Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Black Mirror– Americans have come to love British Television.  I have been a lover of British Television for many years and it has been awesome to see how much more available it has become in the United States.  In the early 2000’s, I found VHS’s and DVD’s of my favorite British TV shows in the huge, lovely, last standing independent video store in our town.  They had an amazing selection, but this was the only selection available to me.  If it wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be able to see it.  Streaming video wasn’t a thing yet, ya see.

Now there are many shows available to use Americans through the interwebs, but there were still some shows that are harder to find than others.  If you’re looking for Downton Abbey, the internet will be able to offer you several options.  If you are looking for Outnumbered, the internet will probably think you mean the FOX News show.  In other words, there are still some gems out there that are worth digging up.

Consider me your town’s last independent video store.  I’ve written up a little something that describes my top 5 favorite British TV shows- the ones that aren’t on instant Netflix- the ones I think you probably haven’t seen.  Start by having a look at each of the images above.  Which ones catch your eye?

If you like how image one is the only one that is dramatic in black and white, you appreciate that everyone in it looks like they are in a mood, and you like that you can see the word “Books” twice in this one picture, then go straight here.

If you like the energy in image two, listening to different accents makes you feel happy inside, and you love spending time with your odd family, then this is the show for you.

If you are excited to see a young Simon Pegg in image three, you love the style of his work in Shaun of the Dead, and you have “tried” to follow your passion at any point in your life, this is the show for you.

If you like the romance in image four, and you love Friends but you wish it was a bit sexier, then check this one out.

If you chose image number five, you like the fact that no one in the picture appears to have brushed their hair that day, you like Modern Family, and enjoy children with strong personalities, then try this one.

Let me know if you give any of these shows a try- I’d love to hear your thoughts!  Also- are there any lesser-known (to Americans) awesome shows that I missed?

Feel like pining?  Here ya go!