BBC Crime Thrillers Hailed Masterpieces by UK Fans

British television continues to draw widespread acclaim across genres, from lavish period adaptations to hard‑hitting political thrillers and gritty crime sagas. The BBC's 2016 adaptation of War and Peace (starring Lily James and Paul Dano) has been hailed as one of the broadcaster's best period dramas for its sumptuous visuals and largely faithful treatment of Tolstoy (Rotten Tomatoes 88%). Jed Mercurio's Line of Duty — centered on AC‑12's anti‑corruption investigations — is celebrated as some of the best UK filmmaking, boasting strong ratings and renewed fan excitement ahead of a seventh season in 2026. Classic satire Yes Minister (first aired 1980) remains beloved for its sharp political humour and high audience ratings decades on. The BBC's Bodyguard (2018), starring Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes, was a ratings phenomenon with widespread awards recognition and a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, while ITV's slate of dramas — including acclaimed Irish crime sagas and a Jed Mercurio‑linked bomb‑disposal thriller starring Vicky McClure — are regularly praised by critics and viewers as modern masterpieces.