3 Iconic British TV Shows You NEED to Watch
2 min read
Level: Upper-intermediate
The UK is famous for its iconic TV shows, but what are the best British TV shows of all time?
Watching TV shows is a great way to immerse yourself in English. Don't worry about understanding every word the characters say! It's just as important to surround yourself with language to pick up rhythm, idioms, cultural references etc. So without further ado, here are 3 iconic British TV shows to get you started!
Peep Show (Channel 4)
Let's start with possibly one of the most iconic British shows of all time, in my humble opinion: 'Peep Show'! 'Peep Show' follows the lives of dysfunctional friends and flatmates Mark (David Mitchell) and Jez (Robert Webb). Using voice-overs and a point-of-view camera style the show offers the viewer an insight into the neurotic inner thoughts of the main characters. 'Peep Show' is the quintessential awkward British comedy. Definitely a must-see!
Available on: All 4 and Hulu
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Fleabag (BBC)
'Fleabag' burst onto our screens 2016 and was an instant hit! It's a black comedy series following a female protagonist who often breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience with impeccable dry wit. Lead actress and creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge developed 'Fleabag' from her one-woman stage show and the programme explores themes of friendship, love and womanhood.
This is one of my all-time favourite TV shows! It manages to address serious topics of love and loss with amazing levity. One minute you'll be laughing your socks off and the next you'll be crying into your pillow.
Available on: BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime
This is England (Channel 4)
The next show will be popular with any drama fans. Developed from the critically acclaimed Shane Meadows film of the same title, 'This is England' follows the lives of a group of ex-skinheads as they navigate life in Thatcher's Britain between 1986 and 1990.
This politically charged show is great for gaining a deeper understanding of modern British history and culture whilst also providing a gut-wrenching coming of age drama.
Available on: All 4 and Amazon Prime
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Want to find out about two more British TV shows? Watch 5 British TV Shows You NEED to Watch | Live English Class on our YouTube channel, or scroll down to watch it here. Or why not try one of our one-to-one general English lessons, and chat with one of our experienced tutors!
Vocabulary takeaway
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