People don’t watch British TV shows soley because the actors have suave accents — okay, maybe that’s partially the reason. But the truth is, British television shows seem to have the perfect combination of elegance, plot and comedic relief that people gravitate toward when deciding how to invest their TV time; and that’s particularly important for busy college students like us. If you consider your time precious, here are some British TV shows that you should definitely invest time in. You won’t regret it.
“Downton Abbey”
Set in a charming, timeworn castle on the outskirts of 20th century London, “Downton Abbey” recounts the toils and successes faced by the upper and submissive class alike as they brave the coming of a new era.
Viewers are enthralled by the sheer genius of writer Julian Fellowes and the series’ unexpected twists. The audience follows the aristocratic Crawleys and their three daughters, as well as their servants, as their lives are forever affected by significant historical events, like the sinking of the Titanic and World War I.
An enthralling period drama, complete with astounding sets, stunning costumes and a lovely opening theme to boot, “Downton Abbey” shouldn’t be missed. The writing, acting and music, keeps viewers tuning in week after week.
Each new season begins in January, ends in February and consists of eight hour-long episodes. Season four is scheduled to air on “Masterpiece Classic” on PBS in January with interesting guest stars, like opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
“Sherlock”
An offbeat twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” books, this series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, sees the return of Holmes and Watson to 221B Baker Street in 21st century London. An accomplished sleuth and avid text message sender, Sherlock Holmes finds himself in the middle of some of his most renowned cases, like The Hounds of Baskerville, alongside his good friend John Watson, a former army doctor recently returned from Afghanistan.
At first, Sherlock comes across as unemotional and awkward and Watson is a little off-kilter from his days in the army. But after a few solved cases and a little help from each other, they become a team to be reckoned with and a delightful duo to watch.
Viewers are sure to fall in love with these two best friends as they upstage the local police department, face run-ins with the bad guys, and solve crimes with the most meager of details. The acting is superb and the witty script keeps viewers interested as the duo’s reasoning capabilities are tested. Each season consists of three episodes lasting 90 minutes and airing on the BBC. The third season, which began production earlier this year, is expected to be released early next year.
“Being Human”
“Twilight” fans are sure to raise some serious questions as to supernatural etiquette in this TV series, which recounts the lives of three monsters living under the same roof. This comedy/horror series portrays the lives of Mitchell — sorry, he doesn’t sparkle — a very old vampire and an orderly at a local hospital, George, a werewolf and fellow orderly, and Annie, the ghost the two friends found living, or rather haunting, their new home.
While George and Mitchell struggle to be “human,” Annie has a difficult time accepting that she is no longer alive. The main characters encounter various enemies among their own kind who disagree with their new living situation and their new way of life. On their road to self-understanding, they battle their insecurities and inner demons — no pun intended. George is in denial as to his new werewolf form, Mitchell is embarking on a strict “no live people” diet, and Annie is trying to figure out why she’s still floating around and hasn’t moved on to wherever she needs to be. The three friends have a strong bond and help each other out as they discover what it means to be human together.
Although the show has ended, viewers can watch it on Netflix or tune into the American remake of the same name, which is scheduled to air its fourth season next year.
“Doctor Who”
First airing in 1963, “Doctor Who” is one of the longest-running TV series. It tells the tale of a humanoid alien who is approximately 900 years old and travels the universe in the TARDIS, a spaceship that’s also a time machine. He works to rid the galaxy of the evil doings of various aliens, including the infamous Daleks, aliens shaped like salt-and-pepper shakers.
The main character, mysteriously called The Doctor, is the last surviving member of the species known as the Time Lords. In his not-so-reliable, physics-defying time machine, he embarks on daring adventures with his companion, an earthling selected by the Time Lord himself. The companions change frequently; as many decide to stay on the planets they visit or simply return to Earth. But they bring out the Doctor’s human side, which allows for a greater connection between him and viewers. Whenever The Doctor nears death, he regenerates into a new body, renewing the entire show with a new leading star.
After being off the air for nearly for 16 years, the series was revived in 2005 and starred Christopher Eccleston as the ninth Doctror. The 10th Doctor was portrayed by David Tennant, and the 11th and most recent Doctor by Matt Smith. Along with several other guests, Tennant and Smith will team up for the show’s 50th anniversary special, airing on Nov. 23. Smith’s final episode will be in a Christmas special, before the show returns in August 2014 with Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor.
Viewers can catch these adventures through time and space on BBC America, Netflix and Hulu Plus.
