BBC iPlayer is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the UK, offering a wide range of television shows, movies, live events, and original content to its viewers. Since its inception in 2007, many shows and programs have become incredibly popular on the platform, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. In this article, we’ll look at nine of the most popular programs on BBC iPlayer and why they’ve become so beloved by audiences.
- If you live outside the United Kingdom and want to learn more about how you can stream BBC iPlayer abroad, take a look at the following article.
As you read the suggestions below, not all will fit your taste. Don’t worry, if you don’t like political thrillers like Bodyguard and Line of Duty, watch a documentary like Blue Planet instead! Would you rather see a show where celebrities test their skills on the dance floor? Strictly Come Dancing is a show for you. Would you just like to laugh? Go for Cuckoo!
Bodyguard
Bodyguard is a political thriller that premiered on BBC iPlayer in 2018. The show stars Richard Madden, who plays the role of David Budd, a war veteran tasked with protecting the UK’s Home Secretary, played by Keeley Hawes. The show received widespread critical acclaim and was a massive hit with viewers, with millions tuning in each week to watch the latest episode. The show’s high-stakes plot, well-developed characters, and excellent acting contributed to its huge success on the platform. This program is also available on Netflix in many countries. I have got to admit that Bodyguard immediately became a big favorite of mine, a show I can warmly recommend.
Line of Duty
Line of Duty is another political thriller that has become one of the most popular programs on BBC iPlayer. The show is a police procedural that follows a team of detectives investigating corruption within the police force. The show is known for its complex plotlines, well-written characters, and standout performances from its cast. Over the years, “Line of Duty” has become one of the most talked-about shows on television, with fans eagerly anticipating each new season.
I have only seen the first three seasons of Line of Duty myself, but I loved them, and I hope I will be able to stream the remaining three seasons soon. I know there are available on BBC iPlayer, so it is only a matter of time. This is a nail-biting series, ideal for those who love political thrillers. If you like Line of Duty, you will enjoy Bodyguard as well.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama that first aired on BBC iPlayer in 2013. The show takes place in Birmingham, England, in the aftermath of World War I, and follows the Shelby crime family as they navigate the criminal underworld. The show is known for its stylish cinematography, well-written characters, and excellent acting, and has become one of the most popular programs on BBC iPlayer. With its intense action, well-developed characters, and gripping storyline, Peaky Blinders has become a fan favorite among viewers of all ages.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is one of the most iconic and long-running programs on BBC, having first aired in 1963. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, solving problems and saving the universe. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans worldwide tuning in each week to watch the latest episode. The show’s iconic characters, compelling storylines, and engaging characters have all contributed to its huge popularity on BBC (and BBC iPlayer).
There are currently 13 seasons of Doctor Who available on BBC iPlayer. If you get addicted to this show, you have days of adventures ahead!
Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is a popular dance competition show that has been airing on BBC iPlayer since 2004. The show features celebrities paired with professional dancers, and each week they compete in a series of dance routines. The show is known for its high energy, exciting performances, and engaging judges, and has become one of the most popular programs on BBC iPlayer. With its combination of excitement, drama, and talented performers, “Strictly Come Dancing” has become a must-watch for viewers of all ages.
EastEnders
EastEnders is a long-running soap opera that has aired on BBC since 1985. The show takes place in the East End of London and follows the lives of the residents of the fictional borough of Walford. The show is known for its well-written characters, engaging storylines, and excellent acting and has become one of the most popular programs.
The Blue Planet & Blue Planet II
David Attenborough’s The Blue Planet is a nature documentary series that explores the world’s oceans and the diverse creatures that live in them. With their stunning visuals and captivating storytelling, The Blue Planet and Blue Planet II have become big hits on BBC iPlayer and a must-see for fans of nature documentaries.
The Blue Planet was created in 2001 and covers topics such as “The Depp,” “Frozen Seas,” “Coral sees,” “Tidal Sees,” and other similar topics. The same topics are covered in Blue Planet II from 2017, with even more beautiful recordings, amazing music from Hans Zimmer, and much more. If you don’t have much time, start with Blue Planet II and skip the original.
Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife is a period drama in London’s East End in the 1950s and 1960s. The show follows the lives of a group of midwives as they navigate the challenges of their work and personal lives. With its strong characters, touching storylines, and charming period setting, “Call the Midwife” has become popular among viewers who enjoy period dramas and heartwarming stories.
Cuckoo
Cuckoo is a British sitcom that first aired on BBC Three in 2012. The show was created by Robin French and Kieron Quirke, and stars Greg Davies as Ken Thompson, a middle-aged man trying to cope with the arrival of his new son-in-law, Cuckoo (played by Andy Samberg). Unfortunately, Andy Samberg left the show after the first season. Even though they managed to create more interesting seasons, most people agree that the first season was the best.
The show revolves around the Thompson family and their attempts to deal with Cuckoo, a strange and eccentric American hippie. Despite his quirks, Cuckoo quickly becomes a beloved member of the family, and the show is filled with both hilarious and heartwarming moments as the Thompson family tries to make sense of their new addition.
One of the standout elements of Cuckoo is the excellent casting. Greg Davies is a comedic powerhouse in the role of Ken Thompson. He is perfectly paired with Andy Samberg, who brings his own brand of humor to the role of Cuckoo. Unfortunately, he left after season one to play his popular role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and other shows.
The writing on Cuckoo is top-notch, and the show is filled with clever jokes and witty one-liners. The show strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, and many touching moments throughout the series are sure to tug at your heartstrings. Despite the strange and eccentric characters, the show is able to tap into universal themes such as family, relationships, and growing up. The show comments on contemporary issues cleverly and insightfully without ever taking itself too seriously.
I laughed a lot while streaming all the Cuckoo seasons, especially the first. I can warmly recommend this one!
There you have eight suggestions for content to stream on BBC iPlayer. I hope you found the suggestions helpful. Do you have further suggestions, comments, or some other show you would have added to the list if you had made it? Write a comment below.
