British TV through the decades
Last updated: June 20, 2025
TV is more than just entertainment in Britain. Over the last 70 years, a few shows didn’t just get popular – they actually defined their decade. Here’s a look at the one series that really captures the vibe of each era, from the 50s all the way up to today.
1950s – Dixon of Dock Green
Launched in 1955, this gentle police drama gave post-war Britain a sense of calm and order. PC George Dixon, played by Jack Warner, opened every episode with a warm “Evening all.”. It wasn’t flashy – but that was the point. It showed a world where right and wrong were clear, and good people kept the peace.
1960 – Seven Up!
This documentary started in 1964 with a simple but brilliant idea: follow the lives of 14 British children every seven years. It was a success and the result was a interesting look at class, opportunity, and growing up. No other series has captured real British life so honestly.
1970 – Porridge
Ronnie Barker’s Porridge turned prison life into pure comedy gold. Set in a fictional jail, it followed the smart and cheeky inmate Fletcher as he outwitted guards and fellow prisoners alike. It was clever, warm, and full of heart. The 70s were tough times in the UK, but Porridge gave people a reason to laugh – without ignoring real issues.
1980 – Inspector Morse
Inspector Morse has been around since 1987, and it was something new. It takes its time, kind of thoughtful, and the whole thing plays out in the beautiful, old-school setting of Oxford. John Thaw’s Morse is a bit grumpy but super smart, solving crimes while listening to opera and quoting poetry like it’s no big deal. It made murder mysteries feel a bit fancier, and it kicked off that whole golden age of British crime dramas.
1990 - The Vicar of Dibley
The Vicar of Dibleygave the 90s something different: joy. Starring Dawn French as a woman priest in a quirky village. At a time when Britain was modernising fast, this show reminded us that tradition and change could coexist – with a lot of chocolate and cake.
2000 – The Office
The Office changed everything. It looked like a documentary, felt painfully real, and made awkward silences an art form. Suddenly, sitcoms didn’t need punchlines – they just needed honesty. It was the perfect show for the early 2000s: funny, sad, and surprisingly familiar.
2010 – Downton Abbey
This period drama became a success worldwide, showing life upstairs and downstairs in a grand English estate. With beautiful costumes, dramatic turns, and unforgettable characters, Downton Abbey brought British history to life and also costume dramas.
2020 – Killing Eve
No show has shaken up modern British TV like Killing Eve. It’s stylish, smart, and unpredictable. The cat-and-mouse chase between MI5 agent Eve and assassin Villanelle is full of dark humour, powerful women, and surprises.
A decade for every story
So whether you are having a laugh with Fletcher, or a chase across Europe with Villanelle – there’s a decade (and a drama) waiting for you. British TV doesn’t just tell stories. It tells our story.
