Best dramas on BBC iPlayer in October 2024
The BBC are renowned and respected for their quality dramas and, luckily for us, most of them sit forever on BBC iPlayer. We’re talking heavyweight material like Happy Valley, Time, Marriage, and His Dark Materials. There’s something for everyone here. In fact, some of the BBC’s shows are considered the best TV of all time, so here’s our list of the best dramas currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Time
Drama
Summary:This hard-hitting drama is a brutally honest, at times harrowing, look inside British prisons, told through the eyes of the prisoner. In season one, viewers follow Sean Bean’s character, Mark, as he struggles to adjust in a men’s prison. In season two, we’re introduced to female characters - portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey, and Tamara Lawrance - in a women’s prison. There are two seasons available of the Jimmy McGovern drama, each series is three episodes. Time has a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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
Happy Valley
Crime | Drama | Mystery
Summary:Set in a Yorkshire village, Happy Valley follows no-nonsense police officer Catherine Cawood as she tackles crime, all whilst trying to deal with her traumatic past. The divorced copper is also having to raise her troubled grandson, as well as living with her recovering addict sister. Then, Catherine’s life is nearly destroyed again by the re-emergence of a very bad man from her family’s past. Sarah Lancashire and James Norton lead in this award-winning BBC drama, of which there are three seasons.
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
The Responder
Drama | Crime
Summary:Martin Freeman plays a policeman in Liverpool who works the infamously tough night shift in this unrelenting drama. Joined by a new recruit, Chris must learn to work alongside her, as well as trying to deal with his own personal problems (of which there are many). Joining Freeman is Some Girls star Adelayo Adedayo, Luther’s Warren Brown, and Time’s Faye McKeever. There are two seasons available to enjoy on iPlayer.
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
Line of Duty
Crime | Drama | Mystery
Summary: This police procedural drama follows an anti-corruption unit within the police. Their job? To police the police. Over six seasons, viewers follow the unit as they attempt to bring down the mysterious ‘H’ - a corrupt person or persons of senior rank within the police force who are instrumental in running organised crime. Vicky McClure, Martin Compston, Keeley Hawes, Anna Maxwell-Martin, and Stephen Graham appear in this long-running, hard-hitting drama.
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
Doctor Who
Action & Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Summary:The Doctor is an alien who saves the universe and travels in time with his police telephone box, the TARDIS. The long-running series, which originally ran between 1963 and 1989, and then returned in 2005, has more monsters than you can shake a sonic screwdriver at, more aliens than you can count, and so many mind-bending storylines that you’ll be entertained for months (seriously, it will take that long to get through it all). Household names such as Tom Baker, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Billie Piper, and many more lead the cast in this iconic TV series, which has 40 seasons so far.
Why you should watch: Doctor Who is perhaps one of the BBC’s most iconic dramas. It’s run 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 over 800 episodes available, as well as numerous spin-offs, you’ll certainly find something to enjoy here.
Available now
Sherlock
Crime | Drama | Mystery
Summary:A modern re-telling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes adventures set in present day London. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman play the infamous characters of Holmes and Watson, as they investigate murders, crimes, and mysteries. They also take on perhaps the greatest villain of all time, Moriarty. Andrew Scott, Amanda Abbington, Rupert Graves, and Mark Gatiss also star over the course of the show’s 4 series.
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 to be found. 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
This Is Going to Hurt
Comedy | Drama
Summary:Based on Adam Kay’s book of the same name, this medical drama series follows a group of junior nurses as they take on the pressures of working in a obstetrics and gynaecology department in a London hospital. The humour is blacker than black but, more importantly, it doesn’t hold back in showing the devastating effects of working in a hospital environment. James Bond star Ben Whishaw leads, alongside One Day actress Ambika Mod.
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
The Jetty
Drama | Crime
Summary:A relatively new drama on BBC iPlayer, The Jetty follows DC Ember Manning as she investigates an arson attack on a holiday home. However, she soon realises there might be a link between the fire and an old missing person’s case. Soon, her past becomes intertwined with a mystery in the present. Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman plays Ember, and she is joined by House of the Dragon star Tom Glynn-Carney. There are four episodes available in total.
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
Killing Eve
Crime | Drama
Summary:A British intelligence investigator is tasked with tracking down the psychopathic assassin Villanelle. However, as her chase for the killer intensifies, both women begin to grow obsessed with each other. Award-winning actor Jodie Comer plays Villanelle, while Sandra Oh plays Eve Polastri. There are four seasons in total.
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
Call the Midwife
Drama
Summary:This long-running period drama follows a group of nurse midwives working in a hospital in the East End of London in the 1950s, 1960s and beyond. It’s based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. Over the years, a number of top actors have featured in the show, including Miranda Hart, Jessica Raine, Helen George, and Fenella Woolgar. All 13 seasons are available to watch now. Series 14 starts with a festive special on Christmas Day.
Why you should watch: If you want something cosy and heartwarming - but also heartbreaking at times too - then this is the perfect series to get stuck into. The characters will quickly take a place in your heart, and the storylines – often based on real events - will make you feel good, but also keep you gripped too. A true staple of BBC One, Call the Midwife has a rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Available now
Normal People
Drama
Summary:Set in rural Ireland, as well as Dublin, Normal People is based on the Sally Rooney novel of the same name. It follows Irish teenagers Connell and Marianne as they navigate adulthood, relationships, and their mental health – all while falling in love. Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones play the star-crossed lovers in this hard-hitting, emotional drama. The series consists of 12 short episodes.
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
I May Destroy You
Drama
Summary: This comedy drama follows a young writer in the public eye, living in London who is trying to rebuild her life after being raped. Refusing to live like a victim, she’s also racing against a deadline to finish her second novel. Michaela Cole writes and stars in this black comedy, as does Gangs of London actor Paapa Essiedu.
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
In My Skin
Drama | Comedy | Family
Summary:Bethan, a young Welsh teen, is living something of a double life. Her dad’s an alcoholic, her mother’s mentally ill, and she’s struggling to come to terms with her sexuality. But no-one knows this, because she tries to keep home life and school life separate. Up-and-coming Welsh actress Gabrielle Creevy stars in this comedy/drama, of which there are two seasons.
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
Fleabag
Comedy | Drama
Summary:Fleabag follows a young woman in London as she gets herself into daft situations and relationships, all whilst breaking the fourth wall with tongue firmly in cheek. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the show’s writer and creator, leads the cast. It also features the likes of Hugh Dennis, Andrew Scott, and Sian Clifford. There are two seasons of six episodes each.
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 S2 is hilarious. A revolutionary bit of telly which is definitely worthy of its 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Available now
Peaky Blinders
Drama | Crime
Summary:Set in Birmingham in the years leading up to WWII, this period drama follows the exploits of the gangster Shelby family, led by fierce boss Tommy. The family epic set in 1900s England centres on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps to deal with any trouble – and there’s plenty. It’s based on a real-life gang. There are six seasons in total, with a Netflix film coming soon.
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
Death in Paradise
Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery
Summary:Death in Paradise follows a string of detectives who investigate murders and mysteries on a stunning island in the Caribbean. The series first launched with Ben Miller in the lead role. He was then replaced by Kris Marshall, who was then replaced by Ardal O'Hanlon, and then Ralf Little. EastEnders star Don Lucas will be leading the show in the 14th series which starts later this year.
Why you should watch: This series is perfect for lovers of cosy crime. It’s a fun watch, with a lot of heart too. The leads all bring something new and interesting to the role, and with 13 seasons worth of mysteries to binge, you’re not going to be bored anytime soon! As well as a revolving door of famous faces, the beautiful Caribbean location is the star of the show, too.
Available now
Vigil
Drama | Crime
Summary:The first season of this police procedural drama is pretty unique in the fact that it takes place on a submarine. DCI Amy Silva arrives on board to investigate a mysterious death. However, her investigations lead to the police being thrown into conflict with the military and MI5. The second season follows Silva as she and her team investigate a military drone programmed to turn on its own - killing several soldiers. Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie front this series, of which there are two.
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
Marriage
Drama
Summary:Ian has just been made redundant and is struggling to adapt to non-working life. Meanwhile, his wife, Emma, is working as a solicitor and is having to deal with her boss’ advances. This intimate examination of married life stars TV favourites Sean Bean and Nicola Walker as a long term couple. The series, which consists of 4 episodes, is from the creator of Mum, and Him & Her.
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
Silent Witness
Crime | Drama
Summary:Silent Witness is the longest-running crime drama on TV, with 27 seasons under its belt so far (and more coming). The series follows a team of exceptional forensic pathologists and scientists as they investigate heinous crimes and use their skills to catch the people responsible. Emilia Fox is the current face of the series, after replacing Amanda Burton in 2004. The likes of Liz Carr, Tom Ward, Richard Lintern, and William Gaminara have also featured prominently throughout the show’s run.
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
Everything I Know About Love
Drama
Summary:Based on the Dolly Alderton book of the same name. Everything I Know About Love is a comedy drama about Maggie and her three friends moving to London to start their new lives. Throughout the series, we follow Maggie, Birdy, Nell, and Amara as they navigate adulthood, their jobs, and relationships. The seven-part series features The Killing Kind actress Emma Appleton, Masters of the Air’s Bel Powley, and Alex Rider star Marli Siu.
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
Sherwood
Crime | Mystery
Summary:Set in a Nottinghamshire village, two killings shatter an already divided community with a dark past. Based on the real life murders of a trade unionist and a hairdresser in 2004, Sherwood consists of 2 series. The ever-reliable David Morrissey plays a dogged detective charged with investigating the killings. Meanwhile, Lesley Manville puts in a blinding performance, alongside Spooks actor Robert Glenister, and Showtrial’s Adeel Akhtar.
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
Shetland
Crime | Drama | Mystery
Summary:Set on and around the Shetland islands, this popular detective drama follows DI Jimmy Perez and his team as they investigate murders and mysteries in the area. Between seasons 1-7, Douglas Henshall played the lead role of Perez. From season 8 onwards, Agatha Raisin star Ashley Jensen took over as the series lead. There are eight seasons available so far, with more on the way.
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.
Available now
His Dark Materials
Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Drama
Summary:Based on Phillip Pullman’s trilogy of the same name, His Dark Materials follows Lyra, an orphan in an alternate universe as she goes looking for her friend after he vanishes. However, along her journey - which takes her right across the multiverse - she soon learns that she isn’t quite who she thought she was... Logan star Dafne Keen leads this star-studded series, which also features the likes of James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. There are three series available.
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
The Tourist
Mystery | Drama
Summary:A man wakes up after a car crash with absolutely no memory of who he is, where he is, or why he’s there. Over the course of the thriller, viewers learn that the handsome Irish stranger isn’t exactly what he seems - and he has a very dark past. 50 Shades of Grey actor Jamie Dornan fronts this thriller drama, of which there are two series.
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
Our Girl
Drama | War & Politics
Summary:A military drama with a heart, Our Girl follows Private Molly Dawes - and later Georgie Lane - as they join the army. The series follows them on their journeys across the world, including Afghanistan, Nepal, and Nigeria. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner leads the cast in series 1, replaced by Michelle Keegan from series 2 onwards. There are four seasons to enjoy, and the cast includes Luke Pasqualino, Ben Aldridge, Nico Mirallegro, and Iwan Rheon.
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
