennet, while Jack Lowden, of "Slow Horses," will be the new Mr. Darcy. The intention is to offer a contemporary take on the romantic classic while maintaining the essence of Jane Austen, something that is already generating a curious mix of anticipation and skepticism among purist fans.
British calendar: premieres, renewals and series on the air
In addition to the big international names, it's worth paying attention to the specific schedules of British broadcasters and their main streaming platforms, because there you can see how the local industry maintains a continuous flow of dramas, comedies, thrillers, and miniseries . There are daily updated lists that mark currently airing series in green and those that have finished their last season but are awaiting renewal or cancellation in yellow.
Among the confirmed dates are, for example, “Death Valley ,” season two, which premieres on May 17 on BBC One; “Falling,” a new Channel 4 series arriving on May 19; and “Dear England ,” whose premiere on BBC One is scheduled for May 24, 2026. On May 27, BBC Three launches the complete second season of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder . ”
Beyond those specific dates, there are a good number of productions with new seasons "yet to be announced." At the BBC, titles such as "Amandaland" (Season 2), "Beyond Paradise" (Season 5), "Black Ops" (Season 3), "Blue Lights" (Season 4), "Call the Midwife" (Season 16), "Death in Paradise" (Season 16), "Doctor Who" (Season 16), "Here We Go" (Season 4), "Not Going Out" (Season 15), "Silent Witness" (Season 30), "Two Doors Down" (Season 8), and "Waterloo Road" (Season 18) are awaiting release dates, demonstrating the extent to which British series are committed to long seasons and enduring television universes.
In the crime drama and thriller genres, notable upcoming returns include “Line of Duty” (Season 7), “Sherwood” (Season 3), “Shetland” (Season 11), “The Capture” (whose third season has already finished), “Trigger Point” (Season 4), “Unforgotten” (Season 7), “Gangs of London” (Season 4), “Save Me” (Season 3), and “Grace” (Season 7) . Many of these have already been filmed or are in production, and only official confirmation of the broadcast schedule from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, or Sky is pending.
As for new bets and miniseries, the list of projects in development is long: “A Tale of Two Cities”, “Can You Keep a Secret?”, “Counsels”, “Daddy Issues” S2, “First Day on Earth”, “King and Conqueror”, “Legacy of Spies”, “Ludwig”, “Lynley” S2, “Miss Austen” S2, “Riot Women”, “SAS: Rogue Heroes” S3, “The Cage”, “The Cleaner” S4, “The Dream Lands”, “The Ministry of Time”, “The Night Manager” S3, “The Split Up”, “The Witch Farm”, “This City is Ours” S2, “Time” S3, “Two Weeks in August”, “Virdee” S1, “Wahala” … and many more. Some already have their first seasons completed (such as “Mint”, “Return to Paradise”, “The Young Offenders”, “We Are Lady Parts”, “The Power of Parker” or “Wild Cherry”), others have remained at a single batch of episodes waiting to see if they continue.
Channel 4, Sky, ITV, and other networks also feature shows like “Big Mood” (Season 2), “Everyone Else Burns” (Season 3), “Red Eye” (Season 3), “The Dry” (Season 3), “Brassic” (Season 7), “The Day of the Jackal” (Season 2), “Sweetpea” (Season 2), “The Crow Girl” (Season 2), “The Ex-Wife” (Season 2), and many projects labeled “season completed (Season 1)” awaiting news: “Dreamers,” “Small Town, Big Story,” “The Iris Affair,” “The Revenge Club,” “Frauds,” “Coldwater,” etc. This mosaic reveals an ecosystem where big-budget productions are mixed with smaller series, auteur comedies, and niche thrillers.
The relevance of specialized media in the culture of television series
Keeping track of all these series, release dates, and renewals would be impossible without the ongoing work of specialized media outlets. In Spain, for example, the magazine FOTOGRAMAS has established itself since 1946 as one of the essential references for film and entertainment. Since its debut on newsstands on November 15th of that year, it has evolved to cover not only theatrical releases but also the best series arriving on streaming platforms , interviews with actors and directors, analyses, and interesting facts about the audiovisual landscape.
The FOTOGRAMAS team is made up of journalists and critics such as Juan Silvestre (digital director), Javier Díaz-Salado (digital editor-in-chief), Ricardo Rosado and Fran Chico (writers), and Sergio Valverde (Community Manager), among other contributors. Day after day, they provide up-to-date information, reviews by renowned writers, and exclusive content such as clips, teasers, and trailers , helping to guide the public through the avalanche of new releases.
Meanwhile, platforms like Filmin also inform their users about title availability and new releases. Although a message like "Your browser is too old" might sometimes appear when accessing the service with outdated devices, the reality is that these services are key to rescuing hard-to-find British classics and discovering hidden gems that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Between local catalogs, major global platforms, and specialized media, fans of British series now have more tools than ever to keep track of premieres like "Adolescence," "Seven Dials," "The Lady," or "Tomb Raider"; to binge-watch "The Crown," "Fleabag," "Doctor Who," "Downton Abbey," or "Line of Duty"; and to stay informed about the endless titles in development that make up one of the richest and most varied series ecosystems in the world.
