Best BBC shows on iPlayer right now: From The Jetty and The Outlaws to Happy Valley

BBC iPlayer is home to some of the best dramas on television right now, both from the UK and around the world. Whether you’re looking for compelling crime series, period dramas, or something with a touch of humour, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Among the platform's newest highlights is The Jetty, featuring Jenna Coleman in a gripping role that has drawn considerable praise. The four-part crime drama is a must-see for fans of complex mysteries and riveting performances.

The Jetty is just one of several recent additions. The new season of The Outlaws, the first season of Boarders, and both seasons of the critically acclaimed crime series Kin are all now available to stream. But that’s not all—BBC iPlayer has become known for offering not only British originals but also major international hits.

Acclaimed shows like Suits, The Dropout, and Dopesick have found a home on the platform, joining a roster of British dramas such as Granite Harbour, Blue Lights, The Responder, and Rebus.

For those in search of a gripping crime thriller, Happy Valley, The Gold, and Wolf should be at the top of your list. These shows have captured the attention of viewers with their dark storylines, complex characters, and brilliant writing. And for those who prefer period dramas, BBC iPlayer’s selection doesn’t disappoint, offering a rich array of content spanning different time periods.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top drama series currently available, ensuring that you won’t miss out on the best of BBC iPlayer.

The Jetty (2024)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Crime drama, starring Jenna Coleman as a detective who uncovers a dark web of secrets in the sleepy town she's always called home.
Why watch: In this intense and compelling four-part crime drama, Jenna Coleman takes on the role of Ember Manning, a detective who begins investigating a fire at a local boat hut. What starts as a seemingly straightforward investigation soon unravels into something far darker, with connections to a cold case involving a missing person and an illicit relationship between a man in his 20s and two underage girls. The series doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and features strong performances, especially from Coleman, who brings a remarkable depth to her character. The Jetty might not reinvent the wheel when it comes to crime dramas, but its intricate plotting, well-drawn characters, and shocking twists make it a standout addition to BBC iPlayer.

The Woman in the Wall (2023)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Lorna Brady wakes one morning to find a corpse in her house with no idea who the dead woman is. She doubts herself, because she has long suffered from extreme bouts of sleepwalking.
Why watch: This eerie and unsettling drama stars Ruth Wilson as Lorna Brady. One morning, she wakes to find a dead woman in her house with no memory of what happened or how the body got there. As Lorna begins to unravel the mystery, she is forced to confront her own past and the deep-rooted trauma she experienced as a victim of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. The show blends psychological thriller elements with a personal journey of guilt, redemption, and revenge, creating a dark and compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Small Axe (2020)
Genre: Drama, Documentary and Factual
Summary: Drama anthology written and directed by Steve McQueen, based on the real-life experiences of London's West Indian community from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s.
Why watch: Small Axe is an anthology series created by critically acclaimed filmmaker Steve McQueen, who uses his distinctive storytelling style to highlight the experiences of London's West Indian community from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. Each of the five episodes tells a unique story, addressing themes of racism, resistance, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. One of the most talked-about episodes, Mangrove, focuses on the trial of the Mangrove Nine, while Lovers Rock offers a celebration of West Indian culture through music and romance. Featuring standout performances from actors like Letitia Wright and John Boyega, Small Axe is a powerful series that tackles both historical and contemporary issues, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in social justice and cultural history.

Kin (2021)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Drama about a fictional Dublin crime family embroiled in gangland war, starring Charlie Cox, Aidan Gillen, Clare Dunne, and Emmett J Scanlan.
Why watch: Set against the backdrop of a violent gangland war, Kin follows the struggles of a Dublin crime family as they try to navigate the dangerous criminal underworld. The series is steeped in tension and features a cast of beloved Irish actors, including Daredevil star Charlie Cox and Game of Thrones alum Aidan Gillen. The show delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, portraying the family's desperate attempts to maintain their stronghold as their resources dwindle and enemies close in. The rich performances from the cast bring a level of intensity that elevates the series above other crime dramas, making it a gripping and emotional exploration of power and family dynamics.

Best Interests (2023)
Genre: Drama
Summary: Drama, starring Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen as a couple driven apart over the decision whether to stop caring for their daughter's deteriorating health.
Why watch: Best Interests tackles one of the most difficult ethical dilemmas a family can face—the decision of whether to continue life-sustaining care for a terminally ill child. Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen star as Nicci and Andrew, a couple whose differing views on what is best for their daughter Marnie threaten to tear their family apart. The series is a devastating exploration of parental love, loss, and the impossible choices that come with caring for a severely ill child. Best Interests is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking drama that handles its subject matter with grace and sensitivity.

The Outlaws (2021)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Summary: Comedy drama, starring Stephen Merchant, Rhianne Barreto, Darren Boyd, and Gamba Cole.
Why watch: Created by Stephen Merchant, The Outlaws brings together a motley group of individuals who find themselves thrown together by community service, where they unexpectedly become a makeshift family. Over the course of three seasons, the group faces threats from dangerous drug dealers, starts their own illegal business, and even becomes involved in covering up a murder. The latest season brings their adventures to an emotional climax, deftly blending laugh-out-loud comedy with heartfelt moments of personal growth. Christopher Walken adds his unique charm to the mix, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and deeply touching. The Outlaws manages to balance zany antics with serious themes, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a show that offers both humour and substance.

The Way (2024)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Drama set in the aftermath of a violent uprising in Port Talbot, following a family forced to flee the ensuing violence.
Why watch: Directed by and starring Michael Sheen, The Way tells the story of a family caught in the middle of a violent uprising in Port Talbot. As they are forced to flee their home, the family must navigate a world turned upside down by civil unrest. The show explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones in times of crisis. With its mix of tense action scenes and emotional character moments, The Way is both a thrilling and thought-provoking series that tackles timely issues in a fictional setting.

Boarders (2024)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Summary: Five talented Black teenagers receive scholarships to a prestigious boarding school only to discover they're only there to improve the school's image after a problematic scandal.
Why watch: Boarders tells the story of five Black students who receive scholarships to a prestigious boarding school, only to discover that they have been accepted to help the school recover from a public relations scandal. The show explores themes of identity, race, and privilege, as the students navigate a world that was not built for them. Despite the serious subject matter, Boarders balances humor with heartfelt moments, as the characters learn to find their place and challenge the status quo. The series is a fresh take on the high school drama genre, offering both laughs and thought-provoking commentary on race and class.

Boat Story (2023)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Two hard-up strangers stumble across a haul of cocaine on a shipwrecked boat.
Why watch: Boat Story follows two strangers who discover a stash of cocaine on a shipwrecked boat and decide to sell it for quick cash. However, their plan quickly goes awry as they attract the attention of dangerous criminals, including masked hitmen and a mysterious gangster known only as “The Tailor”. The show blends dark humour with high-stakes action, creating a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers guessing at every turn. The performances from Daisy Haggard and Paterson Joseph anchor the show, bringing a mix of charm and desperation to their roles as two people who find themselves in way over their heads.

Dopesick (2021)
Genre: Drama
Summary: Drama about America's struggle with opioid addiction, starring Michael Keaton and Will Poulter.
Why watch: Dopesick takes a deep dive into one of the most devastating public health crises in American history—the opioid epidemic. The series, based on true events, follows the rise of OxyContin and the aggressive marketing tactics used by Purdue Pharma that led to widespread addiction and devastation across the United States. The show features powerful performances from Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson, and Kaitlyn Dever, who portray individuals affected by the epidemic in different ways, from doctors to law enforcement to victims. Dopesick is a harrowing but essential watch that shines a light on the greed and corruption that fueled the crisis, while also telling deeply human stories of loss and resilience.

The Gallows Pole (2023)
Genre: Drama, History
Summary: Shane Meadows' drama, based on the book by Benjamin Myers, inspired by the rise of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters in 18th-century Yorkshire.
Why watch: The Gallows Pole brings to life the story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of weavers in 18th-century Yorkshire who turned to counterfeiting as a way to survive the economic pressures of the Industrial Revolution. Directed by Shane Meadows, the series combines his signature raw, semi-improvised style with a historical narrative that feels both timely and relevant. The show captures the desperation and defiance of a community on the brink of collapse, with standout performances from Michael Socha and Sophie McShera. The Gallows Pole is a powerful and immersive drama that offers a fresh perspective on a little-known chapter of British history.

Happy Valley (2014)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Crime drama by Sally Wainwright, with Sarah Lancashire as a police sergeant in the Yorkshire valleys battling her own demons while investigating a kidnapping.
Why watch: Created by Sally Wainwright, Happy Valley has been hailed as one of the best British dramas of the last decade. The series stars Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, a no-nonsense police sergeant in the Yorkshire valleys who is haunted by personal tragedy while dealing with the daily challenges of her job. The show’s third and final season was praised as a masterclass in storytelling, bringing Catherine’s long-standing rivalry with criminal Tommy Lee Royce to a dramatic conclusion. Happy Valley combines intense crime drama with rich character development, making it a must-watch for fans of gritty, emotionally charged narratives.

Luther (2010)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Luther is a psychological crime drama starring Idris Elba as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, a brilliant but troubled investigator solving gruesome cases in London.
Why watch: Idris Elba’s portrayal of DCI John Luther has cemented the series as a modern classic in British television. Luther is a psychological crime drama that follows the brilliant but tormented detective as he solves some of London’s most heinous crimes. The series blends tense, high-stakes investigations with Luther’s personal struggles, creating a character-driven narrative that keeps viewers hooked. Elba’s performance is bolstered by a strong supporting cast, including Ruth Wilson as the enigmatic and dangerous Alice Morgan. Luther is a dark, gritty, and utterly compelling series that continues to captivate audiences.

Magpie Murders (2022)
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Summary: Mystery adapted from Anthony Horowitz's novel about an editor who gets drawn into a web of intrigue and murder when she receives an unfinished manuscript.
Why watch: Magpie Murders is a clever and engaging mystery that offers a unique twist on the classic whodunnit. Based on the novel by Anthony Horowitz, the show follows editor Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) as she becomes embroiled in both a fictional murder mystery and a real one. As she reads through the unfinished manuscript of a bestselling author, she begins to notice eerie parallels between the events in the book and a real-life crime. The show skillfully weaves together two narratives, creating a complex puzzle that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

Monarch of the Glen (2000)
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Summary: Light-hearted Scottish drama following the life of Archie MacDonald, a young restaurateur called back to his childhood home of Glenbogle where he is told he is the new Laird of Glenbogle.
Why watch: Monarch of the Glen offers a charming escape to the Scottish Highlands, where the picturesque landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for this light-hearted drama. The series follows Archie MacDonald, a young restaurateur who is called back to his childhood home and told that he is the new laird of the Glenbogle estate. As Archie tries to adjust to his new role, he faces a host of challenges, from financial woes to eccentric family members. The show is filled with humour, heart, and stunning scenery, making it an easy watch for those looking for something uplifting and delightful.

Shetland (2013)
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Summary: A local police team investigate crimes within the close-knit island community of Shetland.
Why watch: Shetland continues to captivate audiences with its stunning landscapes and intricate mysteries. The series follows the island’s local police team as they investigate crimes that shake the close-knit community. While the departure of beloved character Jimmy Perez could have signalled the end of the show, the introduction of Ruth Calder has breathed new life into the series. The chemistry between Calder and show stalwart Tosh feels fresh and dynamic, and the gorgeous, windswept setting remains as much a character as any of the people on screen. Shetland offers a perfect balance of gripping crime stories and personal drama, making it a must-watch for mystery fans.

Silent Witness (1996)
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Summary: Gritty crime drama delving into the murky world of forensic pathology. A team of exceptional forensic pathologists and scientists investigate heinous crimes and use their skills to catch the people responsible.
Why watch: As one of the longest-running crime dramas on British television, Silent Witness has built a reputation for its gritty portrayal of forensic pathology and its ability to craft complex, engaging mysteries. Now in its 27th season, the show continues to deliver captivating cases, ranging from serial killers to international conspiracies. The core team of forensic pathologists, led by Dr. Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox), uses cutting-edge science and brilliant deduction to solve even the most baffling crimes. Silent Witness remains a staple of the genre, offering viewers a satisfying blend of forensic detail, suspense, and human drama.

The Sixth Commandment (2023)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Fact-based crime drama exploring the story of retired teacher Peter Farquhar, and the fatal relationship that developed with a charismatic student.
Why watch: The Sixth Commandment is a chilling true-crime drama that tells the tragic story of Peter Farquhar, a retired teacher who became involved in a fatal relationship with a charismatic student. The series explores the manipulation and deceit that led to Farquhar’s death, with Timothy Spall delivering a heartbreaking performance as the vulnerable and isolated teacher. The show delves into the psychology of both victim and perpetrator, creating a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that lingers long after the final episode.

The Gold (2023)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Drama series inspired by true events surrounding the 1983 Brink's-Mat robbery and the remarkable story that followed.
Why watch: Inspired by the infamous 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery, The Gold brings to life one of the biggest heists in British history. The series dramatizes the events surrounding the robbery and its aftermath, exploring the impact on both the criminals involved and the wider society. With a cast led by Jack Lowden and Hugh Bonneville, The Gold offers a fascinating look at the intersections of crime, class, and power in 1980s Britain. The show combines high-stakes action with social commentary, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

The Gone (2023)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: An Irish couple vanish from a small New Zealand town and Irish detective Theo Richter teams up with Kiwi officer Diana Huia to find them.
Why watch: This international crime drama brings together detectives from Ireland and New Zealand in a gripping cross-border investigation. When an Irish couple goes missing in a remote New Zealand town, Dublin detective Theo Richter is called in to assist the local authorities, led by officer Diana Huia. The show explores the cultural differences between the two countries while offering a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists. As the detectives dig deeper into the couple’s disappearance, they uncover dark secrets within the seemingly peaceful town. The Gone is a refreshing take on the crime genre, offering a new setting and dynamic partnerships that keep the mystery fresh and engaging.

This Town (2024)
Genre: Drama
Summary: Drama by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, following young people drawn into the ska and two-tone scene in the Midlands during the early 1980s.
Why watch: From Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, comes This Town, a drama that transports viewers to the early 1980s Midlands, a time of political unrest and vibrant music culture. The show follows a group of young people who are drawn into the ska and two-tone scene, using music as an escape from the harsh realities of their lives. The series captures the energy and chaos of the era, blending political commentary with personal stories of love, ambition, and rebellion. Knight’s attention to detail and ability to create immersive worlds are on full display here, making This Town a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas with a modern twist.

Vigil (2021)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Crime drama following a detective investigating military murders. Starring Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie.
Why watch: Vigil is a tense and claustrophobic crime drama set within the confined environment of a military submarine. When a murder occurs on board, DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) is called in to investigate, uncovering a web of conspiracy and danger lurking beneath the surface. The show expertly ramps up the tension as Silva navigates the dangerous waters of military secrecy and her own personal demons. Rose Leslie also shines in her role as Silva’s partner, providing a strong emotional counterpoint to the high-stakes investigation. With its unique setting and gripping plot, Vigil stands out as one of the most thrilling crime dramas in recent years.

Wolf (2023)
Genre: Drama, Crime/Detective
Summary: Crime thriller based on Mo Hayder's novels about DI Jack Caffery, starring Ukweli Roach and Juliet Stevenson.
Why watch: Based on the Jack Caffery novels by Mo Hayder, Wolf is a chilling crime thriller that blends elements of horror with detective work. DI Jack Caffery (Ukweli Roach) is a man haunted by his past, and his personal demons are as much a part of the story as the grisly crimes he investigates. The show follows two parallel storylines—one involving a wealthy family being terrorized in their own home and another focused on Caffery’s search for answers about his own dark history. The show’s unsettling atmosphere and intricate plotting make it a standout in the crime genre, offering a uniquely disturbing take on the detective narrative.