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The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Reader Question: Favorite British Television Series; Best Streaming Services


A Reader Question:
I am currently in search of suggested streaming sites that feature classic British programming shows such as Midsomer Murders. Netflix has discontinued MM and it looks like BritBox and Acorn TV both appear to have picked it up.I am considering a trial, but wanted to gather opinions before I do.  
Do you have a preference to either of these streaming services and what are some other recommended British series that you find most enjoyable?
Links:

28 comments:

  1. I have both of them and love them. (In fact, I'm watching an old episode of Midsomer right now - I prefer TOM Barnaby).

    If you only want one service, I would opt for Britbox because it seems to have more selections and more varied programs and it carries the newer shows, as well.

    Both are inexpensive and great bargains!! (But you may never leave your house!)

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  2. I think it's worth trying both. We initially tried both and decided to keep Britbox for now as there is only so much time for TV. We may return to Acorn at some point.

    Aside from MM and other mystery favorites, we enjoyed The Detectorists only found on Amazon Prime now. It's a quirky and funny series about the lives of 2 men who share a metal detecting hobby. I can't remember if it was ever on Acorn or Britbox but I think it's worth watching before Amazon cancels it.

    Hamish Macbeth is a good show on Acorn that we miss

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    1. Detectorists is still on Acorn. I have both - pay annually as it's a little cheaper than monthly. I think it's worth it. Acorn would have been worth it just for Detectorists.

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  3. Love Midsomer Murders (with Tom, of course).

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  4. The Durrells is such a delight, it is on Amazon Prime!

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    1. The series that were based on the books were charming. The later series were awful - 21st century woke scripts (not reflective of the times) and unbearable over-acting.

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    2. Agree the first series was by far better! Back in the 90's I believe. PA

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  5. Many public libraries offer the app "Hoopla," which you can download to your mobile device or smart TV. It's free. Hoopla offers many British TV shows that are shown on Acorn.

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  6. Had to have Acorn because of Line of Duty. A bit gritty but addictive.

    JRC

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  7. Tried a trial of Acorn and didn't really care for it. Netflix has a tremendous selection of British films and/or series like the Bodyguard (which was really good). But my favorite British series remains All Creatures Great & Small about the newly minted vet, James Herriot, who during the height of the Great Depression gets a job in rural Yorkshire and all the adventures he and his partners Sigfried and Tristan have. Jolly good show! ;)

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    1. Yes, really enjoy All Creatures Great and Small.

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  8. Another vote for Midsomer Murders (Tom and John), but I sure wouldn't want to live there unless the Earps took over policing.

    NCJack

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    1. Agreed. The body count is much higher than Oxford's! It must put off a lot of prospective students from applying. ;)

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  9. Inspectors Morse, Lewis, and Hathaway in their various series! Endeavor is also wonderfully dark, and we also enjoy Grantchester. Midsommer Murders was loads of fun, and we have seen 'em all. Since our internet service is spotty, we rely on Amazon, but have viewed all of the above at different times via PBS, Netflix, and/or Acorn. Again, it depends on how well the blasted net is working on a given evening.

    Best Regards,

    Heinz-Ulrich

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  10. I literally decided yesterday (prior to seeing this post) to go with Britbox. I love Morse, Shetland, anything from Agatha Christie as well as the many BBC docs and architectural shows featured. Hinterland and Broadchurch are very interesting on Netflix if you already use it. I’ve decided to purchase Lewis as well as the British version of Wallander since they are so well done. I hope this helps. Happy streaming.
    JM

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  11. My favorite program is Shetland, but much of BritBox is outside of my taste and do not have time to watch most offerings. It may be old-fashioned today, but I'm much happier with full DVD sets or full sets-to-date of my favorites, Morse, Lewis, Kavanagh QC, Endeavour, and of course, Shetland. BBC sells even the most recent season with only a brief delay on BritBox.

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    1. We prefer the DVDs too. I'd list Morse, Lewis, and Endeavor as favorites, plus Foyle's War and Shetland. We keep hoping someone can convince Lawrence Fox to do a "Hathaway" series.

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  12. We watch Acorn, Netflix and Amazon. But I want to put in a big plug for MHZ. This is roughly 12 European countries’ television, with English titles. Please give it a try.

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  13. I haven't had BritBox in a while but I enjoyed it when I did, may go back to it. Really enjoy "Keeping Up Appearances" with Hyacinth Bucket that I had to get the DVDs. BritBox should really add this, it was a shame they didn't offer it before.

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    1. Anonymous Oct 4th @ 9:24 a.m.: I'm assuming because you have Keeping Up Appearances (1990-1995) DVD's; that you know how to pronounce Hyacinth Bucket's last name - "Bouquet", as in an arrangement of flowers. This show is a classic British sitcom that leaves me in stitches.

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  14. I don't do streaming, just buy the DVD's cheap on Ebay. Favorites: All Creatures Great & Small, A Horseman Riding By, the original 70's Poldark, Flambards, Monarch of the Glen, and Doc Martin.

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  15. We have both because some shows (Poirot, Vera, for examples) have some seasons on Britbox and some on Acorn. If you prefer watching the episodes in order, it's pretty much the only way that I have found to stream them.

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  16. "Keeping up Appearances" is on PBS stations in many markets, so perhaps it is carried locally for you as well. You may also purchase the show on DVD's directly from PBS.

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  17. Are You Being Served? (1972-1985) is another classic BBC sitcom.

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  18. Foyles War and Father Brown are both wonderful.

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