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Best BBC shows: All the best dramas on BBC iPlayer

From all-time classics to the very best new drama series, discover what you've been missing on BBC iPlayer.

A scene from Jimmy McGovern's drama Time. David Tennant is dressed as a prison officer, wearing a radio, looking solemn

BBC/BBC Studios/Peter Marley

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 1:39 pm

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BBC iPlayer is home to some of the biggest and best-loved dramas, from gripping crime thrillers to acclaimed literary adaptations. With a vast library alongside the latest must-watch releases, there’s always something new to discover. The only problem is: where to begin?

Jimmy McGovern’s prison anthology drama Time is back for a third series – now set in a young offender institution – starring Siobhan Finneran and David Tennant. It’s heartbreaking, nailbiting and should win a slew of awards. Earlier series feature Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey, so the stellar acting is just one reason to tune in.

A spin-off from Abi Morgan’s legal drama, The Split Up is as addictive as its glossy predecessor. Divorce lawyer Aria (Ritu Arya, right) battles with personal issues and a father who won’t let go of the business reins while powering through A-list divorce negotiations.

New to Blue Lights? This gripping Belfast-set police drama follows rookie officers as they balance frontline policing with life beyond the badge. With season 3 having just arrived, now's the perfect time to dive in and catch up on one of the UK's most acclaimed crime dramas.

There's another crafty mystery-within-a-mystery in Antony Horowitz's Marble Hall Murders as Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) starts work on a new project featuring sleuth Atticus Pünd – only for real life to start mirroring fiction.

A tense blend of crime drama and political thriller, Vigil follows a team of investigators as they uncover complex conspiracies with far-reaching consequences. Led by Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie, the acclaimed series keeps the suspense high throughout, with season three having recently landed - so there's plenty to keep you going.

In witty mystery drama Ludwig David Mitchell stars as puzzle setter John Taylor, who assumes his missing twin brother’s identity to solve crimes. With season two having just aired, it’s the perfect time to dip in and discover the clever twists and warm humour that have made the show such a hit.

Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You follows young writer Arabella as she pieces together the events of a traumatic night that changes her life. Honest, thought-provoking and often darkly funny, the drama earned widespread praise for its bold exploration of consent, friendship and recovery.

There's also Sally Wainwright’s empowering drama Riot Women, Jack Thorne's adaptation of Lord of the Flies, or The Narrow Road to the Deep North starring man-of-the-moment Jacob Elordi. Then there are offbeat comedy dramas like The Outlaws and This Is Going to Hurt, while those wanting something more hard-hitting can turn to The Responder or a range of true-story adaptations like The Sixth Commandment.

However, with so much to binge-watch, it can overwhelming to have such a wide range of choice. So we've put together a list of the best available drama series right now, which should mean you can find something to suit you without all that endless scrolling.

Read on, enjoy - and tune in.

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