This is it. The top ten greatest TV shows the UK has made since the turn of the century.This list was highly contested and viciously argued over (also: democratically voted on). Taken together, these ten shows are a portrait of the UK that we recognise; maybe one that we'd be (whisper it) happy to celebrate. Unhinged female-fronted absurdist comedy, groundbreaking eco-documentary, weirdly prophetic political satire, beloved take-the-piss chat show – Britain in all its seriousness, stupidity and strangeness.
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Read our editor's letter here to find out how we decided what ranked where, and click here to read all of the articles from this series.50-41: Here we go…40-31: Enjoying the ride?30-21: Things are heating up.20-11: Time to get serious.
10. 'Top Boy' (2011 – 2013, Channel 4; upcoming in 2019, Netflix)
9. 'When Louis Met…' (2000 – 2002, BBC Two)
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This aside, each episode turned out as such a revealing portrait of its subject that Theroux had to give up on making a third series for the lack of willing participants. Since then, though, he's obviously continued doing great things, cementing his reputation as the king of the British documentary. — Hannah EwensWe've had plenty of chats with Louis Theroux. Read the last one here.
8. 'Nighty Night' (2004 – 2005; BBC Three and BBC Two)
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Read our profile of Julia Davis here.
7. 'People Just Do Nothing' (2014 – 2018, BBC Three and BBC Two)
6. 'Popworld' (2001 – 2007, Channel 4 and E4)
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Read Miquita Oliver, 'Popworld' writer Dan Swimer and pop star Will Young reminiscing about the show here.
5. 'Fleabag' (2016 – 2019, BBC Three, Two and One)
4. 'The Blue Planet' (2001, BBC One)
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3. 'The Thick of It' (2005 – 2012, BBC Four and BBC Two)
2. 'Peep Show' (2003 – 2015, Channel 4)
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More than anything, though, it taps into a very British hideousness. That portrayal of how hopeless and conniving we can all be is more relatable than anything depicted in any of the other shows on this list, and for that it must be celebrated. — Hannah EwensRead the actors who played Gerard, Big Suze and Elena talk about the brilliance of 'Peep Show' here.