With the rise of streaming services, it’s no surprise that the BBC iPlayer has gained popularity in the USA. Offering a range of British television series, it provides a unique viewing experience for those interested in British culture and entertainment. Whether it’s dramas, comedies, or documentaries, there’s a plethora of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best BBC iPlayer series in the USA as of 2023.
Here’s a list of top 15 BBC iPlayer series in USA, updated for 2023:
- Killing Eve (2018-2022)
- Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
- Happy Valley (2014-2022)
- Line of Duty (2012-2021)
- Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
- A Very British Scandal (2021)
- The Tourist (2022)
- Vigil (2021-)
- The Responder (2022-)
- Call the Midwife (2012-)
- Bodyguard (2018)
- Doctor Who (2005-)
- Sherlock (2010-2017)
- The Crown (2016-2022)
- Top Gear (2002-)
Killing Eve (2018-2022)
A gripping, darkly comedic thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant but unstable assassin and a determined MI5 security officer.
The series is known for its stunning visuals, innovative storytelling, and compelling performances by its lead actresses.
Creator | Phoebe Waller Bridge |
Total Seasons | 4 |
Genre | Action, Adventure, Drama |
Cast | Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw |
IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
A stylish and gritty period drama set in the aftermath of World War I, following a powerful crime family in Birmingham, England. The series is renowned for its strong writing, immersive setting, and powerful performances, particularly by its lead actor. The show explores themes of power, loyalty, and family in a compelling and often brutal way.
Creator | Steven Knight |
Total Seasons | 5 |
Genre | Crime, Drama |
Cast | Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle |
IMDb Rating | 8.8/10 |
Happy Valley (2014-2022)
An emotionally powerful crime drama set in a small town in West Yorkshire, England. The show follows a strong-willed police sergeant as she navigates complex cases and personal tragedies, while also dealing with corruption and violence in the community.
The series is known for its powerful writing, nuanced characters, and exceptional performances by its cast, particularly its lead actress.
Creator | Sally Wainwright |
Total Seasons | 3 (20 episodes) |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
Cast | Sarah Lancashire, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton |
IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
Line of Duty (2012-2021)
A police procedural series that follows the investigations of AC-12, an anti-corruption unit of the police force. The show features gripping storylines, complex characters, and unexpected plot twists, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
With its intense interrogations, high-stakes chases, and ethical dilemmas, Line of Duty will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Creator | Jed Mercurio |
Total Seasons | 6 (30 episodes) |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
Cast | Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar |
IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
Based on the real-life story of Anne Lister, a pioneering lesbian and landowner in the 19th century. With its sumptuous costumes, stunning locations, and powerful performances, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.
But it’s not just a historical drama – Gentleman Jack also features themes of love, identity, and feminism that resonate with modern audiences.
Creator | Sally Wainwright |
Total Seasons | 2 (16 episodes) |
Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
Cast | Suranne Jones, Sophie Rundle, Gemma Whelan |
IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
A Very British Scandal (2021)
A gripping miniseries that tells the true story of the sex scandal involving British politician Jeremy Thorpe in the 1970s. With a stellar cast, the show explores themes of power, corruption, and cover-ups, and it’s as relevant today as it was back then.
The series masterfully balances the dark humor of the scandal with the devastating consequences for those involved, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
Creator | Sarah Phelps |
Total Seasons | 1 |
Genre | Drama, History |
Cast | Claire Foy Paul Bettany Olwen May |
IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
The Tourist (2022)
Follows the journey of a curious traveler who becomes the center of a mysterious conspiracy while on vacation. With twists and turns at every corner, and the gripping storyline, it keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end as they try to unravel the enigma surrounding the titular character.
Creator | Harry Williams Jack Williams |
Total Seasons | 1 |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
Cast | Jamie Dornan Danielle Macdonald |
Shalom Brune-Franklin | |
IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
Vigil (2021-)
Vigli takes viewers on an immersive journey into the depths of the sea with a submarine crew on a dangerous mission. As the team faces mounting pressure and unforeseen challenges, tensions rise and secrets are revealed.
Creator | Tom Edge |
Total Seasons | 1 |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
Cast | Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans |
IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
The Responder (2022-)
A gritty and unflinching look at the life of a police officer in a modern-day UK city. The series follows the struggles of a rookie officer trying to make his way in a difficult and demanding profession, and the personal demons he must confront along the way.
By raw and emotional performances, The Responder is a powerful exploration of the realities of law enforcement in today’s world.
Creator | Tony Schumacher |
Total Seasons | 1 |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
Cast | Martin Freeman, MyAnna Buring |
IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
Call the Midwife (2012-)
British drama that follows a group of midwives as they care for expectant mothers and their families in the impoverished Poplar district of London during the 1950s and 1960s.
The series offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the daily lives of these dedicated women, as they confront a range of complex and challenging issues with compassion, courage, and skill.
Creator | Heidi Thomas |
Total Seasons | 10 |
Genre | Drama, History |
Cast | Vanessa Redgrave, Laura Main, Jenny Agutter |
IMDb Rating | 8.6/10 |
Bodyguard (2018)
A gripping political thriller that centers on a troubled war veteran who is assigned to protect a controversial and ambitious politician. As he navigates the dangerous and murky world of politics, terrorism, and espionage, he becomes increasingly embroiled in a complex web of conspiracies and cover-ups that threaten to upend his life and everything he believes in.
Creator | Jed Mercurio |
Total Seasons | 1 |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
Cast | Richard Madden Sophie Rundle Vincent Franklin |
IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
Doctor Who (2005-)
The show follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor, as he travels through time and space with a series of human companions, battling a range of villains and saving countless civilizations along the way. Doctor Who is a beloved science fiction series that has been entertaining audiences for generations and remains a cultural touchstone in the world of science fiction.
Creator | Sydney Newman |
Total Seasons | 13 |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
Cast | Jodie Whittaker, Peter Capaldi |
IMDb Rating | 8.6/10 |
Sherlock (2010-2017)
A modern take on the classic detective stories, featuring the brilliant and eccentric Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr. John Watson as they solve crimes and mysteries in London. With smart writing and fast-paced action, this series has gained a loyal following of fans around the world.
Creator | Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat |
Total Seasons | 4 |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
Cast | Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs |
IMDb Rating | 9.1/10 |
The Crown (2016-2022)
The Crown takes a deep dive into the life of the British royal family, from the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II to the present day.
From stunning cinematography, brilliant performances, and meticulous attention to detail, the series has been critically acclaimed for its accuracy and storytelling.
Creator | Peter Morgan |
Total Seasons | 5 |
Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
Cast | Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton |
IMDb Rating | 8.6/10 |
Top Gear (2002-)
Top Gear is a popular motoring show that has been entertaining car enthusiasts for nearly two decades. With a mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, and thrilling races, this series has become a cultural icon and has been praised for its entertainment value and the chemistry between its hosts.
Creator | Derek Smith |
Total Seasons | 30 |
Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Reality-TV |
Cast | Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson, James May |
IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BBC iPlayer offers a range of entertaining and culturally enlightening series to viewers in the USA. From gripping dramas to light hearted comedies, there’s something for everyone. With its unique British perspective, it provides a refreshing alternative to American television. The best part? The BBC iPlayer’s library is constantly being updated, so there’s always something new to discover.