MovieChat Forums > Waking the Dead (2001) Discussion > Other BBC shows recommendations for WTD ...

Other BBC shows recommendations for WTD fans?

posted 9 years ago by puppyaddict
4 replies | jump to latest

This show really grew on me, as have a few other BBC and Canadian shows. I really enjoy the complexity often found in the BBC crime dramas over many of those we have here in the states, as well as the character development and humor found in comedy-dramas like Doctor Who.

I loved Whitechapel, Luther, Endeavour (eagerly awaiting the next series), and am a fan of Doctor Who and Torchwood, and a few others were pretty good as well, like New Tricks (yup, the theme song is permanently jammed into my head), Strange, Life of Crime, Line of Duty, and Single-Handed. Also loved the Canadian ReGenesis (one of my all-time favorite shows, both for character development and plot--reminds me a bit of WTD with the character flaws and complexity) and Sanctuary.

What other BBC or Canadian shows (crime drama, sci fi, etc.) can anyone recommend, particularly those available on Hulu?

I have been debating Inspector Morse, but think it may feel a bit too old & slow due to its time of production, especially after watching the more-recent Endeavour prequel. Not sure about Inspector Lewis, but can't get it on Hulu anyway. Silk? Paradox? Did not care for Zen.

Thanks!

[–] dtoddmiller 9 years ago

"Wire in the Blood," a British production but not done by the BBC, is very good, though quite twisted with sexually depraved killers.

[–] ncjacinto 9 years ago

"Doc Martin".It's not a crime drama but it's wonderfully character-driven like so many BBC shows are. There are many episodes to binge on and unlike "Waking the Dead", it is still in production

[–] Helena727 9 years ago

Skip "Silk" -- it's badly written, as is "Silent Witness" (the acting in "Silk" is far better, tho; do not go near "Silent Witness").

Dark (and wonderful) shows:
- Prime Suspect
- Shetland
- Hinterland

Dark-ish
- Inspector George Gently
- Sherlock Holmes (Cumberbatch)
- Any mystery by Ruth Rendell

Not light-ish (as is New Tricks), but not as dark as the above:
- Lewis
- Inspector Lynley

And, not particularly dark but still drama (not New Tricks-y)
- Case Histories
- Sherlock Holmes (J. Brett)
- Foyle's War

Light, and better-written than New Tricks:
- Hustle

"All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people."

[–] TravisTheSky 8 years ago

Edited to add one more: The show that most directly compares with Waking the Dead is Silent Witness. (The current and recent years starring Emilia Fox.) The first umteen years with Amanda Burton were quite different. SW has been on for 20 years now. While it has some excellent episodes here and there, it's not as consistently good as WTD.

The 1990s classics Cracker and Prime Suspect are hard to beat.

I've seen both Morse and Lewis- I like Lewis much better. I never cared for the recent 1960s prequel to both shows, Endeavour.

George Gently.

Happy Valley. Case Historieswith Jason Isaacs.

The long-running Midsomer Murders is pretty good. The first year was especially fun because those episodes were based on the actual Caroline Graham novels. Like Whitechapel, it takes the p out of the genre.

The very-long-running A Touch of Frost. Not as graphic or violent as some other detective shows.

The first four episodes of Rebus, the ones starring John Hannah, were wonderfully atmospheric. Dark but gripping, set in Edinburgh with the city becoming an integral character.

Bron/Broenwith English subtitles.

I ALWAYS mention this one: The original UK Life On Mars ruined television for me! It's not perfect, but it is the best show that I have ever seen in all my life.

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