Old British TV Shows We Can Rewatch
When we lack inspiration and are unsure which new content to turn to, old British TV shows are always there for us to rewatch.
The celebrated culture of the United Kingdom carries a rich historical legacy, offering an endless source of material easily translatable to both small and big screens, where viewers can effortlessly immerse themselves in every aspect of the characters and society as a whole. This is one of the reasons why all these beloved old British TV shows continue to be watched, regardless of when they were made.
Starting with the now-legendary novels of Agatha Christie or the timeless Sherlock Holmes and his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose legacy has more than influenced modern storytelling, there is something special about following British productions, particularly those focused on crime and the often complex lives of inspectors as they navigate the mysterious and intertwined paths toward their goals.
The combination of cult classics, British slang, and a touch of another era provides fertile ground for all lovers of quality art, recognized by Pickbox NOW as a source of timeless classics. Old British TV shows we can rewatch form a category that never fades, and here are some titles that will take you back on a wave of mystery.
A well-known name and a hit series based on the detective novels of Caroline Graham, Midsomer Murders has fans worldwide. The plot focuses on various murder cases that take place in small, rural villages in the fictional county of Midsomer, along with the efforts of police detective Barnaby to solve them by identifying the culprits and their motives.
A perfect blend of dark humor, quirks, the discord of violence in peaceful rural settings, good mysteries, and a glimpse into what Great Britain used to look like makes this series an eternal classic that continues to attract new viewers with its broad range of qualities.
2. Inspector Morse
One of the most successful British crime series, Inspector Morse is based on the novels by Colin Dexter and follows cases investigated by Detective Inspector Endeavour Morse and his partner Robert Lewis. The main character is not your typical hero. He is lonely, angry, conceited, arrogant, but extremely intelligent.
He enjoys the music of Mozart and Wagner, reads poetry, discusses philosophy, loves crossword puzzles and alcohol, and rarely values anyone’s opinion but his own. The series captivated the audience with its complex plots, excellent performances, and outstanding music and production, while actor John Thaw, as the main character with his iconic red Jaguar, delivered the role of a lifetime.
3. A Touch of Frost
This British crime drama series follows the work of experienced and dedicated detective William Edward 'Jack' Frost, who often clashes with his superiors. He is frequently assisted by various other sergeants or officers, each bringing a different perspective to the cases. The series’ unique, somewhat humorous atmosphere is also fueled by Frost's interactions with his bureaucratically minded superior, Chief Superintendent Norman Mullett.
Fans of mysteries will definitely enjoy the episodes, particularly because of the main character's persistence, insight, and lack of empathy, which often makes him come across as a misanthrope. An unforgettable character, armed with dry humor and sharp sarcasm, Frost investigates cases in his unorthodox way.
4. Agatha Christie's Poirot
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the legendary Poirot. The famous detective created by Agatha Christie brings episodes full of intriguing mysteries, captivating storytelling, excellent production, and unforgettable performances. While some detectives "scrape the floor" in search of clues, Hercule Poirot uses psychology and his extensive knowledge of human nature to catch criminals.
The atmosphere and aesthetics of bygone eras, wonderful scenery, and Poirot's mustache – many would say this series represents the best of British television. Despite its age, it still holds its legendary status due to the reputation it earned, and it is sure to be remembered forever.
