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) played Zoe Reynolds. David Oyelowo (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) and Richard Armitage (Obsession) also made early appearances. Later series featured Nicola Walker (Annika), Rupert Penry-Jones (Whitechapel), and Hermione Norris (Cold Feet), among others.

​

In the US, you can watch it HERE as MI-5 on BritBox - but they also have a Prime Video listing HERE under the name Spooks.

---

What we're...

​

• Watching: Call the Experts - This British TV indie comedy follows a group of young adults trying to make their way in the world (badly), and while it lacks the polish of some better-funded shows, it's an interesting and entertaining break from the usual (and given that it was only $3.99 for the season in SD, it wasn't a big gamble).
• Reading: Death by Dickens by Penelope Cress & Steve Higgs - I spotted this first in series book on sale (still on sale at time of writing) and decided to give it a try. So far, so good - a fun choice for anyone who enjoys lighter mysteries. When a famous mystery author is found dead at her seaside writing retreat, retired detective Mike Atwell teams up with his ex-wife and a teen hacker to uncover which of her quirky fellow writers—or enemies—wanted her silenced for good.

---

---

​20 of the Best Modern British Spy Dramas​

---

This Week in British TV...

• On BritBox, May 2nd brought season 1 of Motherland (season 2 arrives on the 9th, and season 3 on the 16th). On the 7th, they added the first season of The Bletchley Circle (2012), which will be followed by the second season on the 14th. On the 11th, look for the BAFTA TV Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming.
  • ​BritBox May 2025 schedule & descriptions​
• On Acorn TV, new episodes of Murdoch Mysteries and Brokenwood Mysteries, and The One That Got Away continue weekly on Mondays. On the 9th, they added the film Cracks. The 12th brings the crime drama The Light in the Hall.
  • ​Acorn TV May 2025 schedule & descriptions​
• On PBS and PBS Masterpiece, Miss Austen began on May 4th (new episodes weekly for four weeks). The period drama follows Jane Austen's sister as she attempts to retrieve private letters that could damage her reputation. Keeley Hawes stars.
• On Netflix, the true crime documentary A Deadly American Marriage (looking at the case of an widowed Irish father killed by his wife and father-in-law) premiered on the 9th. On the 14th, they'll add Fred & Rose West: A British Horror Story.
• On Amazon Prime Video, Octopus! premiered on May 8th, featuring narration by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
• On Apple TV+, Long Way Home was added on May 9th.
• On Hulu, May 16th brings season 4 of the football reality series Welcome to Wrexham.
• On BBC Select, look for Ancient Greece by Train and The Victorians on the 15th.

​

​View all the brand-new British TV premieres in the US for May 2025 HERE​

---

---

Recently on the Site...

​BritBox (US) May 2025 Premiere Schedule​

---

​Acorn TV's "Murder Mystery May" Schedule​

---

​15 Brand-New British TV Shows Coming to the US in May 2025​

---

"It's a great burden, Granville. Being holier than everybody else. But I enjoy it."

​

Mr. Wilkinson, Open All Hours​

Stream it (US): BritBox​

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.