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Best New TV Shows To Watch in 2021 in the UK

The TV Shows You Won’t Want to Miss in 2021, From BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Netflix, and More

Dec 22 2021

It's hard to believe but despite the coronavirus pandemic causing massive delays in the entertainment industry, there are loads of exciting TV shows still yet to come to our screens in 2021.

In the first half of the year alone we had the release of Euphoria's second special episode from its two-part series, BBC's new true-crime series The Serpent, about French serial Charles Sobhraj, a new dating show from ITV called The Cabins, as well as the return of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, and there's been so much more.

Although dates are yet to be confirmed, later in the year expect to see the highly-anticipated sixth season of Peaky Blinders (finally!). BAFTA Award-winning Stath Lets Flats returns for its third season, along with some exciting new additions.

Have a look through all the shows, new and old, returning to our screens this year.

Image Source: HBO

Emily In Paris: Season 2

Whether it was the mismatched outfits, that iconic phone case, or the debate over how best to pronounce its name, everyone had something to say about season one of Emily In Paris.

Regardless of whether you loved it or hated it, it's coming back for more. Season two is available to watch on Netflix now.

Image Source: HBO

The Trick

BBC One's new conspiracy thriller, The Trick will tell the story of Professor Philip Jones, the Director of Climate Research at the University of East Anglia.

The official synopsis reads "With time running out against an unseen enemy, The Trick looks at the potentially devastating consequences to humanity from climate change denial; how a media storm undermined public confidence in the science and how the concept of 'truth' took a back seat causing us to lose a decade of action."

The Trick comes to BBC One this autumn.

Image Source: HBO

Alex Rider Season 2

Alex Rider returned to Amazon Prime Video this year for its second series, and it does not disappoint. With additional cast members including Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran, the second season follows the story of the book Eagle Strike.

Alex Rider's second series is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video now.

Image Source: HBO

The Girl Before

Based on the book by JP Delaney, BBC's new series The Girl Before follows Jane, a woman who embarks upon "the rental opportunity of a lifetime" and gets more than she bargained for.

The official synopsis reads "Jane starts to feel the house changing her in unexpected ways, but when she makes the shocking discovery that her predecessor Emma died in the house, she's forced to confront unnerving similarities. As the two women's timelines interweave, Jane begins to question if her fate will be the same as the girl before . . ."

The release date for The Girl Before is still TBC.

Image Source: HBO

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Nadiya Bakes

A heartwarming baking show from ex The Great British Bake-Off contestant Nadiya Hussain is due to land on Netflix this year, after the success of her first series Nadiya's Time to Eat. Speaking to Thrillist about the new 8-part series, Hussain said "I hope people are inspired by the bakes, whether they are a novice in the kitchen or uber confident. I hope they enjoy the show and feel compelled to get into the kitchen. I hope it creates a spark in them and allows them to bake, create, and hopefully share the joy of baking."

The release date for Nadiya Bakes is still TBC.

Image Source: HBO

The Confessions of Frannie Langton

ITV confirmed that filming has finally begun for its adaptation of The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Adapted by the book's author Sara Collins, it's set to be a four-part period drama that follows a young protagonist born into a life of slavery, fighting to tell her own story.

A number of cast members have already been announced, including the likes of Karla-Simone Spence, Sophie Cookson, and Patrick Martins.

The release date for The Confessions of Frannie Langton is still TBC.

Image Source: HBO

Angela Black

ITV's new series sees acclaimed British actress Joanne Froggatt (previously starring in Downton Abbey) teaming up with the writers behind Liar for a new psychological thriller. Set in London, the show follows the story of Angela Black, a victim of domestic abuse. Froggatt spoke to ITV about working on the show, saying that "I am honoured to be working with Two Brothers Pictures again and this important and timely story from the brilliant Harry and Jack Williams is like nothing I've read before. Angela is a complex and intriguing character and I hope audiences will be immediately drawn into her gripping, and sometimes heart-breaking journey, just as I was."

The release date for Angela Black is still TBC.

Image Source: HBO

The Drowning

Jill Halfpenny stars in this new Channel 5 drama about a grieving mother who thinks she's spotted her missing son.

Dates for The Drowning are still TBC, but the show is set to drop this year.

Image Source: HBO

Conversations With Friends

Fan of Normal People and ready for more? You're in luck. Sally Rooney's debut novel, Conversations With Friends is finally getting the screen time it deserves and it's happening this year.

Following the story of college students Francis and Bobbi, the show explores their newfound connection with an older married couple, Nick and Melissa.

The release date for Conversations With Friends is still TBC.

Image Source: HBO

You Don't Know Me

BBC's brand new thriller stars rising actor Bukky Bakray, who you may recognise from Rocks. Adapted from Imran Mahmood's best-selling novel, the four-part series was written by Tom Edge, writer of The Crown and Vigil.

You Don't Know Me is available to stream on iPlayer now.

Image Source: HBO

On The Edge

On The Edge is Channel 4's BAFTA-nominated anthology series, and it's back for a third run this year. Featuring a total of six episodes, including Mincemeat which stars Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood, the series aims to tackle issues like mental health, racism, and family relationships.

According to the synopsis, "this series explores the impact of mental health in families, depicted through the lens of different parent-child relationships and brought to life through three exciting genres – a romantic comedy, a road trip and a horror."

On The Edge is available to watch on All4 now.

Image Source: HBO

Colin In Black and White

The powerful new series from Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay comes to Netflix in October, and we cannot wait to see it.

"I'm excited to share this first peek into a project I co-created with the incomparable Ava DuVernay over the past couple of years. I look forward to the world meeting the incredible Jaden Michael, a young actor who plays me during my high school years, just a kid growing up in Turlock, California who wanted to play ball," Kaepernick said of the series.

Colin In Black and White is available to watch now.

Image Source: HBO

Stath Lets Flats Series 3

Stath Lets Flats is back for more lettings agent antics, and my god have we missed it. The new series picks up where series two left off: Carol and Stath having a baby together, and as expected, it's absolutely hilarious.

Stath Lets Flats is available to watch on All4 now.

Image Source: HBO

Showtrial

Showtrial is a brand new BBC drama from the creators of Line of Duty and Bodyguard.

The show's official synopsis reads "when Talitha Campbell, the estranged daughter of a wealthy property developer, is charged with conspiring to murder fellow university student Hannah Ellis, the trial that follows places victim and accused — and their families — in the eye of a media storm. Into that storm enters Cleo Roberts, the duty solicitor on the night of Talitha's arrest. Refusing her father's help, Talitha wants Cleo to lead her defence against a prosecution weaponising Talitha's gender as well as her social privilege against her."

Showtrial begins on 31 Oct.

Image Source: HBO

You: Season 3

After the confusing end to season two, we cannot wait to see what becomes of that final scene. Is it his mum? Is she going to be his next victim? Is he really going to become a dad? We could go on and on . . .

While a release date has not yet been confirmed, season three is definitely on its way.

Image Source: HBO

Ridley Road

A new four-part thriller from BBC, Ridley Road is based on the story of a Jewish hairdresser who goes undercover in a neo-Nazi organisation. Based in 1960s London — and on the book by Jo Bloom — the story explores the fight against fascism and racism through the 62 Group that came to prominence.

Ridley Road is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer 3 Oct., 2021.

Image Source: HBO

Dear White People, Season 4

We're going to see some big changes in the fourth season of this dramedy as Sam and Lionel recount their dramatic final year at Winchester . . . which they apparently remember in the form of a '90s musical.

Dear White People is available to watch on Netflix now.

Image Source: Netflix

Squid Game, Season 1

In Netflix's new Korean thriller, hundreds of players accept an invitation to compete in a series of children's games with big prizes (and fatal consequences).

Squid Game is available to watch on Netflix now.

Image Source: Netflix

Alma's Not Normal

Alma's Not Normal follows main character Alma Nuthall as she tries to get her life back on track after a recent break up. According to the synopsis, the show "offers a bitingly funny and unflinching take on class, sexuality, mental health, and substance abuse. It celebrates women dealing with the hands they've been dealt while doggedly pursing their dreams."

Alma's Not Normal is available on to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

Image Source: HBO

The Cleaner

BBC One have just announced the launch of a brand new comedy, written and starring Greg Davies. The show has a pretty impressive cast list, featuring the likes of Helena Bonham Carter, David Mitchell, Donald Sumpter (Game of Thrones), and Georgie Glen (The Crown) — to name a few. It follows the story of Paul 'Wicky' Wickstead, a state-certified cleaning technician with a very special field of work: as a crime scene cleaner responsible for the removal of any signs of death.

On the show, Davies said "I'm thrilled that this remarkable collection of actors has agreed to appear next to me on screen. Scrubbing up blood in a hazmat suit in front of them will be a pleasure."

The Cleaner is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer now.

Image Source: HBO

Vigil

BBC's new drama Vigil explores the disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler on-board a Trident nuclear submarine. Starring Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, and Martin Compston (he's had a busy year already, hasn't he!), this six-episode series is made by the same masterminds behind Line of Duty and The Bodyguard.

Vigil is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

Image Source: HBO

RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 3

Start your engines ladies, because the third series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK is coming sooner than we think. On 18 August, the series was confirmed to kick off in September, and the exciting new cast was announced.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK series three is available on BBC iPlayer every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Image Source: HBO

Sex Education: Season 3

Everyone's favourite sex therapist is back for a third season of Sex Education this year, and after the rollercoaster romance that is Otis and Maeve, we're extremely excited to see how it all goes.

Series three of Sex Education is available to watch now and it has an exciting new cast list.

Image Source: HBO

Gossip Girl Reboot

Attention upper east siders, Gossip Girl here, and she's back and bigger than ever. The official reboot starts on BBC One on 25 August, and we can't wait to see what's in store.

Already, we've had the pleasure of chatting to the show's stars Savannah Smith and Emily Alyn Lind, who have confirmed that the reboot will be more inclusive, diverse, and representative than the original.

Gossip Girl is available to stream now.

Image Source: HBO

Deceit

A brand new drama from Channel 4, Deceit stars Line Of Duty's Rochenda Sandall and is here to satisfy all of your true-crime needs.

The show's official synopsis says that "With access to previously unheard audio, video and written materials, Deceit includes scenes of verbatim dialogue as part of a fictionalised retelling of events, taking viewers behind the scenes of one of the UK's most flawed and controversial police investigations." Sounds pretty chilling to us . . .

Deceit is available to watch on Channel 4 now.

Image Source: HBO

I Am

I Am is the new BAFTA-nominated anthology series from Dominic Savage that sees three women, Maria, Victoria, and Danielle telling their stories. First debuted in August 2019 with three different episodes, the series ended up being Channel 4's most successful new 10 p.m. drama. Each episode focuses on a different woman, with the first being I Am Maria, starring Lesley Mansville, I Am Victoria, starring Suranne Jones and Ashley Walters, and I Am Danielle, which stars Leticia Wright.

I Am begins on Channel 4 on 4 August 2021 at 9 p.m.

Image Source: HBO

Anne Boleyn

A new three part series landing on Channel 5 later this year sees Jodie Turner-Smith take on the role of Anne Boleyn. The psychological drama is set to explore the royal's final moments, from her point of view. In a statement released back in October 2020, Turner-Smith said that "In the hands of Lynsey Miller, the legend of this formidable queen and fierce mother will be seen as a deeply human story that is still so relevant for today. I look forward to bringing my heart and spirit into this daring retelling of the fall of this iconic woman."

Anne Boleyn is available to watch now.

Image Source: HBO

Lupin Series 2

After part one took the world by storm, it's unsurprisingly been confirmed that part two is on its way. On 28 Jan., Netflix announced that the series will officially return in summer 2021 for another five-part series.

Series two of Lupin is available to watch now.

Image Source: HBO

The Handmaid's Tale: Season 4

After the nerve-inducing episode that was the season three finale, it's safe to say we've been on the edge of our seats waiting to find out what happens next.

Speaking to Digital Spy about the show's heavily anticipated return, Elisabeth Moss revealed that "we are making it a bit of a bigger season this year. We're really stretching the limits of our capabilities, production wise, and we're on the move a lot."

Season four of The Handmaid's Tale is available to watch now.

Image Source: HBO

We Are Lady Parts

A brand new music comedy series from Channel 4, We Are Lady Parts is about a Muslim and women-only punk band who struggle to find a lead guitarist and a proper performing gig. It's set to be an eclectic look into the lives of young Muslim women in the UK, and is inspired by writer Nida Manzoor's life and her own family.

We Are Lady Parts is available to watch now.

Image Source: HBO

The Nevers

After releasing the full trailer, Sky's official synopsis reads "in the last years of Victoria's reign, London is beset by the 'Touched': people — mostly women — who suddenly manifest abnormal abilities, some charming, some very disturbing. Among them are Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), a mysterious, quick-fisted widow, and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), a brilliant young inventor. They are the champions of this new underclass, making a home for the Touched, while fighting the forces of . . . well, pretty much all the forces — to make room for those whom history as we know it has no place."

The Nevers is available to watch now.

Image Source: HBO

The Pursuit of Love

Adapted from Nancy Mitford's classic novel, The Pursuit of Love is the next period drama for your must-watch list. Starring Rebecca's Lily James and Fleabag's Andrew Scott, the show is set in Europe in between the two World Wars and follows the relationship between James and her cousin, played by Emily Beecham. The series also features an incredible soundtrack, and Scott in some excellent costumes.

The Pursuit of Love is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

Image Source: HBO

Motherland

At the end of 2020, Motherland got a festive return on BBC Two with a Christmas special that saw most 'popular' mum Amanda throw a seasonal soiree that Julia, Kevin, and Liz gatecrash. The Christmas special came ahead of the third series arriving in 2021, which we cannot wait for!

Motherland series three is available to watch now.

Image Source: BBC

Starstruck

Starstruck is a new comedy series from BBC Three. It tells the story of Jessie (played by Rose Matafeo), a millennial woman living in East London who finds herself in a rather awkward 'morning-after-the-night-before' situation after realising that she accidentally slept with a famous film star called Tom (played by Nikesh Patel).

On creating the series, Matafeo said that "I'm thrilled we get to make it, otherwise it would've technically just been a creepy fan fiction script that I submitted to the national broadcaster." Already, we're hooked.

Starstruck is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

Image Source: HBO

Shadow and Bone

Based on Leigh Bardugo's worldwide bestselling Grishaverse novels, Shadow and Bone follows a war-torn world where soldier and orphan Alina Starkov (played by Jessie Mei Li) has just unleashed an extraordinary power that could be the key to setting her country free. The show also stars Ben Barnes, aka Prince Caspian from The Chronicles of Narnia.

Shadow & Bone is available to watch on Netflix now.

Image Source: HBO

Mare of Easttown

A new mystery thriller series, Mare of Easttown follows the story of Mare Sheehan, a detective in a small town in Pennsylvania who's assigned to investigate the murder of a young girl. According to the show's synopsis, it's "an exploration into the dark side of a close community and an authentic examination of how family and past tragedies can define our present."

Mare of Easttown lands on NOW on 19th April.

Image Source: HBO

Worn Stories

A new Netflix 8-part series, Worn Stories is set to explore the stories behind our favourite pieces of clothing. Based on a book with the same name, the official synopsis reads "Be it a pair of boots symbolising survival, a dress that's come to stand for recovery, or a uniform that reaffirms an identity, the series illuminates the lives of the wearers through stories about cherished articles of clothing."

Worn Stories lands on Netflix on 1 April.

The Irregulars

Set in Victorian London, The Irregulars follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for a sinister character named Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, also known as Sherlock Holmes. The show also stars Sex Education's Jojo Macari, The Witcher's Royce Pierreson, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes from Killing Eve.

The Irregulars lands on Netflix on 26th March.

Image Source: HBO

The Flight Attendant

Starring The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant is a new HBO drama about a reckless alcoholic named Cassie Bowden who drinks during flights and gets herself into some pretty messy situations. The show kicks off with Bowden waking up in Bangkok next to a dead body, unable to remember how she ended up there. Think The Hangover meets Sex and the City, sounds pretty good right?

The show even earned Cuoco her first Golden Globe nomination, so it's definitely one to watch.

The Flight Attendant is available to watch on NOW.

Image Source: HBO

Line Of Duty

BBC police drama Line Of Duty has slowly become one of the most watched shows in the UK. Nominated for a BAFTA Award this year, the show's already had five whole seasons and next year, it's due a return.

The sixth series is set to return in March 2021, after filming was unavoidably impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Line of Duty series six airs weekly on BBC.

The One

Netflix has just announced their latest book-to-TV adaptation and it's set to be a good one. The One is a relationship drama that explores the concept of finding your perfect match through DNA. According to the Netflix synopsis, the show "is set five minutes in the future, in a world where a DNA test can find your perfect partner – the one person you're genetically predisposed to fall passionately in love with."

It turns out, Marr's known about the show for a little while. In fact, "I knew about it three months before I could officially say anything, so trying to keep my mouth shut was a bit of a nightmare," he told the BBC.

Starring Hannah Ware, aka sister of Jessie Ware, the show features a whole host of new and familiar faces.

The One is available to watch on Netflix now.

Image Source: HBO

Unforgotten

Series four of this ITV crime show is due a return this year, and it looks like it'll be a good one. The show follows the story of detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunil 'Sunny' Khan as they attempt to solve a series of cold cases surrounding murders and historic disappearances.

The fourth season of Unforgotten lands on ITV on 22nd Feb.

Image Source: HBO

Wandavision

One for marvel fans everywhere, Wandavision follows the story of Wanda Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (played by Paul Bettany), presumably before Vision dies at the end of Avengers: Endgame . . .

Wandavision is available to watch on Disney Plus now.

Image Source: HBO

Finding Alice

This new ITV drama has a pretty impressive cast. Starring Keeley Hawes, Joanna Lumley, and Nigel Havers, it follows the story of a widow named Alice who is processing the death of her beloved husband, Harry. Eventually, she uncovers a dark secret about the house she lives in, and goes on to discover even more shocking information about the man she thought she knew.

Finding Alice is available to watch on ITV now. Fans have already binged the first season, which leads us to ask will there be a second?

Image Source: HBO

It's A Sin

This five-part series explores the HIV epidemic in London in the 1980s. Following the lives of a group of young gay men, the show stars Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander alongside Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick-Harris.

In a statement on the show, Channel 4 said that "it's the story of their friends, lovers and families too. Together they will endure the horror of the epidemic, the pain of rejection and the prejudices that gay men faced throughout the decade."

It's A Sin is available to watch on All 4 now. Binged the show and need a recap? Have a read of our refresher here.

Image Source: HBO

Behind Her Eyes

Based on Sarah Pinborough's bestselling novel, Behind Her Eyes is a new thriller produced by the same people behind Netflix's The Crown. The story follows main character Louise, who finds love after her husband leaves her, before realising that her newfound romance has been lying all along.

Starring Tom Bateman and Game of Thrones star Robert Aramayo, you're not going to want to miss this.

Behind Her Eyes lands on Netflix on 17th Feb.

Image Source: HBO

Euphoria: Part Two

For those of you who caught part one this month, you'll be pleased to know that the second instalment of Euphoria's two-part series is not far away. The first episode focused entirely on Rue, as she explored all possible outcomes to her current addiction with wise old Ali, however this next episode is set to be all about Jules.

Part two of Euphoria's limited series will air on 25th Jan. 2021 on NOW TV.

Fate: The Winx Saga

Showcasing the coming-of-age story of five fairies, Fate: The Winx Saga follows the adventures that take place in Alfea, a magical boarding school in the Otherworld. From the creator of The Vampire Diaries, it's definitely one for those of you in desperate need of some escapism.

The six-part series hits Netflix on 22nd Jan.

Image Source: HBO

Riverdale Season 5

It's been a while since new Riverdale hit our Netflix screens, but the end is near. The fifth season of this perfectly thrilling drama is set to land this month and we can't wait to see how it all plays out. Think new cast members, time jumps, and plenty of high school reunions.

Season five is out on Netflix on 21st Jan.

Image Source: HBO

Bulletproof Series 3

The fourth instalment of Noel Clarke and Top Boy's Ashley Walters has been given the green light by Sky this year. News of the new series comes just after Walters announced a three-part special of the show, airing on Sky this month.

He took to Twitter to announce the news, sharing the title sequence "to the new 3 part special of #bulletproof airing on @skytv on the 20th of January 2021."

Bulletproof will return to Sky on 20th Jan.

Image Source: HBO

RuPaul's Drag Race UK

Season two has finally been confirmed and honestly, the excitement is real. After a year of very little inspiration, we know we're not the only ones that can't wait for more killer outfits, catty conversations, and epic makeup looks.

Have no fear, because Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK arrived on BBC iPlayer on 14th Jan. Keep up with the status of all the contestants and the winner right here.

Image Source: HBO

Traces

Starring Martin Compston from Line of Duty, Traces is the latest offering from the BBC and is based on an original idea by best-selling crime author Val McDermid. Set in Scotland, the forensic crime drama explores an unsolved murder case and features three female main characters.

Traces airs on BBC One on 4th Jan. at 9pm.

Image Source: HBO

The Pembrokeshire Murders

The Pembrokeshire Murders miniseries is based on the real crimes committed by serial killer John Cooper along the Pembrokeshire coast in the 1980s and 1990s. The show is set to stay true to real life events, and the script was even adapted from a book written by two key players in the case: senior investigating officer Steve Wilkins (played by Luke Evans) and ITV journalist Jonathan Hill. And in case there's any doubt that this series will be as addictive as it is harrowing, it's been created by the same team that gave us Bodyguard and Line of Duty, so you already know it's a must watch.

"I'm a sucker for a true story and this isn't just a true story, it's a shocking, true story about the worst serial killer that Wales has ever seen." Evans told Tyla. We. Can't. Wait.

The Pembrokeshire Murders airs on 11th, 12th and 13th Jan. 2021 on ITV.

Image Source: HBO

The Cabins

ITV's new dating show, The Cabins is set to satisfy all your Love Island needs in 2021. After the folks at ITV decided to postpone Love Island until next summer, it was clear that the winter edition was going to be missed. The Cabins is here to fix just that, and seeks to provide all the same antics, with twelve lucky singletons.

The Cabins airs on 4th Jan. 2021 on ITV.

The Great

A modern love story, loosely based on the life of Catherine The Great, this 10-part series tells the tale of "an idealistic, romantic young girl, who arrives in Russia for an arranged marriage". We're already hooked.

The Great will air on 3rd Jan. 2021 on Channel 4.

Image Source: Hulu

A Teacher

A Teacher is a new 10-part series from BBC, starring Kate Mara and Nick Robinson. Exploring the tumultuous relationship between a teacher and her younger student, the show is a dark look at the dangers of such affairs.

First premiering in the US in November, the show landed on BBC on 3rd Jan and is now available to watch in full.

Image Source: HBO

The Serpent

Doctor Who's Jenna Coleman stars in this true crime drama about mass murderer Charles Sobhraj, also known as "The Bikini Killer", yikes. The series follows his journey as he was finally(!) captured and put on trial in 1976.

The Serpent starts on 1st Jan. 2021 on BBC One.

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