Why you should watch: Jacqueline's cherished children's novels have previously made for TV gold with shows like The Story of Tracy Beaker. Her name has long been a seal of quality, but The Primrose Railway Children novel is also inspired by the classic book The Railway Children from famed English author E. Nesbit. The story has a rich history in the hearts of many, and packaged with gorgeous views of the Scottish Highlands and heritage railways where it was filmed. It'll have you arriving at the platform—or sofa, rather—early to make sure you catch it.

Available now

Why you should watch: From the Last Supper to the Mona Lisa, da Vinci gave the world some of the most famous works of all time. Renaissance will provide captivating insight into not just one of the most accomplished artists to walk the Earth, but three of them. Informed by historians and biographers, the series promised to educate just as much as it does to entertain. Known for his roles on Game of Thrones and beyond, Charles' central performance is essential viewing, but it's input from contemporary artists like Antony Gormley that's the icing on the cake.

Available now

Why you should watch: Strike has become one of the UK's most popular and well-regarded dramas, enticing audiences back again and again with captivating mysteries to solve. Both central stars are consistently phenomenal in their roles, but with the likes of David Westhead and James Nelson-Joyce (Time) thrown in too, The Ink Black Heart simply has too much talent aboard to overlook.

New season available December 16

Why you should watch: Doctor Who is perhaps one of the BBC’s most iconic dramas. It’s been running for more than 60 years now and is showing no signs of stopping. The best thing about the show is there is literally something for everyone. A creepy thriller with scary aliens? Check. Sci-fi epic war with explosions and robots? Check. A murder mystery with Agatha Christie? Check. With more than 800 episodes available, as well as numerous spin-offs, you’ll certainly find something to enjoy here.

Christmas special on December 25

Why you should watch: Season 14 is hot on its heels, expected to premiere sometime in early 2025, so checking in with the regular cast of characters this Christmas is as essential as pulling crackers. "Call the Midwife has become one of UK television’s most popular festive traditions, and this year we wanted to go even better with Call the Midwife’s biggest Christmas ever!" Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, has teased. With two 60-minute episodes in store, save room after dessert.

Christmas special available December 25

Why you should watch: Striking the perfect harmony of comedy and drama, new Death in Paradise is never to be missed, especially where there's a new DI to meet. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their favourites are in for the ride, along with guest stars including Jim Howick (Ghosts), Steven Hartley (Happy Valley), Angela Griffin (The Wives), and more. Filmed on the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe, it'll be a surefire winter warmer.

Christmas special available December 22

Why you should watch: One of the bestselling authors of all time, Agatha Christie's timeless mysteries always keep readers on the edge of their seats. Adaptations of her classics like Murder on the Orient Express do the very same, and Towards Zero is one of her most prized gems thanks to its incredible pacing and characters. See it brought to life like never before in this three-parter.

Series available TBC

Why you should watch: Receiving rave reviews across its three-season run, central star Nicola (Spooks, Last Tango in Halifax) is reprising one of her greatest roles to date. Exploring important themes of marriage, family and navigating careers, the show is both relatable and simultaneously packed with suspenseful drama that only the best TV can achieve. It's been gone since the summer of 2022, so its triumphant return isn't one to be missed. The Guardian called it a "gorgeously slick, witty and thoroughly grown-up tale," and that's the truth.

The Split: Barcelona available December 29 and 30

Why you should watch: First premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where critics described the series as “measured”, “menacing” and “masterful”; The Listeners is a thought-provoking insight into the perils of isolation and obsession. As well as inspiring a TV adaptation, the story has also become a critically-acclaimed opera.

Available now

Why you should watch: Another jewel in the BBC iPlayer crown, Shetland has secured a very loyal fanbase over 10 years. And with good reason. Douglas Henshall’s performance as DI Jimmy Perez has earned him a place in the TV drama detective hall of fame - and Ashley Jensen has breathed new life into the show. With eight seasons and 44 episodes, you’ll be getting your murder mystery crime fix for quite some time with this one. And it’s another one with a stunning location.

New series available now

Why you should watch: It’ll be an uncomfortable few hours for you, but so, so worth it. The performances in Time are stellar, from Bean’s character who is wracked with guilt, to Stephen Graham’s prison officer whose personal life is spiralling. Whittaker, Ramsay, and Lawrence are magnetic in season 2, where the brutal reality of prison life is shown in all its ugly glory. Described as “captivating” and “unnerving”, it is a drama we highly, highly recommend you checking out.

Available now

Why you should watch: Arguably one of the best dramas the BBC has made full stop, Happy Valley should be on absolutely everybody’s watch list. There aren’t enough words to describe how powerful Sarah Lancashire’s performance is, and James Norton is chilling as sicko Tommy Lee Royce. Siobhan Finneran is also fantastic as a recovering addict. The story is gripping, it’ll have you on the edge of your seat throughout, and will warm your heart just as much as it’ll chill it. It’s 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is very well deserved.

Available now

Why you should watch: The Responder puts grit into gritty. It’s unflinching in its portrayal of the dark and dingy underworld of Liverpool. Freeman’s Chris is troubled and very angry, and Adedayo is more than a match for him. It’s gripping, brutal, and full of twists and turns. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 100%, The Responder should be near the top - if not at the top - of every watch list.

Available now

Why you should watch: Jed Mercurio’s Line of Duty is largely considered to be one of the best police dramas of all time. With a stellar cast, thrilling storylines, and enough twists and turns to make you dizzy (in a good way), there’s a reason why this show has won so many awards. With 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, Line of Duty is a show that everyone should watch at least once.

Available now

Why you should watch: It’s clever, witty, and very, very good - that’s why. There are a whole host of twists and turns, hilarious dialogue, and even heartbreak within the script. The performances are excellent, with Cumberbatch and Scott being absolutely electric together as arch nemesis. It’s no wonder that it has won so many awards and catapulted its stars to greater stardom.

Available now

Why you should watch: It’s uncomfortable and yet it’s very funny. It’s honest and unflinching, and it’ll leave you devastated. Whishaw, and Mod are heartbreakingly good in their respective roles. And you WILL be broken by the final episode. But that’s exactly why you need to watch it. It was a hit with viewers and critics alike, being nominated for numerous awards following its release. With 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s not a show to be slept on.

Available now

Why you should watch: The Jetty is a gripping detective thriller – with one hell of a twist. As always, Coleman smashes it with her performance, and the mystery will surely leave you guessing until the very end. It proved to be pretty popular with critics, with one from inews.co.uk writing: “I can't remember the last time a BBC crime series gripped me this much”.

Available now

Why you should watch: It’s an acting masterclass from both Comer and Oh. Both are utterly fantastic and truly compelling to watch, in particular master-of-accents Comer. The first couple of seasons were a hit with audiences and critics, and the last two faired pretty well too. Its 80% on Rotten Tomatoes is a little harsh, if anything. Don’t let that put you off though! It’s true, the series finale was divisive, but you’ll have to make up your own mind…

Available now

Why you should watch: I mean, if you want to have your heart broken into a billion tiny pieces, then look no further. Seriously, it will hurt your heart to watch. Edgar-Jones and Mescal’s chemistry is unmissable, and will make you genuinely believe that these are real people, not just characters on your TV. It has a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and is easily one of the best shows to have come out in the 2020s. Oh, and it broke records for the Beeb. With 41 minutes of sex in total, it is reportedly the most love-making the channel has ever shown.

Available now

Why you should watch: Widely considered one of the best dramas to come out of 2020, I May Destroy You was a phenomenon when it first came out. And it continues to be gushed over with the same amount of passion four years on. It’s 98% rating it testament to how well regarded it still it. It’s an unflinching, frank and provocative series exploring the question of sexual consent. The Guardian critic described it as “the best drama of the year”, adding: “Michaela Coel’s new series is an extraordinary, breathtaking exploration of consent, race and millennial life that works on every level.”

Available now

Why you should watch: Former child starGabrielle Creevy is 100% believable as Bethan, and you are fully invested in her and her struggles. In fact, she’s so good, she won a BAFTA Cymru for the role. Critics were fans of the show too, with The Guardian describing it as a “emotional rollercoaster” and The Sunday Times branding it a “mesmerising drama”. It has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, so is definitely worth adding to your watch list.

Available now

Why you should watch: The show that launched Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s career, based on the play of the same name. Fleabag was a smash hit when it first aired, and was a masterclass in how to break the fourth wall properly. Waller-Bridge is cheeky and likeable in the main role, and her relationship with Andrew Scott’s Hot Priest in season 2 is hilarious. A revolutionary bit of telly which is definitely worthy of its 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Available now

Why you should watch: One of the best period dramas on iPlayer by a stretch, Peaky Blinders took Britain by storm during its nine years on the telly - and for good reason. The characters are all incredibly well-rounded, the drama is thrilling, and the fact that no-one is safe makes this a truly gripping series to binge. With six seasons available, Peaky Blinders has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%. The brilliant cast includes Cillian Murphy, Joe Cole, Helen McCrory, and Tom Hardy. Reason enough to watch.

Available now

Why you should watch: The series has been described as being “suspenseful” with a “pulpy pace” by Rotten Tomatoes. Another review from Empire magazine was equally as praiseworthy, writing: “British TV doesn’t get more thrilling than this.” Suranne Jones is brilliant as ever as Silva, a hard-nosed detective who softens only for her girlfriend and partner, played by Game of Thrones’ Rose Leslie. It’s a detective drama, with a twist.

Available now

Why you should watch: Marriage is totally different from any drama you’ll have watched before, because not much actually happens in it. It’s a slow burner, focusing on the minutiae of a marriage – for example, washing up and getting ready for bed. Sound boring? It’s anything but. In fact, with Walker and Bean in charge, it’s totally compelling. You’ll be drying your eyes quite a bit towards the end. It has an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Radio Times said the “drama redefined romance”.

Available now

Why you should watch: It’s perhaps the ultimate police procedural drama on iPlayer - and has been for the last 27 years. With so many seasons to get through, there will undoubtedly be storylines that hook you - and characters that you will fall in love with (and hope fall in love with each other). Any series that is around for this long must be good - and Silent Witness definitely is! While some series are arguably better than others, the characters are like old friends, and a revolving door of guest stars keeps it fresh.

Available now

Why you should watch: It’s a heartwarming, funny watch about a group of girls trying - and often failing - to be adults in a bustling London town. It’s a coming-of-age story with hilarious moments and mistakes, which we can all relate to. It features strong performances from Powley and Appleton in particular. Fans of the book should definitely give this a go, and even if you haven’t read it, the 96% Rotten Tomatoes score should sway you into trying it out!

Available now

Why you should watch: If you’re after gritty, dark, and thrilling, Sherwood is perfect for you. With a very strong cast led by Morrissey, Sherwood has been described as being “such a rich series that it makes the competition look all the poorer” (Rotten Tomatoes). It also has a 100% rating on the website. The second series, which aired in 2024, focuses on local criminals the Sparrows, and their reluctant involvement with a much nastier, more ruthless, local gang. Monica Dolan is frankly terrifying as Ann Branson. Worth watching for the cast alone.

Available now

Why you should watch: It is a fantastic adaptation of Pullman’s novels with a great cast, and doesn’t hold back on some of the more wacky ideas he came up with. Multiverses are all the rage at the moment, and this fantasy drama does it well. It might take a bit to wrap your head around the more ‘out there’ ideas but, once you’re immersed in that world, it won’t let you go until its devastating conclusion… At the time, The Guardian described it as “a riveting realisation of Philip Pullman's magic”.

Available now

Why you should watch: Not only is The Tourist a thrilling mystery, it’s also a black comedy, so it’s not all darkness and grit and moody staring into the camera. Jamie Dornan is deliciously watchable as the lead, with The Guardian describing his performance as “explosive” and “compelling”. There are two seasons to enjoy here - with hope for a third!

Available now

Why you should watch: Our Girl received plenty of praise when it came out, with many viewers very complimentary of Michelle Keegan’s performance in particular. There’s plenty of drama, thrills and heartbreak to keep you entertained for a long time, thanks to the four seasons that are available. If you’re after grit, explosions and great acting, you’re in the right place.

Available now

With long-standing BBC dramas, such as Silent Witness and Line of Duty, or others that dive into fantasy like His Dark Materials, the strong contenders on this list will keep you ticking until the new year.