This week, the British TV series MI-5 (aka Spooks) turns 23. First broadcast on May 13th in 2002, the fast-paced espionage drama became known for its gritty realism, shocking character deaths (don't get attached), and storylines that reflected real-world political tensions. Over its 10-series run, the series introduced audiences to a number of actors who have since become household names. Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) played original team leader Tom Quinn, while Keeley Hawes (The Durrells)...
5 days ago • 2 min read
This weekend marks 28 years since the premiere of Jonathan Creek, the clever and unconventional mystery series that quickly became a cult favorite. First airing on 10 May 1997, the show introduced us to the brilliant but eccentric Jonathan Creek, a magician’s consultant who used his keen eye for illusion and logic to solve seemingly impossible crimes. Played by Alan Davies, Creek was a refreshingly quirky addition to the world of British detectives, paired initially with journalist Maddy...
7 days ago • 2 min read
Today marks 15 years since the premiere of Luther, the now-classic British crime drama starring Idris Elba as a morally complex detective who struggles with the darkness of the world and its people. Ruth Wilson plays Alice Morgan, a brilliant but evil woman who enjoys making his life complicated. To celebrate the anniversary, we put together a fun minstrel-style song about Luther, which you can check out HERE. In the US, you can watch Luther on Acorn TV, AMC+, BritBox, Hulu, and Pluto TV...
10 days ago • 3 min read
Today marks 9 years since the 2016 premiere of the dark comedy Flowers, which starred Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt as heads of the deeply unconventional Flowers family. Set in a rambling, crumbling country house, it follows children’s book author Maurice (Barratt) and music teacher Deborah (Colman) as they navigate depression, dysfunction, and long-buried secrets alongside their eccentric adult twins and a live-in illustrator from Japan. The series blends offbeat humor with emotional...
20 days ago • 2 min read
Before we dive into this week’s British TV news, we want to take a moment to remember actress and screenwriter Jean Marsh, who died on April 13th. In 1971, Marsh co-created Upstairs, Downstairs—a groundbreaking drama that would go on to become one of the most beloved and influential series in British TV history. At a time when women in the UK still couldn’t apply for a mortgage without a male guarantor, Marsh’s achievement (alongside Dame Eileen Atkins) was nothing short of remarkable. She...
23 days ago • 3 min read
Sad news today - British author Peter Lovesey has died at the age of 88. Fans of British crime novels will likely be familiar with his work - particularly the Peter Diamond series, which ended in 2024 with Against the Grain. Lovesey announced in 2023 that it would be the last outing of the Bath-based detective, as his medical issues were terminal and he wouldn't likely live long enough to complete more. In a late 2024 interview, he expressed delight that he was able to live long enough to see...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Tomorrow, the classic British TV series Budgie will be 54 years old! Starring Adam Faith as the charming but hapless petty crook Ronald “Budgie” Bird, the series follows his misadventures as he schemes to make quick cash while constantly finding himself in trouble. Co-starring Iain Cuthbertson as his boss, Charlie Endell, the show became a cult favorite for its gritty portrayal of London’s criminal underworld - though anyone who's been to London in the last 10 or 15 years might be astonished...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Today, Monty Python & the Holy Grail turns 50! The classic comedy follows King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a hilariously absurd quest to find the Holy Grail, encountering a series of bizarre obstacles along the way. Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Sir Michael Palin, it showcases the legendary comedy troupe at their most inventive. At present, US viewers can watch it on BritBox, Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, Shout TV!, and the Roku Channel....
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
A few quick notes... Today marks 28 years since the 1997 premiere of Cold Feet. The series follows the lives, relationships, and friendships of three couples in Manchester as they handle the ups and downs of love, family, and career. Originally airing from 1998 to 2003, it returned in 2016 with the same core characters, exploring how their lives had changed over the years. LEAVING - Though BritBox doesn't publish a monthly list of what's leaving, I did happen to notice that Love in a Cold...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read