As a seasoned TV critic with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of British television through the ages. From the golden era of the BBC to the streaming revolution of today, I’ve seen it all. And let me tell you, the current crop of shows is truly something special.
The summer of streaming has arrived.
If the gloomy British weather or excessive sports broadcasts are bringing you down, don’t worry! Streaming platforms are filled with an array of new and classic shows to lift your spirits.
As a dedicated TV enthusiast with years of experience in binge-watching and recommending shows, I’m thrilled to share my top picks for 101 must-see series this summer. From heartwarming coming-of-age stories like Heartstopper and Slow Horses, to the epic fantasy world of The Rings of Power and intriguing newcomers such as A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Time Bandits, and KAOS – there’s a captivating lineup for every type of viewer. And let’s not forget the timeless classics that continue to entertain us with their brilliance! So sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable viewing experience. Trust me, your summer just got a lot more interesting!
Young adult shows to stream this summer
1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder iPlayer
According to the popular book with the same title, teenage character Pip, played by Emma Myers, becomes determined to unravel the mystery behind the unexplained death of a fellow student.
2. The Umbrella Academy S1–3 Netflix; S4 from 8 Aug
A billionaire adopts seven children, each with a unique superpower.
3. Heartstopper S1 & 2 Netflix; S3 from 3 Oct
A drama about growing up, featuring the evolving romance between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor).
4. Wednesday S1 Netflix
Stylish, supernatural dramedy about Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) – a girl with psychic powers.
5. Geek Girl S1 Netflix
Harriet Manners, a sixteen-year-old with social unease, endures bullying at her school. However, her plain look catches the eye of a modeling agency.
6. Red Rose S1 iPlayer
When Rochelle, played by Isis Hainsworth, downloads a new app on her smartphone, the potential dangers reach new heights, bringing challenges to her friendships and requiring tough choices.
7. Renegade Nell S1 Disney+
Derry Girls’ Louisa Harland is the plucky Nell, in Sally Wainwright’s 18th-century drama.
8. The Summer I Turned Pretty S1 & 2 Amazon
US teen drama charting the romantic whims of Belly (Lola Tung).
9. Shadow and Bone S1 & 2 Netflix
Alina, played by Jessie Mei Li, has an intriguing backstory that blends the appearance of a Victorian era with a hauntingly imaginative worldview in her role as a mapmaker.
10. Tell Me Everything S1 & 2 ITVX
Mark O’Sullivan shares a vivid account of his childhood filled with school days and the intricate web of friendships and relationships that shaped his experiences.
Apple TV+ shows to stream this summer
11. Slow Horses S1—3 Apple TV+; S4 from 4 Sept
A modern spin on traditional spy stories, inspired by Mick Herron’s popular novels. Gary Oldman portrays the unappealing yet intelligent character of Jackson Lamb.
12. Lady in the Lake Apple TV+ from 19 July
In 1966, two women’s lives entwine after a girl vanishes. With Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram.
13. Time Bandits Apple TV+ from 24 July
Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris and Taika Waititi’s adaptation of the fantasy film. With Lisa Kudrow.
14. Criminal Record Apple TV+
This urgent thriller pits a rookie detective (Cush Jumbo) against a veteran (Peter Capaldi).
15 Masters of the Air Apple TV+
Epic drama following the US Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group on some of WW2’s perilous raids.
16. Trying S1—4 Apple TV+
In my experience, I’ve come across an endearing comedy-drama that follows the story of a loving pair, Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, as they yearn deeply to begin their family journey.
17. Hijack Apple TV+
In a nerve-wracking thriller, Idris Elba acts out a harrowing experience on a hijacked plane.
18. Prehistoric Planet S1–2 Apple TV+
This Attenborough series is a technically impressive guide to what we know about dinosaurs.
19. Ted Lasso S1–3 Apple TV+
A joyous hug of a show about an American football coach who takes over a soccer club.
20. The Reluctant Traveller S1–2 Apple TV+
Schitt’s Creek’s Eugene Levy hosts a funny but spiky travelogue.
Foreign dramas to stream this summer
21. The Turkish Detective iPlayer from 7 July
Compelling adaptation of Barbara Nadel’s novels of crime and corruption in Istanbul.
22. Pachinko S1 Apple TV+; S2 from 23 August
Based on the bestseller by Min Jin Lee, this Korean family saga charts forbidden love.
23. Lupin S1–3 Netflix
A classy and stylish retelling of the French story of gentleman thief Arsène Lupin (Omar Sy).
24. Money Heist S1–5 Netflix
Gripping Spanish series about a gang of robbers targeting Spain’s Royal Mint.
25. Deutschland 83, 86, 89 C4
Sleeper hit about a border patrol guard from East Germany who goes undercover in West Germany.
26. Borgen S1–3 Netflix
Following a lengthy absence, the sophisticated Danish political series featuring Sidse Babett Knudsen as Birgitte Nyborg resumed in 2022, with her character now holding the position of foreign secretary.
27. Prisoner iPlayer
Visceral portrait of prison life in Denmark, with Youssef Wayne Hvidtfeldt as rookie guard Sammi.
28. Astrid: Murder in Paris S1–3 C4
In this unique French crime series, Sara Mortensen plays the role of an autistic police records clerk whose exceptional skills aids in solving intricate murder investigations.
29. Spy/Master iPlayer
In this Romanian thriller set during the Cold War, Victor Godeanu, Ceausescu’s trusted security advisor, contemplates seeking asylum in the United States.
30. Babylon Berlin S1–4 Now
Visit Germany’s Weimar Republic in the year 1929 to delve into the intriguing investigations led by detective Gereon Rath and his colleague, police clerk Charlotte Ritter.
Sci-fi & Fantasy shows to stream this summer
31. The Walking Dead: the Ones Who Live Now
Rick Grimes star Andrew Lincoln reprises the blood-and-guts role he left behind in 2018.
32. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Prime Video; S2 from 29 August
This prequel to Peter Jackson’s film trilogy explores the rise of baddie Sauron.
33. KAOS Netflix from 29 August
Jeff Goldblum is king of the gods in this extravagant, Succession-esque fantasy.
34. The Boys S1—3, S4 weekly (finale 18 July) Prime Video
Superheroes are the villains in this pitch-black, laugh-out-loud satire.
35. Star Trek: Discovery S1–5 Paramount+
Alien worlds, space battles and boldly going galore from this modern Trek tale.
36. Doctor Who All series BBC iPlayer
Adventures across time and space with Ncuti Gatwa and all the other Doctors.
37. The Wheel of Time S1 & 2 Prime Video; S3 due in 2025
Dark lords and dangerous magic abound in an epic fantasy drama.
38. Stranger Things S1–4 Netflix; S5 due in 2025
Back to the Upside Down as kids fight monsters in the 80s.
39. The Witcher S1–3 Netflix
In the fourth season, Liam Hemsworth replaces Henry Cavill’s gritty monster-hunter character. Filming is currently underway.
40. Fallout Prime Video
Apocalyptic video-game dramatisation from a Westworld co-creator.
Dating shows to stream this summer
41. Love Is Blind UK Netflix from August
In this reality show, participants will interact, flirt, and eventually select a partner for engagement, all while communicating digitally without physically meeting each other.
42. Dating Naked UK Paramount+ from August
Singletons live together – yes, completely starkers – in their quest for love. Rylan Clark hosts.
43. Too Hot to Handle S1–5 Netflix; S6 July 2024
In a Love Island-esque competition with an intriguing twist, romantic connections are forged without any physical touch or sexual interactions allowed. Can the participants resist the temptation and build meaningful relationships solely through conversation and emotional connection?
Singles flock to an island with the goal of finding their ideal partner and earning a prize money of £50,000 from ITVX. (Love Island)
45. Married at First Sight Various series C4 streaming
As they exchange vows for the first time, couples encounter new experiences and discover more about one another. Following their wedding ceremony, numerous opportunities for learning and connection arise.
46. I Kissed a Boy/ I Kissed a Girl iPlayer
The UK’s first gay dating shows, both of them hosted by Dannii Minogue.
47. My Mum, Your Dad S1 ITVX; S2 due in 2024
Davina McCall hosts this “mid-life Love Island” featuring singletons in their 40s and 50s.
48. First Dates S1—21 C4 streaming
Maître d’ Fred Sirieix has been matchmaking at the restaurant for over ten years.
49. 90 Day Fiancé UK S1 & 2 Discovery+
Long-distance romances are tested in this British spin-off of the US series.
50. Love Triangle C4 streaming
People choose from two potential suitors while all living together.
Period dramas to stream this summer
51. The Great S1 & 2 C4 streaming; S3 airing Mondays 10pm
A lively and entertaining costume drama featuring Elle Fanning as the Russian Empress Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as her husband Peter.
52. My Lady Jane Prime Video
The tale of Lady Jane Grey, as told by Emily Bader, is given a modern twist with added sensuality, profanity, and the inclusion of shape-shifting elements.
53. The Serpent Queen S1 MGM+; S2 from 12 July
Samantha Morton delivers a rollicking performance as Catherine de Medici.
54. The Decameron 25 July Netflix
A silly and sexy dramedy set in 1348, when the Black Death ravages Florence.
55. Bridgerton S1–3 Netflix
In Regency England, corsets became fashionable among the high society known as the Ton, while the Bridgerton family and their friends engaged in passionate relationships.
56. Sanditon S1–3 ITVX
Andrew Davies’s fun and frothy continuation of Jane Austen’s unfinished final novel.
57. Wolf Hall S1 iPlayer; S2 autumn 2024
Mark Rylance’s captivating, boldly understated portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in BBC Two’s 2015 drama left audiences mesmerized.
58. Mary & George Now
A raunchy romp that stars Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine as the titular mother and son.
59. The Gilded Age S1 & 2 Now; S3 likely in 2025
Creator Julian Fellowes brings his Downton Abbey stylings to late 19th-century New York society.
60. The Confessions of Frannie Langton ITVX
The secret love story between Frannie, played by Karla-Simone Spence, and Madame Benham, portrayed by Sophie Cookson, is the focus of Sara Collins’s dramatic production.
61. Shardlake Disney+
Arthur Hughes takes on the role of Matthew Shardlake, a rare find among the men of Tudor England, known for his commitment to truthfulness and upholding justice.
62. The Crown S1–6 Netflix
A must-watch dramatisation of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, inspired by real historical events.
63. A Gentleman in Moscow Paramount+
Ewan McGregor sparkles in an artful adaptation of Amor Towles’s 2016 novel.
64. Outlander S1—7 MGM+
Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe smoulder in the time-travelling historical romance.
65. Shogun Disney+
Cosmo Jarvis stars in a lavish dramatisation of James Clavell’s epic novel.
Comedy shows to stream this summer
66. Not Going Out S1–13 iPlayer
I’m absolutely thrilled and in awe that Lee Mack’s hilarious sitcom has become the second longest-running comedy series in British television history, surpassed only by the iconic “Last of the Summer Wine.”
67. Extras S1–2 iPlayer
Cringeworthy celebrity encounters, with Ricky Gervais and Ashley Jensen.
68. Only Fools and Horses ITVX
Premium Wheeler-dealer Del Boy and his plonker brother Rodney try to get rich quick.
69. Ghosts S1-5 iPlayer
The good spirits of Button House pass the time – and make mischief – as they while away eternity.
70. The Office iPlayer
Ricky Gervais’s mockumentary delivers the ultimate in workplace cringe.
71. Fleabag S1 & 2 iPlayer
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s feminist masterpiece is a modern classic.
72. Keeping Up Appearances S1–5 iPlayer
Patricia Routledge plays the role of Hyacinth Bucket, a socially ambitious woman, while Clive Swift portrays her patient and enduring spouse.
73. The Black Adder S1 Now
See where Rowan Atkinson’s comedy classic began.
74. The Royle Family S1–3 iPlayer
Revisit Caroline Aherne’s beloved Manchester clan.
75. Here We Go S1 & 2 iPlayer
Family comedy starring Katherine Parkinson and Alison Steadman.
76. The Thick of It S1–4 iPlayer
Peter Capaldi stars as splenetic spin doctor Malcolm Tucker.
77. Two Doors Down S1–7 iPlayer
Arabella Weir and Alex Norton put up with demanding neighbours.
78. Detectorists S1–3 iPlayer
Bucolic bliss from Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones.
79. Motherland S1—3 Netflix
In this beloved school story, Anna Maxwell Martin skillfully portrays the politics of playdates and the PTA, offering a candid critique.
80. Alma’s Not Normal S1 iPlayer
Sophie Willan shines as an offbeat escort/actor (and all-round disaster).
81. Hullraisers S1 & 2 C4
I’m thoroughly entertained by this hilarious sitcom that brings to life the experiences of three hardworking women residing in Hull. Through their stories, we explore the realms of love, friendship, and everyday struggles.
82. Derry Girls S1–3 C4
Lisa McGee’s hit has star-making performances.
83. GameFace S1 & 2 C4
Roisin Conaty plays an unlucky-in-love actor who leans on her life coach.
84. Mammoth S1 iPlayer
Frozen in the 1970s, Tony (Mike Bubbins) has to adjust to the 21st century.
85. This Country iPlayer
Siblings Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper play layabout cousins.
86. Stath Lets Flats S1—3 C4
The ups and mainly downs of a letting agency run by Stath (Jamie Demetriou).
87. Mrs Brown’s Boys iPlayer
Brendan O’Carroll’s foul-mouthed Mammy has become a Christmas staple.
88. The Inbetweeners S1—3 C4 and both films
Horribly accurate noughties teenage antics with Simon Bird and Joe Thomas.
89. People Just Do Nothing S1–5 iPlayer
In a comically chaotic turn of events, Asim Chaudhry and Hugo Chegwin, members of Kurupt FM’s bungling DJ duo, stir up mischief in the area of Brentford.
90. Gavin & Stacey S1–3 iPlayer
James Corden and Ruth Jones plan a Christmas 2024 finale, so catch up on the story so far now.
And finally… 11 more dramas not to be missed
91. Emily in Paris S1–3 Netflix; S4 15 August
Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) has wilfully feather-light adventures in this romcom.
92. Those About to Die Prime Video from 19 July
Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon and Rupert Penry- Jones star in this action- packed saga set in Rome.
93. The Split S1–3 iPlayer; S4 autumn
In the autumn, a new two-part special of Abi Morgan’s drama, featuring Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan, will be released.
94. Sherwood S1 iPlayer; S2 autumn
A masterly drama from James Graham starring David Morrissey and Lesley Manville.
95. The Bear S1–3 Disney+
A popular word-of-mouth success story follows the journey of a determined chef, Jeremy Allen White, who turns a simple Chicago sandwich shop into a renowned restaurant.
96. Eric Netflix
Benedict Cumberbatch is unforgettable in Abi Morgan’s thriller about a missing child.
97. Ripley Netflix
In this monochrome drama from the 1960s Italy, Andrew Scott embodies intense hatred and vitriol.
98. One Day Netflix
An engaging and hard-to-stop-watching version of David Nicholls’s beloved story comes to life with the acting talents of Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall.
99. Baby Reindeer Netflix
Dramatic and captivating story featuring Richard Gadd as a comedian and Jessica Gunning as an obsessive pursuer.
100. True Detective: Night Country Now
Jodie Foster plays police chief Liz Danvers in the next instalment of the anthology series.
101. Expats Prime Video
In Hong Kong, Nicole Kidman is a well-to-do wife and mother whose perfect world is falling apart.
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2024-07-19 16:04