This May, BBC iPlayer offers much more than just news, Eastenders, and Doctor Who. It’s an excellent time to dive into the extensive catalogue available on the streaming service.

The platform features recent hit dramas like Industry and Showtrial, along with classics such as Life on Mars and Spooks.

Crime drama enthusiasts can enjoy multiple seasons of both Line of Duty and Happy Valley, while those drawn to reality competitions should check out The Traitors.

Additionally, Peaky Blinders remains a must-watch, recognized as one of the standout BBC dramas of recent years. Normal People, a massive success during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, is also worth viewing.

In comparison to Netflix and Disney+, the range of exceptional TV series on BBC iPlayer is impressive, and it’s accessible for free with a valid TV licence.

This list will be updated regularly, so be sure to return for new recommendations, and we encourage you to share your favorite BBC shows in the comments below.

New Releases for 2025

Louis Theroux: The Settlers

Documentary, one-off, 2025In this follow-up to his 2011 film The Ultra Zionists, Louis Theroux revisits Israeli settler communities in the West Bank after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Through interviews, including one with Daniella Weiss, the so-called “godmother” of the settlement movement, Theroux explores settlers’ expansion into lands considered illegal under international law. He also connects with Palestinians affected by settler violence and military checkpoints, offering a layered view of this contentious issue.

Reunion

Drama, one season, 2025Matthew Gurney plays Daniel, a deaf ex-prisoner seeking redemption after serving time for his friend Ray’s murder. As he reunites with his daughter Carly (Lara Peake) at a café, it’s evident he has a mission, feeling like an outsider in both the hearing and deaf communities. This series offers an inclusive cast, predominantly featuring deaf actors, creating a unique viewing experience where body language plays a crucial role alongside subtitles.

Tribe with Bruce Parry

Documentary, four seasons, 2005-After a 20-year hiatus, Bruce Parry returns to explore indigenous cultures in Tribe. His journey begins in the Colombian Amazon with the Waimaha people, where he aims to partake in an ayahuasca ceremony while earning their trust through traditional foraging and brewing methods. The series continues with visits to tribes in Namibia and Indonesia, showcasing a diverse representation of global cultures.

This City Is Ours

Crime drama, one season, 2025This series delves into the turmoil of a gangland family in Liverpool. Created by Stephen Butchard, it follows the Phelan crime family, under patriarch Ronnie (Sean Bean) and his wife Elaine (Julie Graham). With themes of betrayal and intense family dynamics, it navigates the dark undercurrents of crime while maintaining a gripping narrative.

Ten Pound Poms

Drama, two seasons, 2023-In the second season, families from England lured to Australia by the “assisted passage” scheme continue to face harsh realities. Terry Roberts (Warren Brown) confronts the difference between the promised life and their ongoing struggles as they adapt to their new surroundings. Meanwhile, Kate (Michelle Keegan) remains determined to reclaim her son after he was taken away from her, adding layers to their already complex narratives.

Towards Zero

Mystery drama, one season, 2025Rachel Bennette presents an elegant adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero. This adaptation follows a melodrama of societal intrigue among upper-class characters and twisted relationships, featuring a cast including Anjelica Huston and Matthew Rhys. The narrative begins after a murder, focusing on interconnected lives and the troubled dynamics within this elite society.

Boarders

Comedy, two seasons, 2024-This series humorously tackles the theme of racial representation within British boarding schools, following five black students adjusting to their new environment. Daniel Lawrence Taylor’s sharp script combines comedy with social commentary, pushing boundaries while maintaining entertaining twists throughout the narrative.

Virdee

Crime drama, one season, 2025This gritty police drama takes place amid the cultural backdrop of Bradford, capturing the complexities of social tension. Adapted from AA Dhand’s novels, it follows Harry Virdee, a detective grappling with personal and ethical conflicts while striving to minimize gang-related chaos in his community, bringing to light the intricate dynamics of familial loyalty and crime.

Amandaland

Comedy, one season, 2025While fans of Motherland may miss its original cast, Amandaland introduces new characters and follows Amanda’s social ascent post-divorce as she navigates the challenges of rebuilding her reputation in a different environment, with Lucy Punch reprising her role as the ambitious PTA mother.

Miss Austen

Period drama, one season, 2025This adaptation, rooted in Gill Hornby’s novel, delicately explores the life of Jane Austen through her sister Cassandra’s eyes. Set in 1830, it revolves around Cassandra’s quest to recover correspondence that holds key revelations about her sister, blending personal narratives with wider themes of familial loyalty and societal expectations.

SAS Rogue Heroes

War drama, two seasons, 2022Steven Knight’s gripping depiction of the SAS’s origins continues into a second season, shifting the backdrop from North Africa to Sicily while maintaining its intense and gritty storytelling, focusing on the individuals at the forefront of the wartime efforts, showcasing psychological battles and high-octane action sequences.

Best Shows of 2024

Wolf Hall — The Mirror and the Light

Period drama, two seasons, 2015The adaptation of the final book in Hilary Mantel’s trilogy returns with Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII. Set against the backdrop of historical upheaval in the 16th century, it intricately weaves personal and political narratives, maintaining the tension of the original series.

Showtrial

Legal drama, two seasons, 2021The second series tackles topical issues from privilege to mental health, revolving around the complexities of a high-profile murder trial linked to a climate activist. The series draws on moral ambiguities, delivered with an outstanding performance by Adeel Akhtar, exploring contemporary justice beyond simple dichotomies.

Industry

Drama, three seasons, 2020Continuing its exploration of millennial struggles in the high-stakes world of finance, Industry delivers intense, character-driven narratives as young professionals navigate corporate challenges. Season three presents more gripping scenarios, contextualizing personal dilemmas within broader economic realities while maintaining its signature tension.

Ludwig

Crime drama, one season, 2024This quaint crime drama features John “Ludwig” Taylor, a crossword puzzle setter who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving his twin, a detective, prompting a peculiar blend of humor and suspense. Set amidst built-up charms of Cambridge, it shifts from light-hearted comedy to genuine intrigue while keeping viewers engaged.

Colin from Accounts

Comedy, two seasons, 2022This beloved Australian comedy features a charming storyline of two individuals, Ashley and Gordon, who bond over their accidental injury of a dog. With a clever blend of humor and heart, the series emerges as a standout in contemporary comedy, showcasing witty writing and delightful character dynamics.

Sherwood

Thriller, two seasons, 2023As the gripping narrative unfolds, multiple interwoven plots within Nottingham’s criminal landscape reflect the complexities of community ties and the impact of violence. This thrilling tale brings back familiar characters while introducing new arcs that enhance the overall tension of the story.

Daddy Issues

Comedy, one season, 2024This comedic narrative weaves the misadventures of Gemma, unexpectedly pregnant, into a humorous exploration of relationships. The sitcom highlights interactions between her and her immature father, spotlighting qualities that elicit both laughter and empathy from viewers.

The Jetty

Thriller, one season, 2024An arson incident ignites a gripping narrative focusing on Detective Ember Manning. As her investigations reveal underlying societal issues, the series builds thematic tension that resonates with fans of thought-provoking crime dramas while exploring complex character development.

The Outlaws

Comedy drama, three seasons, 2021Following a seamless blend of comedy and crime, the series returns with the established characters navigating unexpected challenges, including a caper involving a corpse. This hilarious narrative promises to infuse fresh dynamics while delivering the humor fans have come to expect.

Rebus

Crime drama, one season, 2024The endearing character of Inspector Rebus returns in this new adaptation, diving deep into Edinburgh’s criminal underbelly. The clever storytelling weaves in themes of family, loyalty, and the complexity of crime while offering engaging plots anchored by Richard Rankin’s performance.

The Responder

Crime drama, two seasons, 2022This intense series follows Chris Carson, played by Martin Freeman, as he grapples with personal and professional turmoil on the gritty night shifts of Liverpool. With its multifaceted storylines and a gripping portrayal of police work, the series captures the hidden struggles beneath the surface.

Blue Lights

Crime drama, two seasons, 2023The first season gained traction with captivating character arcs set against the challenging backdrop of police work in Belfast. The forthcoming season promises to further explore the complexities of urban life and the pressures facing new recruits amidst rising crime rates.

The Tourist

Drama, two seasons, 2022In the highly anticipated continuation of the story, Elliot (Jamie Dornan) further investigates his past while journeying through Ireland. With unexpected twists and absurd moments, the series retains its engaging energy while exploring identity and trauma.

Drama

Vigil

Thriller, two seasons, 2022Following DCI Amy Silva’s adventures from a challenging investigation aboard a submarine to her compelling return on land, the series continues to deliver intense drama, exploring various geopolitical tensions, drawing viewers deeper into the storyline with each episode.

The Sixth Commandment

Crime drama, one season, 2023This unsettling series portrays Peter (Timothy Spall) in an emotionally charged relationship with his student Ben (Éanna Hardwicke), intertwining themes of manipulation and moral conflict within a true crime framework, resonating with viewers through an insightful narrative.

Steeltown Murders

Drama, one season, 2023Set against a historical backdrop, the series retraces the investigation of three unsolved murders, utilizing contemporary forensic advances to unravel old mysteries, bringing a compelling mix of nostalgia and intrigue to the viewing experience.

The Gold

Drama, one season, 2023This crime thriller brings to life the Brink’s-Mat heist while delving deep into the aftermath of the crime, skillfully weaving personal stories with broader themes of greed and corruption, resulting in a captivating narrative featuring strong performances from a skilled cast.

Time

Prison drama, two seasons, 2021This poignant series returns with a focus on women’s experiences in prison, a stark contrast to its first season. It explores the varied traumas of three female inmates, effectively highlighting the emotional and psychological struggles present in a prison environment.

Our Friends in the North

Drama, one season, 1996A landmark television project from the 90s, this miniseries narrates the lives of four friends over three decades, skillfully threading personal arcs alongside sweeping historical events, offering a rich tapestry of socio-political commentary and human experience.

Life on Mars

Mystery drama, two seasons, 2006-07This intelligent mystery drama invites viewers into a unique blend of 1970s policing in Manchester through the eyes of Sam Tyler, immersing them in an intriguing network of nostalgia, crime, and mind-bending narratives as he seeks to understand his situation.

Spooks

Spy drama, ten seasons, 2002-11Focusing on MI5 operatives and their high-stakes missions, this crisp and thrilling series spans a decade to deliver intricate plots, notable performances, and a clever commentary on fear and security inherent in the world of espionage.

Peaky Blinders

Crime drama, six seasons, 2013-22This critically acclaimed series chronicles the rise of a post-World War I crime family, marked by intricate character developments and rich storytelling, led by Cillian Murphy’s stunning portrayal of Tommy Shelby, capturing the essence of ambition and chaos.

Poldark

Period drama, five seasons, 2015-19Set in the stunning landscapes of Cornwall, this series tells the story of Ross Poldark’s return home following the American War of Independence, intertwining themes of love, loss, and social upheaval, all driven by compelling character arcs over five seasons.

Normal People

Drama, one season, 2020This adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel beautifully captures the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell across different life stages, resonating deeply with viewers due to its sensitive portrayal of love and connection during formative years.

Last Tango in Halifax

Drama, five seasons, 2012-20This heartwarming series follows the rekindled romance of an older couple, offering a relatable and rich narrative around love, family dynamics, and the passage of time, making it a treasured entry in British television.

Call the Midwife

Period drama, 14 seasons, 2012Based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, this long-running series showcases the hard-hitting realities faced by midwives in London’s East End during the mid-20th century, marked by compassion and camaraderie amidst societal upheaval.

Line of Duty

Crime drama, six seasons, 2012-21Focusing on the exploits of the AC-12 anti-corruption unit, this thrilling series dives into a world of power struggles and corruption, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plots and unexpected revelations.

I, Claudius

Historical drama, one season, 1976Celebrated for its compelling storytelling, this adaptation of Robert Graves’ novels portrays the intricacies of early Roman imperial politics through the narration of Claudius, showcasing a stellar cast and unforgettable performances.

A Very English Scandal

Political drama, one season, 2018This captivating miniseries offers a riveting account of an infamous political scandal, making clever use of humor and drama while featuring standout performances that reveal the complexities behind headlines.

The English

Western, one season, 2022Set in 1890, this visually stunning series stars Emily Blunt in a tale of revenge and determination, blending vibrant imagery with profound themes that pay homage to classic westerns while creating a contemporary narrative.

Sherlock

Crime drama, four seasons, 2010-17This innovative retelling of the classic detective stories breathes fresh life into Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved tales, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman delivering captivating performances as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, respectively.

Happy Valley

Crime drama, three seasons, 2014-23This powerful series showcases the skillful storytelling of Sally Wainwright, featuring Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, whose fierce dedication to her family and community sets the stage for a gripping exploration of crime and justice.

The Night Manager

Spy drama, one season, 2016Based on John le Carré’s novel, this engaging series draws viewers into a complex world of espionage and deception, with Tom Hiddleston’s compelling performance and intricate plots ensuring a thrilling viewing experience.