22 Must-Watch TV Shows on BritBox Right Now (October 2025): ‘Karen Pirie’ and more

The second season of this captivating noir series arrives on BritBox this month, following the journey of young detective sergeant Karen Pirie (Lauren Lyle) as she investigates a 25-year-old cold case. Based on the series of Inspector Karen Pirie novels, Karen Pirie is an intelligent and engaging crime drama that blends humor with charm to refresh the genre. As she transitions to the Historic Cases Unit of Police Scotland, Pirie reopens an unsolved murder case from 1995, which reveals significant oversights in the original investigation. The murder of a barmaid, previously thought to be unsolvable, now gets the scrutiny it deserves, enhanced by interest from a popular true-crime podcast.

Season 2 of Karen Pirie launches on October 2.

Starring the incredibly talented Robson Green, this renowned crime drama features psychologist Dr. Tony Hill, who works with a distinct clientele: serial offenders. Hill’s ability to empathize with both victims and criminals makes him an invaluable resource for law enforcement as he aids in apprehending killers in each gripping episode. A must-watch for enthusiasts of dark, gritty crime narratives, Wire in the Blood, which aired from 2002 to 2008, is based on the novels by Val McDermid and offers a mix of suspenseful storytelling and powerful performances, ensuring a binge-worthy experience.

Adapted from Elizabeth George‘s Inspector Lynley novels, the beloved detective makes his return in a revamped series, Lynley, featuring Leo Suter in the titular role. Set against the picturesque English countryside, Lynley, born into aristocracy, opts for a life in law enforcement, confronting challenges from his new partner Barbara Havers (Sofia Barclay) who doubts his capabilities. Their dynamic adds depth to the mysteries they’re tasked with, prompting them to find common ground amidst personal and professional conflicts.

For every parent, there’s an unfathomable nightmare — finding out the child you believed to be yours isn’t biologically related. This is the predicament that Pete (Grantchester‘s James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) face when they discover their 5-year-old, Theo (Alban Guo), was switched at the hospital. Their encounter with Theo’s biological parents leads to a delicate agreement — both families keep the children they’ve raised, allowing them to maintain ties with their biological roots. Yet, their attempts at harmony quickly unravel into a web of suspicion.

Playing Nice delves deep into this emotionally charged scenario, exploring how each couple copes with the fallout of their unexpected situation. The four-episode series probes the complexities of love and identity, showcasing the different ways each parent navigates their changing realities.

Before becoming a household name, Clive Owen starred in Second Sight, a British detective drama that aired for two six-episode seasons on BBC One. Despite some production quirks typical of its era, the show still captivates audiences with its intriguing cases and Owen’s magnetic performance as Ross Tanner, a London detective concealing his progressive blindness from his partner, Catherine Tully (Claire Skinner). As they tackle various mysteries — including the murder of a stag-night groom and the tragic death of a child — the series intertwines suspense with an introspective exploration of Tanner’s condition, maintaining its appeal across decades.

Our Zoo is a touching six-episode mini-series that chronicles the true story of George Mottershead (Lee Ingleby), a veteran of WWI who founded Chester Zoo in the 1930s. Faced with financial challenges and community opposition, George and his family navigate the hurdles of realizing his vision of a cage-free zoo. The ensemble cast, featuring Liz White as Lizzie Mottershead, Anne Reid as Lucy Mottershead, and Ralph Little as Billy Atkinson, delivers a heartwarming narrative of resilience, depicting a family’s commitment to creating a sanctuary for animals during a tumultuous period. Enhanced by period-appropriate production design, the series presents George’s ambition with nostalgia and warmth.

From the creators of Catastrophe and Bad Sisters with Sharon Horgan , this witty sitcom, Motherland, offers a cynical yet relatable perspective on the chaotic lives of middle-class mothers. Julia (Anna Maxwell Martin) is a driven professional attempting to find balance between her demanding career and the trials of motherhood, all while her own mother (Ellie Haddington) withdraws support with her childcare. As she adjusts to new parenting realities, Julia forges connections with fellow parents: the laid-back Liz (Diane Morgan), the stay-at-home dad Kevin (Paul Ready), and the obsessively organized alpha mom, Amanda (Lucy Punch).<hLife insightfully captures the struggles of parenthood, offering humor and authenticity that resonate with viewers.

Prepare for your next binge-worthy mystery show with Death Valley, which promises to keep you hooked until the end. John Chapel (Harry Potter star Timothy Spall) finds himself feeling stagnant in retirement after enjoying a successful career as a detective. However, a neighbor’s murder ignites his investigative instincts, leading him to team up with Detective Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) to unravel various crimes in their quaint Welsh village. Death Valley cleverly blends mystery with comedy, showcasing Spall’s charisma as the eccentric Chapel who draws viewers into his entertaining escapade.

While endurance for true crime is common among audiences, few outside of England can easily recount the tale of Dennis Nilsen, a notorious figure whose gruesome activities cast a long shadow through the late 1970s. David Tennant takes on the chilling role of Nilsen, a reclusive Scottish man whose heinous acts went unnoticed for years until the horrific discovery of his victims’ remains. Des chronicles both Nilsen’s crimes and the aftermath of his capture, offering an unsettling yet compelling narrative filled with Tennant’s powerful performance that leaves a lasting impression.

When union activist arrows to death, a small Nottinghamshire town finds itself engulfed in fear and suspicion. Detective Ian St Clair (David Morrissey) suspects that the lethal act ties back to a miners’ strike from 1985. The insight may lie with the widow of the deceased, Julie Jackson (Lesley Manville), who unknowingly possesses critical information. As St Clair delves deeper, the tension mounts. Sherwood is inspired by real events from 2004, resulting in a compelling approach to mystery that will likely prompt you to binge-watch all six episodes at once, partly due to Manville’s powerful portrayal.

Unfamiliar to many outside of Britain, the Mitford sisters were six noteworthy siblings during the 1930s, depicted in Outrageous, a six-episode series that brings their stories to light. The show details the six sisters’ experiences in their pursuit of careers and love amidst the struggles of the Great Depression. Among them are Nancy (Bessie Carter), who aspires to be a celebrated author, and Jessica (Zoe Brough), who aims to utilize their privileged background to champion noble causes. Engaging with the nuances of the era, Outrageous provides an amusing and captivating look into a family significantly impacting English society.

Barry Walker (Lennie James) is a gentleman of his community, a caring father and a loyal husband to his wife Carmel (Sharon D. Clark) for over fifty years. However, suspicion looms when Carmel suspects Barry of infidelity. Her investigation leads to a shocking revelation: Barry is cheating — with another man. Rather than focusing on the salacious facets of the plot, Mr. Loverman poignantly captures Barry’s unexpected coming-out journey and the complex ripples of emotions it evokes among his family. This series delicately balances humor and depth, giving both James and Clark rich roles to showcase their stellar craft.

Gabe (Sion Daniel Young) and Andy (Fra Fee) are a loving couple aiming to start their family through adoption. However, the lengthy process in England becomes a point of contention as they grapple with differing opinions on the type of child they desire and how to raise them. Lost Boys and Fairies is a delightful blend of drama and romantic comedy, bubbling with the excitement of their journey while infusing whimsical musical moments. Gabe is a performance artist at a local gay bar, adding an exceptional layer to their story, making it both entertaining and profound.

Opening with the unexpected death of Jack Wright (Trevor Eve), I, Jack Wright lays the foundation for a gripping mystery involving his family’s struggle after he seemingly commits suicide without leaving a will. This omission is atypical for Jack, prompting his wife, Sally (Nikki Amuka-Bird), to suspect foul play. The storyline unfolds as she investigates his life leading up to his death, revealing layers of intrigue that make it an addictive watch. I, Jack Wright promises to be one of the most riveting British shows of 2025.

Surprising no one, the world of Agatha Christie now features adaptations that infuse unexpected elements, such as steamy romance. In Towards Zero, Oscar winner Anjelica Huston portrays Lady Tressilian, who invites various guests to her seaside estate for a house party, where a murder occurs, predictably igniting a mystery. Following the intriguing suspects, including a disgraced tennis star (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and his new bride (Mimi Keene), Inspector Leach (Matthew Rhys) must solve the case before another murder transpires. This fun adaptation revitalizes a lesser-known Christie novel, providing modern twists that maintain the intrigue.

John “Ludwig” Taylor (David Mitchell) prefers solitude, thriving in his passion for puzzle-making. However, when his twin brother James disappears, Ludwig must impersonate him to solve the mystery of his absence. The hilarious premise leads to a charming mix of mystery and comedy, with Ludwig facing numerous social challenges in his brother’s world. The show holds the spirit of Monk while offering unique entertainment, and it’s already garnered positive reviews and a renewal for a second season, solidifying its appeal.

A throwaway joke told at a gathering spirals into a disaster for news anchor Douglas Bellowes (Hugh Bonneville) in the biting three-episode drama Douglas Is Cancelled. Facing backlash over a tweet claiming he made a sexist joke at a wedding, Douglas finds himself reevaluating his behavior and the implications of his past actions. The narrative tackles themes of social media impact, journalism, and gender dynamics in a humorous light. Bonneville delivers a commendable performance alongside Kingston and Gillan, who bring depth to the female perspectives in Douglas’s life as they confront his inadequacies.

If you’re a fan of surreal storytelling, Passenger will captivate you with its blend of mystery and the bizarre. Detective Riya Ajunwa (Wumni Mosaku) is comfortably stationed in the quaint town of Chadder Vale, but a young girl’s sudden disappearance forces her into the heart of a strange sequence of events that suggests something supernatural may be involved. Though the series sometimes falters in its pacing, it’s shrouded in a moody tone reminiscent of David Lynch’s unforgettable style, promising an eerie experience for audiences.

Many recognize Cary Grant for his suave and charismatic persona, but Archie illustrates how that persona was merely a facade crafted by Archibald “Archie” Leach. This four-episode exploration delves into the life of this British boy who transitioned into one of cinema’s most beloved stars. Featuring Jason Isaacs as the older Grant, the series thoughtfully unpacks Grant’s internal struggles and his relentless pursuit to escape his past, creating a vivid portrait that transcends traditional biographies.

In the summer of 1954, Luke Fitzwilliam (David Jonsson) attempts to board his train to relax, only to be sidetracked by a tale from Miss Pinkerton (Penelope Wilton) about a series of unexpected deaths in a nearby village. When Miss Pinkerton meets an untimely end, Luke takes it upon himself to uncover the truth behind these occurrences. Murder Is Easy captures the quintessential Agatha Christie essence while stirring excitement with spirited performances from Jonsson and Wilton, who impart unique energy to their respective roles, making the adaptation feel both fresh and captivating.

Set in Northern Ireland, Blue Lights is a gripping police procedural that captivates viewers with its realistic portrayals of novice officers and their challenges. The first season follows three new recruits under the guidance of seasoned mentors, and the latest season showcases their development during their second year. Emphasizing the practical elements of police work rather than personal dramas, Blue Lights adopts a slice-of-life style that delivers an authentic and engaging narrative that connects with crime drama enthusiasts.

For true crime enthusiasts, The Pembrokeshire Murders presents a gripping three-episode dramatization surrounding the notorious Welsh serial killer John Cooper. Detective Steve Wilkins (Luke Evans) reexamines two cold cases from 2006 that remained unsolved for years, all while linking the crimes to a string of burglaries. Despite facing obstacles from colleagues, his determination to reveal the truth about these historical murders keeps him committed to closing the cases, drawing viewers into this intense and uniquely Welsh narrative.