While perusing my Netflix account recently, I realized that nearly all of my favorite TV shows are British. Thankfully there is a fantastic number of these shows available to stream online, so I thought I'd round up my favorite British shows that are perfect for those nights when all you want to do is stay in your room, eat Cheetos and not worry about the paper due in a couple of days.
Black Books
A friend recently recommended this show about an eccentric bookshop owner, Bernard Black, and his assistant/friend Manny. I find that this is the perfect quirky sitcom to binge when I'm feeling a bit cynical or sarcastic, and I am of course partial to a nice Irish accent, too.
Midsomer Murders
Okay, a little bit of a different style, but Midsomer has been one of my go-to "cozy shows" for years. I'm still not sure which DCI/DS pairing I prefer (though I must admit DS Charlie Nelson's face is rather nice to look at). If you're in the mood for a movie-length murder mystery balanced by the classic British wit that this show provides, Midsomer may be for you! I'm still waiting for a female lead for this one, so fingers crossed that happens soon.
The Vicar of Dibley
Words cannot express my love for Dawn French and her creative genius. I watched this regularly with my mother growing up and every time I watch it now I feel nostalgic. The show revolves around a female vicar, Geraldine, who moves to the conservative village of Dibley. It's hilarious and deals with issues that are relevant even now, so you really can't go wrong with this offbeat comedy.
Broadchurch
I had heard so many good things about this show but for whatever reason didn't watch it until this summer, when all I wanted to do was hang out on the couch. Broadchurch is essentially a murder-mystery although the first two seasons focus on the same crime, unlike Midsomer Murders in which each episode is a stand-alone mystery. David Tennant and Olivia Colman (possibly two of the most wonderful humans ever created) star, and you won't be able to wait between episodes because it is insanely gripping. Apparently, there is an American remake that is essentially identical in dialogue, so I'd really recommend the original.
Escape to the Country
On a very different end of things, Escape to the Country is wonderful for those (myself included, of course) who hope to one day swap the city life for a beautiful home in the countryside. It always makes me think about my future and the fact that one day I hope to live in a beautiful little farmhouse surrounded by orchards and wildflowers (*sigh*). Plus, the production company recently developed a sister-show, Escape to the Continent, which is great for fantasizing about life in a Tuscan villa.
