While quality television is arguably one of the US’ greatest exports, there’s no doubt about it, American audiences are still in love with British shows. From Fawlty Towers to Downton Abbey, from Blackadder to Sherlock and from Peep Show to Killing Eve the UK has produced some wonderful and memorable television comedy and drama (not to mention all those wonderful nature shows with David Attenborough) which have proven big hits among American audiences. And the great thing is that every year seems to offer up something new while also delivering new seasons of shows that we know and love.
Here we’re going to look at some of the freshest British shows making their way to the US for the first time in 2019. While we may be past the year’s halfway point, there’s still a plethora of great television to look forward to this year.
So, let’s see what’s coming on the telly…
Catherine The Great
Let’s face it, nobody does regal better than Dame Helen Mirren who won acclaim for her portrayal of both Elizabeth II in The Queen and Elizabeth I in Elizabeth I. And this year she will bring the famed Russian monarch to the small screen courtesy of Sky Atlantic’s lavish new mini series. Catherine The Great will come to HBO this fall.
Beecham House
Created by Gurinder Chadha, the acclaimed writer-director of heart-warming British comedies like Bend It Like Beckham and the recent Blinded by the Light, Beecham House is a colonial period drama coming to PBS later this year.
This six-part series, is set in Delhi at the turn of the 19th century and tells the story of a former soldier and employee of the infamous East India Company. It’s a dark tale of mystery and intrigue starring Vanity Fair star Tom Bateman.
Criminal
You like crime anthologies? You like incredible international casts? Then you’re gonna love Criminal. Arriving on Netflix this fall, Criminal is a European-set crime anthology series featuring twelve 45-minute stories spanning the UK Germany, France and Spain.
All of these stories take place in a single location: a police interview room. So, get ready for claustrophobic tension and criminal hijinks in a variety of wonderful European locations.
And let’s not overlook the sensational cast. You’ll find beloved stars like former Timelord David Tennant, as well as former Mrs Captain America Hayley Atwell, Youssef Kerkour, and Clare-Hope Ashitey. These guest stars will be joined by regular cast members Katherine Kelly, Rochenda Sandall, Lee Ingleby, Rochenda Sandall and Mark Standley to name but a few. Directed by Episodes’ Jim Field Smith directs the UK instalments, and co-written by Killing Eve’s George Kay there’s a lot to look forward to here.
Black Narcissus
Who doesn’t love a hauntingly beautiful bittersweet love story? And Rumer Godden’s 1939 novel Black Narcissus certainly falls into that category. Already made into a beloved film in 1947, Black Narcissus is set to be revived as a three-part BBC miniseries. We in the US are suckers for a good period drama and this one will be brought to life by BAFTA award-winning writer Amanda Coe (Life in Squares).
The story is set in the 1930s, and follows Sister Clodagh and the nuns of St Faiths, who travel to Nepal to set up a branch of their order. As the shadow of world war looms ever closer it’s a sweeping tale of human drama which we’re looking forward to very much.
It will air on BBC America late in 2019.
Dracula
They took on the legend of Jekyll and Hyde with Jekyll and put their own spin on the world’s greatest detective in Sherlock. This year, the unstoppable duo of Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffatt will take another bite of the Victorian apple with their own reimagining of the Dracula mythology.
Like Sherlock, the Dracula mini-series will be comprised of three 90 minute episodes and will come to BBC and BBC America this winter. Given its pedigree, it’s something we can’t wait to sink our teeth into… Sorry.
A Christmas Carol
Sure, there’s a new one every year… but the pedigree behind this latest version of Dickens’ beloved classic certainly has our attention.
The BBC’s latest take on the festive parable comes from the formidable due of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and actor-producer Tom Hardy. And the man playing Ebeneezer Scrooge himself? None other than Guy Pearce. We’ll be watching over Christmas on BBC America!
So, we hope you’ll be joining us for a wonderful season of rip-roaring British telly!