British TV Finds New Fans Across the Pond, Especially in Comedy

September 11th, 2025

By Christine Burright | Special to KVNO’s Arts Today

It’s often said that British humor doesn’t translate to American audiences. But with a surge of U.K.-based content dominating major streaming platforms, that sentiment is increasingly being challenged.

British television is having a moment in the U.S., with shows ranging from dark crime dramas to quirky comedies capturing American viewers’ attention — and their subscriptions.

One driver of the trend is BritBox, the BBC Studios-owned streaming platform specializing in British television. With a major advertising push this year, BritBox now boasts more than 4 million subscribers across the United States, Canada, Australia and the Nordic region.

Meanwhile, Netflix’s “Adolescence”, a British psychological crime drama, became the platform’s second most-watched English-language TV show of all time over the summer — a notable feat for a genre often seen as distinctly British in tone and pacing.

From historical dramas to quiet thrillers and even reality competition shows, U.K. imports are resonating. But perhaps most surprising is the rising popularity of British comedies, long considered a cultural mismatch for U.S. sensibilities.

Some exceptions have become household names. Mr. Bean, the nearly silent comedic character created by Rowan Atkinson, is instantly recognizable to generations of Americans. “The Office” began as a BBC production before becoming a breakout hit in its American adaptation.

But beyond these iconic titles, several newer or lesser-known comedies are carving out devoted fan bases in the States:

• “Fleabag” (Amazon Prime): Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this darkly comic series follows a sardonic London woman as she navigates grief, relationships and existential crises. With just two six-episode seasons, the show has earned widespread acclaim for its writing and fourth-wall-breaking style.

• “Detectorists” (Amazon Prime): This gentle comedy centers on two amateur metal detectorists in rural England. Created by and starring Mackenzie Crook, the series offers a slow-burning charm that won it the BBC’s designation as the “best Brit sitcom of all time.”

• “Cunk on Earth” (Netflix): Presented in mockumentary format, the series features Diane Morgan as fictional investigative journalist Philomena Cunk. Her absurd interviews with real experts, delivered in deadpan style, provide a uniquely British form of satire — one increasingly appreciated by international viewers.

While some viewers may find themselves pausing to look up unfamiliar slang or cultural references, the reward is worth it: smart, sharp humor that travels better than expected.

As the global streaming landscape continues to expand, British television is proving that its voice — and its jokes — can resonate far beyond the Isles.