Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The UK is home to some of the best TV shows in the world, spanning various genres, eras, and creators. Whether you are looking for a laugh, a thrill, or a tearjerker, there is something for everyone on British television. But what are the most popular TV shows in the UK in 2024? Based on ratings, reviews, and awards, here are the top five shows that have captivated the British audience this year.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton is a steamy, candy-coloured adaptation of Julia Quinn’s much-loved series of romance novels, which centre around the Bridgerton family of siblings, and their quest to find love. Set in the Regency era, the show features lavish costumes, stunning locations, and a diverse cast of characters. To make things more interesting, there is an anonymous gossip columnist in town named Lady Whistledown, who chronicles the scandals and triumphs of 18th-century life. The show has been a huge hit for Netflix, with over 82 million households watching it in its first month. It has also been praised for its progressive and inclusive approach to history, as well as its addictive and entertaining plot.
The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour is the spiritual successor of Top Gear, the popular motoring show that was hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. After Clarkson was fired by the BBC for assaulting a member of the production staff in 2015, the trio started The Grand Tour with their long-time producer Andy Wilman. The show follows a similar format to Top Gear, with the hosts reviewing new cars, competing in outlandish challenges, and interviewing celebrities. However, the show also features more adventurous and exotic locations, such as Mongolia, Madagascar, and Colombia. The show has been a good investment for Amazon Prime Video, attracting millions of viewers and subscribers. It has also been acclaimed for its humour, chemistry, and cinematography.
I May Destroy You
I May Destroy You is a groundbreaking drama created by and starring Michaela Coel, who also wrote and co-directed every episode. The show tells the story of Arabella, a novelist who is sexually assaulted after a night out, and how she struggles to cope with the trauma and work on her second book. The show explores various themes, such as consent, race, sexuality, and social media, with honesty, nuance, and courage. The show has been widely hailed as one of the best TV shows of 2024, winning multiple awards and nominations, including two BAFTAs and four Emmys. It has also been praised for its originality, authenticity, and relevance.
A Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches is a fantasy series based on Deborah Harkness’s trilogy of the same name. It follows the story of Diana Bishop, a witch and a historian, who falls in love with Matthew Clairmont, a vampire and a geneticist. Together, they embark on a quest to find a mysterious book that holds the secrets of their origins and their future. The show is full of romance, magic, and time travel, as well as historical and scientific references. The show has been a hit for Sky One and AMC+, attracting a loyal fan base and rave reviews. It has also been praised for its production values, cast, and plot.
Derry Girls
Derry Girls is a comedy series that follows the lives of five teenagers during the end of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 90s. The show is sweet, heartfelt, and hilarious, as it depicts the everyday struggles and joys of growing up in a turbulent time and place. The show has been a success for Channel 4 and Netflix, becoming one of the most-watched shows in the UK and Ireland . It has also been praised for its writing, acting, and soundtrack.
