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Positive & Uplifting British TV & Films to Ring in the New Year
Published 4 days ago • 5 min read
Happy New Year's Eve! We hope you all have a safe and pleasant evening, whether that means time with friends and family or staying in alone with a good book or TV series.
Fun Fact: While this won't be news to any of the most die-hard Anglophiles, the Scots word for the last day of the year is Hogmanay. In modern day Scotland, these celebrations can get quite large, with events carrying on for a few days (though sadly, some events were cancelled this year due to extreme weather). If you're curious to learn more about how the country that gave us Auld Lang Syne celebrates the coming of the new year, check out:
Many people believe that the way you end the old year or begin the new year is indicative of how the upcoming year will go. Just in case there's some merit to that, we decided to put together an email full of positive and uplifting British TV and film recommendations (TV first, then films).
What we're...
Watching: The Art of Crime, Season 7 - This one's French with subtitles, but I've been eagerly awaiting its return. The series sees an art historian and reluctant art investigator working together to solve art-related crimes in and around Paris. If you like mysteries that are a bit less gritty and gruesome but which aren't totally silly, I highly recommend it.
Reading: The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin - If you enjoy books that are historical and sort of warm and cosy, this one by the author of The Last Bookshop in London is a safe bet. Set in wartime England, a widowed mother finds solace, community, and renewed purpose through her job at Boots’ Booklover’s Library while trying to reunite with her evacuated daughter amidst the challenges of the Blitz.
Positive & Uplifting British TV Shows
Detectorists - This delightfully gentle comedy celebrates the beauty of life's small, mundane moments, set against a backdrop of nature as two friends bond over their metal-detecting adventures in the English countryside. Mackenzie Crook is both creator and star, and he appears alongside many British TV favourites like Toby Jones, Sophie Thompson, Rachael Stirling, and the late Dame Dianna Rigg.
Rosemary & Thyme – This lovely mystery begins with unhappiness - with one character suddenly fired and the other, divorced - but Rosemary Boxer (Felicity Kendal) and Laura Thyme (Pam Ferris) quickly pivot and launch a gardening and horticultural business. What follows is a light and fun series about gardening, friendship, and murder (but nothing too gruesome).
Lark Rise to Candleford – Set in the late 19th century, this heartwarming period drama celebrates community, family, and resilience as it follows young Laura Timmins’ journey from her humble village of Lark Rise to the bustling market town of Candleford. With its lively community of characters, beautiful countryside settings, and uplifting stories, it's perfect for anyone who'd like to slow things down for a few hours.
Monarch of the Glen - Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, this modern classic follows Archie MacDonald (Alastair Mackenzie) as he reluctantly takes on the responsibility of managing his family’s struggling estate. Fans of The Good Life will recognise Richard Briars as Hector MacDonald - but the series also includes Alastair Mackenzie, Susan Hampshire, Julian Fellowes (aka the creator of Downton Abbey), Dawn Steele, Tom Baker, and a very young Martin Compston as Ewan Brodie (only in the last few seasons).
Jam & Jerusalem (aka Clatterford) - After Sal loses both her husband and her job in quick succession, she realises she needs her local Women's Institute more than ever. Though the beginning might not sound terribly happy, this is a lovely sitcom about village life, found families, and women supporting each other through life's challenges. Sadly, only one season is available to stream in the US - but if you have a region-free DVD player, you can get all three seasons on UK-encoded DVDs. We also strongly recommend suggesting it to BritBox and Acorn TV (learn how to suggest shows HERE).
Land Girls – Set during World War II, this heartfelt drama follows a group of women in the Women’s Land Army as they leave their homes to work on farms, navigating love, friendship, and the challenges of war. With its strong characters and beautiful rural settings, it’s a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the spirit of those who kept Britain going during some of its darkest days.
Gardeners' World - Many have said that watching Gardeners' World is an almost meditative experience for them - and the recently added winter specials are the perfect calming binge watch for the days around the beginning of the new year. No drama, no explosions, just the chirping of birds, a bit of nature, and the gentle guidance of Monty Don and his co-hosts and guests.
Positive & Uplifting British Films
Billy Elliot (2000) – A boy from a coal-mining town discovers his passion for ballet and finds himself initially conflicted about his love for dance and traditional male roles in his community.
Bank of Dave (2023) – This inspiring true story follows a working-class Burnley man who challenges the financial establishment by setting up his own community bank to help local businesses thrive.
Made in Dagenham (2010) – Based on the true story of women who stood up for equal pay at a Ford factory in the 1960s.
Local Hero (1983) – A charming tale about a corporate executive who discovers the beauty of small-town Scotland and its quirky residents. Also on Tubi.
The Railway Children (1970) – A timeless story of resilience and adventure as three siblings adjust to life in the countryside after their father’s arrest.
On BritBox, Deceit premiered on the 27th, followed by seasons 1 and 2 of Peep Show on the 28th, Protection on the 29th, and the Gardeners' World Winter Specials on the 31st. On the 1st, look for the documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, followed by the premiere of the final season of Vera on January 2nd.
On Acorn TV, the 30th brought the long-awaited season 2 of Darby & Joan, along with the Norwegian series For Life. On January 3rd, they'll add the New Year's Eve episode of The Graham Norton Show, and on the 5th, look for Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale.
On PBS Masterpiece, season 4 of the period mystery Vienna Blood premieres January 5th.
On Netflix, the Harlen Coben adaptation Missing You will premiere on the 1st. The mystery-thriller follows a detective who suddenly finds her missing fiance on a dating app - 11 years after his disappearance. Diane Morgan will return in Cunk on Life on January 2nd. On the 3rd, they'll add Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
On Peacock, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth will premiere January 2nd.
On Amazon Prime Video, January 2nd brings season 2 of The Rig.
"Being a detective must be such fun. How I wish I had a little hobby just like it. Tell me, Miss Scarlet, what happens when you catch your villain? Do you hit the scoundrel with your purse?"
British TV news for American audiences. Enjoy British TV shows like Sherlock, Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, or Midsomer Murders? Wish it was easier to know when new shows are out on each of the different streaming services? Want a way to discover older British shows you might like? Sign up and we'll keep you updated.
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