Discover the 10 Must-Watch Miniseries on BritBox That Will Leave You Hooked!

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For quite some time, the British television industry has been notably successful in producing miniseries. However, one may wonder why there’s such emphasis on shorter shows. A variety of reasons account for this trend. To begin with, British productions typically have smaller writing staffs and smaller crews overall, working within tighter budget constraints. In other words, it doesn’t make financial sense to produce more than is necessary. Additionally, creators aim to cater to a narrower audience, as supply should ideally match demand. There’s no point in producing too much of something that might not be widely consumed.

Although British shows are often brief and compact, they frequently receive outstanding critical acclaim. Regrettably, for a long time, many of them failed to gain popularity beyond their native lands. Fortunately, BritBox is altering this trend. Launched in North America in 2017 by the UK’s primary broadcasters, ITV and the BBC, BritBox provides a range of content, including some of the finest British miniseries ever produced.

Here are 10 miniseries on BritBox you should check out as soon as possible.

10
‘The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe’ (2022)

The play titled “The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe” portrays the sensational story of John Darwin, a man who feigned his death as a means to collect a £250,000 life insurance payout when he was in financial distress. By pretending to be deceased, he and his wife were able to clear their $130,000 mortgage debt and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle until they were spotted together in Panama, ultimately exposing their deception.

Tricking the System

In this story, the series creator Chris Land transforms a seemingly unbelievable true event into a symbolic narrative warning against the perils of cutting corners. Driven and resolute, John is prepared to go to great lengths to lift his family out of financial hardship. The narrative masterfully combines everyday domestic life with undercurrents of tension, making the viewers eagerly anticipate the couple’s destiny, which serves as a subtle thread tying the story together.

9
‘Elizabeth R’ (1971)

Elizabeth R offers an engaging account of the life story of Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Glenda Jackson, tracing her journey from childhood to the point where she gained the people’s respect. Significant milestones such as her relationship with Robert Dudley and her stay in the Tower of London are meticulously detailed.

All the Queen’s Highs and Lows

The miniseries exudes a sense of grandeur, as it incorporates costly pieces of furniture to create an atmosphere of luxury within the scenes. The costume design is so impressive that it earned an Emmy award. According to reports, Elizabeth Waller, the costume designer, meticulously recreated several gowns worn by the queen from various official portraits. It’s difficult not to be captivated by Glenda in her title role. Throughout the show, Elizabeth portrays a strong and resolute character, while those surrounding her offer a stark contrast of waywardness.

8
‘Des’ (2020)

If you’re seeking an engrossing serial killer tale based on real events, I recommend the miniseries called Des. This chilling series delves into the gruesome activities of Dennis Nilsen, a Scottish necrophile also known as the Muswell Hill Murderer. Over more than a dozen young men and boys lost their lives at his hands between 1978 and 1983 in various houses he inhabited. His arrest finally came when human bones and flesh clogged a drain near his residence.

Worst Kind of Human

In this gripping portrayal, it is David Tennant who truly shines as the lead actor (aptly named for the narrative), convincingly portraying a chilling killer that leaves you questioning reality. The unrelenting apprehension etched into his character’s villainous gaze keeps us on edge with each glance, stirring our anger at every turn. It was no surprise when Tennant took home the International Emmy Award for Best Actor. This gripping, harrowing depiction serves as a stark reminder of a troubling period in British history – don’t miss it!

7
‘Emma’ (2009)

According to Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, we follow the story of Emma Woodhouse (Romola Garai), a self-assured woman who considers herself quite skilled at playing matchmaker in the town of Highbury. She takes great pleasure in interfering with other people’s romantic lives. However, things become more complicated when she decides to guide Harriet Smith, a young woman under her tutelage.

Love Isn’t as Simple as Emma Makes It Look

The movie Emma portrays a troubling depiction of past life, where women were undervalued and people frequently had their life partners chosen for them by others, leaving those without suitable matchmakers struggling or even starving. From the meticulous costume design to the captivating cinematography, everything is impressive, yet Romola Garai’s performance shines brighter than anything else. Her eyes have a captivating quality, much like Nicole Kidman’s, and history has shown us that such expressive eyes are often more than sufficient when evaluating performances.

6
‘Life in Squares’ (2015)

The drama Life in Squares delves into the tumultuous sisterhood of Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell, two influential figures within the Bloomsbury Group. Pivotal storylines revolve around Vanessa’s intricate bond with artist Duncan Grant, who was gay, and Virginia’s matrimonial ties to political thinker Leonard Woolf.

Having it All, Yet Feeling Empty Inside

Artist Amada Coe masterfully depicts the heart-wrenching tale of two sisters grappling with an inner turmoil, despite their fortunate circumstances, at the core of this gripping, enlightening, and chilling miniseries. Meanwhile, director Simon Kaijser skillfully juxtaposes the grand, elegant structures against the characters’ emotional standstill. The title is inspired by Dorothy Parker’s famous quip that the Bloomsbury Group lived in squares, expressed their creativity in circles, and experienced love in triangles.

5
‘Three Girls’ (2017)

Three Girls is a re-telling of the child sex abuse scandal in Rochdale, where 42 men, predominantly of Pakistani descent, were found guilty of human trafficking. The incident sparked debates about how racism influenced law enforcement, with many believing that police were reluctant to investigate the perpetrators due to concerns about being labeled as biased.

Walking Tight Ropes

In great detail, as depicted in police records, this intense production gradually reaches a climactic conclusion that is quite impactful. It garnered numerous recognitions, such as Best Miniseries and Best Actress (Molly Windsor) at the British Academy Film Awards. Lesley Sharp portrays an incredibly tough TV detective, but unfortunately, she did not receive any awards for her performance.

4
‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’ (2022)

The story titled “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” revolves around Bobby Jones, a young man from Wales who is the son of a vicar. His life is peaceful and stress-free until an unexpected event occurs – he finds a stranger at the foot of a cliff on the verge of death. Just before expiring, this stranger utters, “Why didn’t they ask Evans?” Intrigued by this mystery, Bobby embarks on an investigation to uncover the truth behind these enigmatic words.

Poulter Flexing His Skills

In every endeavor he undertakes, Will Poulter consistently stands out with a brilliance that never wavers. In this instance, he’s cast in a world reminiscent of noir, and his performance remains unwavering. Although the miniseries occasionally leans towards an excessively dramatic, earthy style, the positive aspects overshadow the negative. Regardless of how one might classify it, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? holds its own against other adaptations of Agatha Christie’s works. Lastly, who is the mysterious character doggedly following Bobby? No spoilers are intended here.

3
‘A Confession’ (2019)

The TV series “A Confession” recounts the authentic account of Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher (played by Martin Freeman), who delved into the 2011 disappearance of a 22-year-old, and ultimately apprehended a taxi driver for the crime. Regrettably, his methods outside the book led to his being disciplined, causing Fulscher to lose his career.

Success at a Cost

In the 2010s, it’s fortunate that this intriguing story was shared, as it would have been toned down significantly under the scrutiny of older TV censors. The gritty aspects were what made it captivating. It takes a while to fully appreciate these darker elements, but by the end of the first episode, their presence becomes palpable. Additionally, Martin Freeman was an ideal choice for the role, and he certainly delivers a stellar performance that you won’t want to miss.

2
‘House of Cards’ (1990)

Prior to the American adaptation, there existed the original series titled “House of Cards.” In this show, the character Chief Whip Francis Urquhart (played by Ian Richardson), a man known for his volatile emotions and intense passion, sets out on a plot to climb the political ladder all the way to 10 Downing Street following Margaret Thatcher’s departure from office. Will he ultimately succeed in this endeavor?

The Joys of Succession Politics

In this captivating adaptation, Michael Dobbs’ renowned novel about a whip’s ascension to power is portrayed with remarkable accuracy. The undeniable star of this British production is none other than the brilliant, BAFTA and Tony-nominated Ian Richards, who masterfully conveys the tumultuous emotions stirred by his thirst for power. So, get comfortable and prepare to delve into the finest examples of fictional British politics.

1
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1995)

In the time of the Regency period in England, the story Pride and Prejudice revolves around Elizabeth Bennett’s (Jennifer Ehle), a strong-willed and polite woman, love life. At a neighborhood gathering, she crosses paths with Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth), a wealthy yet haughty man, and embarks on a complex romantic journey with him. Will their relationship culminate in a betrothal?

Good Girl Meets Flawed Boy

It’s fascinating to see Jennifer Ehle struggle deeply with her feelings for Darcy, played by Colin Firth who masterfully adds a subtle hint of kindness to his prideful character. Their scenes together, particularly one featuring Firth in a damp white shirt, have become legendary in British TV history. This miniseries even inspired author Helen Fielding to write the Bridget Jones novels.

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2025-06-01 01:33