If you are among the many Britons facing a mortgage squeeze or staring with increased anxiety at rising petrol prices, you might also be reassessing your mounting pile of streaming subscriptions, reports BritPanorama. From Prime Video to Disney+, and Apple TV to Now, the deluge of on-demand content can be overwhelming – and expensive.
However, BBC iPlayer, often regarded as the thinking person’s Netflix, remains packed with new hits like Industry and Small Prophets, along with superb documentaries, quiz shows, and a rotating selection of films, helping ease the choice for movie night. Included in your license fee, iPlayer hosts a deep library reflecting how the BBC has been the world’s pre-eminent broadcaster for over a century.
Here are some recommended TV shows from the iPlayer library for nostalgists, budget-conscientious viewers, and those seeking a deeper appreciation of British television.
Boys from the Blackstuff
In 1982, during the Thatcher era, the BBC released a six-part series about Liverpudlian tarmac layers struggling with the evolving socio-economic landscape. Boys from the Blackstuff, written by Alan Bleasdale, became a landmark piece of political broadcasting. Its realistic narrative offers a primary draft of history, echoing sentiments that many recent shows, from It’s a Sin to This Town, look back upon.
Edge of Darkness
First gripping audiences in 1985, Edge of Darkness tells the story of a lonely police officer, portrayed by Bob Peck, seeking the truth behind his daughter’s murder, leading him into the murky depths of government secrets and the nuclear industry. The series maintains a striking contemporary feel, bettering its American remake in depth and quality.
Smiley’s People
Although the 1979 adaptation of John Le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy remains iconic, its sequel Smiley’s People, released in 1982, is also worth watching. This slower-paced narrative sees the British intelligence agent Smiley attempting to facilitate the defection of his adversary, Karla, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Eileen Atkins and Patrick Stewart.
Monarch of the Glen
For many, Sunday
