British TV shows to binge on this weekend

I'm a huge anglophile - in part because my grandparents lived in London and so I spent many summers there. And I have a weakness for accents. As far as British TV is concerned, I really like how they structure their TV shows - there's usually a definite end, and most TV shows end in a few seasons, making them extremely binge worthy over a weekend (especially if the weather is crappy). Here is a list of some of my favorites - this is in no means comprehensive, nor is it in any particular order other than how they came to me as I typed. 

1. Peaky Blinders: Set in 1920s Birmingham, this series tells the fictionalized story of the real Peaky Blinders gang. Lots of sex and violence and period costumes, interesting characters, and Cillian Murphy (he was Scarecrow in the Batman series) is magnificent. 

2. Lovesick: This is a charming love story of a boy who finds out he has chlamydia and has to call all the women he's ever slept with to let them know. Along the way, he figures out he's in love with his best friend and roommate, who is unfortunately engaged to someone else. It's a sweet will they/won't they with some funny bits thrown in for good measure. 

3. Crashing: So this is a British comedy, and although I did see the humor in it, it's not quite laugh out loud comedy - more in the slightly cringeworthy comedy like the original Office. Anyway, a group of 20-somethings end up living in an abandoned, barely livable hospital, acting as caretakers in exchange for low rent. Think F.R.I.E.N.D.S. but way more diverse and more awkward, without the fabulous apartments and wardrobes. 

Image credit: Netflix

Image credit: Netflix

4. Great British Baking Show: This show is my "moment of zen" and I don't even bake in real life. Everything about this show is lovely - lovely hosts, lovely contestants, lovely food. It's a reality show without the backstabbing and unnecessary drama, and some serious food porn. 

5. Flea Bag: I watched this show because it features the same lead as Crashing - this tells the story of late 20/early 30s woman who is going through a challenging time in her life, but it's a comedy. Well, it's British, so more like black comedy, but there are moments of true humor.  A refreshing reminder that life can be messy and sad, but you can still see the humor and fun in it. 

6. Broadchurch: I'm going to preface this to say I only liked Seasons 1 and 2 about this show. I just couldn't get into Season 3 and abandoned it 2 episodes in. Season 1 is great, season 2 is a continuation of that story. It's the story of a small coastal town in England where a young boy ends up dead on the beach, and the story of the search for answers on how he died. It's a bit slow to start, but the last few episodes just fly!

7. Luther: IDRIS ELBA. That is all I have to say. 

Image credit: DETAILS magazine

Image credit: DETAILS magazine

Ok, I lied. It's a really freaking awesome cop drama - like edge of your couch good. If you like drama or mystery, you need to watch this show. Luther is not the good guy, but he's not the bad guy either. A wonderfully written, complex character, played to perfection by a smoking hot actor. Ok, I'm done now. 

8. Sherlock: I love this modern take on Sherlock Holmes. Also Benedict Cumberbatch. But seriously, tight writing, short seasons, and each episode is like a little movie. I don't know anyone who hasn't watched this show, but if you are one of those people, kindly remedy this situation immediately. Also, if you find yourself in London, definitely do a Sherlock tour - it's a great way to orient yourself with the city, and they cover scenes from all the adaptations shot in London. 

9. The Crown: If you're a fan of the British monarchy and have watched all the royal weddings in your lifetime, then you need to watch this show. Fun fact: the cast, including the title characters, change every couple of seasons, so season 3 will have a different Queen and Prince Philip than seasons 1 & 2. If you like period pieces, this is a must-watch. 

10. Travels with my Father: Comic Jack Whitehall invites his posh (quite stodgy really) father to join him on trip through Southeast Asia. Hilarity ensues. Actually, I found this show incredibly charming - a unique take on a travel show, you could see the frustration and the love in parent-child relationships. If you love travel, this is a must watch show! 

Any fun shows that you've been watching? Leave them in the comments below!