Choosing what to watch on BritBox can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re in the mood for some classic British romance. BritBox offers a diverse range of genres, including mysteries, soaps, classics, sitcoms, and dramas, but their romantic period dramas are particularly noteworthy. From iconic series like Pride and Prejudice to timeless tales such as Jane Eyre, the British have a knack for dramatic love stories filled with intense stares and captivating dialogues.
If you’re looking for the best BritBox shows to watch when you’re in the mood for romance, here’s a comprehensive list catering to various tastes:
Best BritBox Shows with Romance (In No Particular Order)
1. Aristocrats (1999)
Synopsis: Follows the lives of the Lennox sisters in 18th century England.
Why Watch: This miniseries offers fascinating stories about real historical women, featuring a stellar cast.
Content Note: TV-14
2. As Time Goes By (1992-2005)
Synopsis: Sweethearts Jean and Lionel reunite after 38 years apart.
Why Watch: Starring Judi Dench, this heartwarming series offers a sweet dose of nostalgia.
Content Note: TV-PG
3. Ballykissangel (1996-2001)
Synopsis: An English priest faces unexpected challenges in a rural Irish village.
Why Watch: Ideal for fans of small-town stories with slow-burning romance.
Content Note: TV-PG
4. Bleak House (2005)
Synopsis: Explores Victorian London through intertwining stories of Lady Dedlock and lawyer Tulkinghorn.
Why Watch: A compelling adaptation of Dickens’ novel, nominated for two Golden Globes.
Content Note: TV-PG
5. Brideshead Revisited (1981)
Synopsis: Chronicles the impact of changing times on a group of wealthy young men and women.
Why Watch: Renowned for its script and acting, this miniseries has won numerous awards.
Content Note: TV-14
6. Cranford (2007-2010)
Synopsis: Follows the lives and intrigues of residents in a small town.
Why Watch: Features an all-star cast led by Judi Dench, delivering a delightful portrayal of life in Cranford.
Content Note: TV-PG
7. David Copperfield (1999)
Synopsis: A young man overcomes adversity in this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel.
Why Watch: This version boasts an impressive cast including Maggie Smith and Daniel Radcliffe.
Content Note: TV-PG
8. Dickensian (2015-2016)
Synopsis: Merges characters from various Dickens novels into a single narrative.
Why Watch: Ideal if you enjoy literary retellings with a darker twist.
Content Note: TV-PG
9. The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013-2017)
Synopsis: Blake returns to his hometown and solves perplexing murders.
Why Watch: A great pick for those who enjoy romantic mystery series.
Content Note: TV-14
10. Doctor Zhivago (2002)
Synopsis: Follows the love story of Doctor Zhivago set against the Russian Revolution.
Why Watch: Though not as classic as the 1965 adaptation, it features an excellent cast.
Content Note: TV-14 for explicit love scenes.
11. Emma (2009)
Synopsis: Romola Garai stars as Jane Austen’s matchmaking heroine.
Why Watch: A thorough and engaging adaptation of Austen’s novel with stellar performances.
Content Note: TV-PG
12. Great Expectations (1999)
Synopsis: Adaptation of Dickens’ novel blending Victorian gentility with dark themes.
Why Watch: Features notable performances, particularly by Ioan Gruffudd.
Content Note: TV-G but TV-14 elsewhere.
13. Jane Eyre (2006)
Synopsis: Tells the story of the romance between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester.
Why Watch: With a sizzling romantic chemistry between Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens, it’s a must-watch.
Content Note: TV-PG
14. Lark Rise to Candleford (2008)
Synopsis: Observes life and changes in two contrasting neighboring towns.
Why Watch: An addictive and heartwarming period drama.
Content Note: TV-PG
15. MI-5/Spooks (2002-2011)
Synopsis: Explores the thrilling operations of Britain’s elite spy team.
Why Watch: Features engaging love stories amid high-stakes espionage.
Content Note: TV-14
16. The Moonstone (2016)
Synopsis: Adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ detective novel.
Why Watch: Recognized as the first detective novel, making it an intriguing watch.
Content Note: TV-PG
17. Our Girl (2013-2020)
Synopsis: Follows the journey of a young medic in the British Army.
Why Watch: Combines military themes with heartfelt romance.
Content Note: TV-14
18. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Synopsis: Celebrates the timeless romance of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Why Watch: Considered the ultimate romantic period drama, it’s a must-see.
Content Note: TV-PG
19. The Sally Lockhart Mysteries (2006-2007)
Synopsis: Adaptations of Philip Pullman’s children’s books.
Why Watch: Features Billie Piper and a captivating mystery with romantic elements.
Content Note: TV-PG
20. Tutankhamun (2016)
Synopsis: Chronicles Howard Carter’s quest to discover Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Why Watch: Offers a good mix of romance and escapist entertainment.
Content Note: TV-14
21. Upstairs, Downstairs (Original and New Continuation)
Synopsis: Explores the lives of a wealthy family and their servants.
Why Watch: A classic that paved the way for shows like Downton Abbey.
Content Note: TV-PG
22. The Vicar of Dibley (1994-2015)
Synopsis: Dawn French stars as the vicar of a rural parish.
Why Watch: Hilarious with romantic subplots, particularly involving Richard Armitage.
Content Note: TV-PG
23. The Paradise (2012-2013)
Synopsis: Follows a young woman in Britain’s first department store.
Why Watch: Features an engrossing romantic storyline in a period setting.
Content Note: TV-PG
24. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996)
Synopsis: Unveils the past of a mysterious widow in a remote village.
Why Watch: Strong performances and a compelling story make this a standout.
Content Note: TV-14 for themes of abuse.
25. Daniel Deronda (2002)
Synopsis: Follows the story of Gwendolen Harleth and a man with a mysterious past.
Why Watch: Features sizzling chemistry between Hugh Dancy and Romola Garai.
Content Note: TV-PG for implied abuse.
26. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Synopsis: Chronicles the Crawley family and their servants.
Why Watch: A cultural phenomenon boasting excellent writing and romantic arcs.
Content Note: TV-PG for mild content.
27. Little Dorrit (2008)
Synopsis: Arthur Clennam’s curiosity about Amy Dorrit leads to unraveling secrets.
Why Watch: Features outstanding performances by Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen.
Content Note: TV-PG
28. Lorna Doone (2000)
Synopsis: A tale of star-crossed lovers set in the 17th century.
Why Watch: Despite being underrated, it offers ample romance and intrigue.
Content Note: TV-PG
29. Middlemarch (1994)
Synopsis: Explores provincial life on the brink of the Industrial Revolution.
Why Watch: Beautiful, cerebral, and romantic, with standout performances.
Content Note: TV-G/PG
30. Miranda (2009-2015)
Synopsis: Centers on Miranda who struggles to express her feelings for her crush.
Why Watch: Hilarious with a sweet rom-com vibe, featuring great chemistry between Miranda Hart and Tom Ellis.
Content Note: Varies from TV-PG to TV-MA for humor.
31. North & South (2004)
Synopsis: Margaret Hale moves to a northern town, fostering a complex relationship with mill owner John Thornton.
Why Watch: An emotional and authentic love story, it’s a period drama masterpiece.
Content Note: TV-PG for mild themes.
32. Our Mutual Friend (1998)
Synopsis: Explores love and clashes over money in this Dickens adaptation.
Why Watch: Great performances make this an underrated romantic tale.
Content Note: TV-PG
33. Sense and Sensibility (2008)
Synopsis: Sisters seek love and happiness amidst societal constraints.
Why Watch: A stellar adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel with a strong cast.
Content Note: TV-PG/TV-14 for one sensual scene.
34. Hope Street (2021-)
Synopsis: Follows DC Leila Hussain, the first Muslim officer in a Northern Irish town.
Why Watch: Offers cozy, uplifting crime drama with romantic elements.
Content Note: TV-PG
35. Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (2022)
Synopsis: Amateur detectives investigate a man’s mysterious last words.
Why Watch: A fun, retro romantic mystery series from Hugh Laurie.
Content Note: Ranges from TV-PG to TV-MA.
Additional BritBox Romantic Shows
– Bramwell
– London Hospital
– Love in a Cold Climate
– Mansfield Park (1983)
– Murder in Provence
– Oliver Twist (2007)
– Little Women (1970)
– Partners in Crime (1983)
– Tess of the D’Urbervilles (2008)
– The Cinder Path
– The Buccaneers
– The Café
– The Darling Buds of May
– The Duchess of Duke Street
– Gavin & Stacey
– The Girl
– The Glass Virgin
– The Man Who Cried
– The Mallorca Files
– The Moth
– The Tide of Life
– The Wingless Bird
– The Woman in White (1982)
– Tipping the Velvet (TV-MA)
– All Creatures Great and Small (Classic Series)
– Ashes to Ashes
– Luther
– Vanity Fair (1998)
– Wuthering Heights (1978)
– Small Island (TV-MA)
– The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
– Jonathan Creek (TV-MA)
– Shakespeare and Hathaway
Bonus Shows with Less or No Romance
– A Bit of Fry and Laurie
– Marple
– Poirot
– Absolutely Fabulous
– Fawlty Towers
– A Christmas Carol
– Doctor Who (Classic Series)
– Cadfael
– Blackadder
– Father Brown
– Inspector Morse
– Life on Mars
– Maigret
– Prime Suspect
– Coronation Street
– Rosemary & Thyme
– Sharpe
– Shetland
– Sister Boniface Mysteries
– The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco
– The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries
– Vera
– Wallander
– Single Father
– Rev.
These romantic BritBox shows offer something for everyone, from heartwarming dramas to comedic tales and thrilling mysteries. Dive in and find your next favorite watch!
