Best Shows To Watch On BBC iPlayer In Australia [2023 List]
Looking for the best Shows to watch on BBC iPlayer in Australia?
We’ve compiled a list of the best BBC iPlayer shows from various genres that you can binge-watch in 2023.
Though the platform is geo-restricted and only accessible in the UK, ExpressVPN allows you to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia to stream different shows. Hence, sign up for the service and plunge into the entertainment world with the best Shows on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is one of the most popular free streaming services. It has been consistent in producing relevant and powerful drama series. All you need to sign-up and no need to worry about the subscription cost of BBC iPlayer.
Whether you’re a fan of drama, hilarious comedy, or informative documentaries, there’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayer.
So stay connected and find the 20 best shows on BBC iPlayer to enjoy your favorites with a high-quality streaming experience.
20 Best Shows to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Australia
1. Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
Directed by: Steven Knight
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Annabelle Wallis, Iddo Goldberg, Sophie Rundle, Joe Cole, Ned Dennehy, Benjamin Zephaniah
Writer: Steven Knight; Toby Finlay
IMDb Rating: 8.8
Number of Seasons: 6
Peaky Blinders has just witnessed its last, most glorious season that wrapped the story in the most unique and brave way possible. The story is based right after the First World War. You have the story of several gang members and how they choose their own destinies.
The crime drama is created by Steven Knight, who has a staple way of drawing characters and bringing out their best and worst traits. Watch the show for spectacular performances, especially by Cillian Murphy.
2. Conversations With Friends (2021)
Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson, Leanne Welham
Cast: Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Joe Alwyn, Jemima Kirke
Writer: Alice Birch, Mark O’Halloran, Meadhbh McHugh, Susan Soon He Stanton
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Number of Seasons: 1
After Normal People, Conversations With Friends is another miniseries that is adapted from a Sally Rooney novel. It explores complex themes like sexuality and gender roles.
The story follows the tangled relationships of four friends. Frances and Bobby are Dublin University students and best friends. This bond threatens the close relationship between an elderly couple named Melissa, a journalist, and Nick, an actor.
Frances and Nick’s relationship turns secretly romantic, and Bobby distances himself from Frances in defense of Melissa. Both friends favor the other couple’s marriage to undermine their relationship.
3. Superman & Lois (2021)
Directed by: Greg Berlanti, Todd Helbing
Cast: Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Jordan Elsass, Alex Garfin, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Adam Rayner
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Number of Seasons: 2
This is a unique take on one of the most powerful (arguable) superheroes, Clark Kent. After battling villains, monsters, and invaders, Superman is now faced with the most difficult task of his life: tackling his superhero responsibilities while also raising his kids with partner Lane Lois.
This is an extremely humane take on a superhero life. Of course, there are no dull moments in the life of a superhero, especially when he is with Gen, Lois’ father.
Don’t miss watching other action movies on BBC iPlayer.
4. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba
Writer: Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Thor: The Dark World is a Marvel movie, and that’s all you need to know to watch this flick. Chris Hemsworth is adorning the superhero cap, being the God of thunder.
Thor struggles to restore the universe in order, but an ancient race led by a vengeful Malekith returns and plunges the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard can’t resist, Thor is reunited with Jane Foster and embarks on his most dangerous and personal journey.
5. Death in Paradise (2011)
Directed by: Robert Thorogood
Cast: Ben Miller, Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules, Gary Carr, Don Warrington, Élizabeth Bourgine, Kris Marshall, Joséphine Jobert
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Number of Seasons: 11
This is a wonderful series known for its bizarre murder mysteries. An English detective was made to come to the new Island of Saint Lopez. This is a place where everybody loves to live and work. But the detective is new and has a difficult time here.
Would the detective survive or go back to where they came from? Watch the new season of Death in Paradise S12 to find out.
6. Sherwood (2022)
Directed by: James Graham
Cast: David Morrissey, Lesley Manville, Robert Glenister, Kevin Doyle, Claire Rushbrook
Writer: James Graham
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Number of Seasons: 1
This is a show about the events that occurred after Brexit. Set in a mining village in Nottinghamshire, real events inspire this limited series. In it, Morrissey detective Ian St. Clair investigates two shocking and unexpected murders.
Sherwood is a compelling contemporary crime drama that explores the controversial use of so-called ‘spy cops’ across Britain, forcing us to revisit the horrific events of decades past. It’s also a deeply human story of a community that’s been through a lot.
7. You Don’t Know Me (2021)
Directed by: Sarmad Masud
Cast: Samuel Adewunmi
Writer: Tom Edge
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Number of Seasons: 1
The story is based on the best-selling novel by Imran Mehmood. Samuel Adewunmi plays the character of a young man who has been accused of murder. There’s a lot of evidence that stands against him.
So how does the young man deal with this situation? Well, he decides to take matters into his own hands and reveal his own story in his own words instead of letting the barristers decide his fate.
8. Ridley Road (2021)
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
Cast: Agnes O’Casey, Rory Kinnear, Eddie Marsan, Tom Varey, Will Keen, Samantha Spiro
Writer: Sarah Solemani
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Number of Seasons: 11
This thought-provoking series of BBC iPlayer explores a relatively unknown chapter in London’s history. Inspired by the struggles of a group of 62 anti-fascists, Riddley Road is full of twists, turns, and shocking revelations about 1960s London. This group stood up against the neo-nazi movement that was a direct result of the World War.
The series is adapted from a novel with the same title. It explores the deep-rooted biases and corrupt ideologies that exist within us.
9. Vigil (2021)
Directed by: Tom Edge
Cast: Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans, Martin Compston, Paterson Joseph, Adam James, Gary Lewis, Lauren Lyle, Lolita Chakrabarti, Anjli Mohindra
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Number of Seasons: 1
This is the story of “Vigil,” a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. When a crew member is found dead, Scottish Police Chief Detective Amy Silva is dispatched to HMS Vigil to investigate the death and unravel the mystery.
The series received generally positive reviews from critics, praising its script, acting, set design, tone, and atmosphere.
10. The First Lady (2021)
Directed by: Susanne Bier
Cast: Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Gillian Anderson, O. T. Fagbenle, Dakota Fanning, Lily Rabe
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Number of Seasons: 1
This is the most fascinating storyline that you will find on the list. The show is about the women who work in the White House. What are they like? What forces do they tackle, and how do they adapt to an environment that is rigorous and vigilant?
11. His Dark Materials (2019)
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Cast: Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Anne-Marie Duff, Clarke Peters, James Cosmo, Ariyon Bakare, Will Keen
Writer: Jack Thorne
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Number of Seasons: 2
This one is the preeminent work of imaginative fiction for children and adults of the 20th century. Lyra, a young orphan has come from a different world. She is also now being studied by the scholar at Oxford. This is where she lives and experiences life.
She stumbles upon something extremely suspicious in her quest to find her kidnapped friend. She discovers that a young breed of kids is mysteriously disappearing or being kidnapped. What follows next is for you to find out.
12. This Is Going to Hurt (2022)
Directed by: Lucy Forbes, Tom Kingsley
Cast: Ben Whishaw, Ambika Mod, Alex Jennings, Michele Austin, Rory Fleck Byrne, Ashley McGuire, Kadiff Kirwan,
Writer: Adam Kay
IMDb Rating: 8.4
Number of Seasons: 1
Adapted from a best-selling memoir, this is the story of Adam Kay, a gynecologist, and obstetrician. This is his chapter of life where he is fatigued and dragging his way in and out of the ICU – saving patients and losing some of the others.
From navigating personal equations at the hospital to managing his personal life and finding the right balance with his professional responsibilities, this is a must-watch.
13. Chloe (2022)
Directed by: Alice Seabright, Amanda Boyle
Cast: Erin Doherty, Billy Howle, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Jack Farthing, Brandon Micheal Hall, Poppy Gilbert
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Number of Seasons: 1
This is a psychological thriller drama series and is divided into six parts. Told from the eyes of a lonely twentysomething woman Becky. She is living with her mother and is still grieving the loss of her childhood friend, who committed suicide.
There is an interesting run-in with someone at her yoga class, and that changes everything.
14. Noughts and Crosses (2020)
Directed by: Julian Holmes, Koby Adom
Cast: Jack Rowan, Masali Baduza
Writer: Toby Whithouse, Lydia Adetunji, Nathaniel Price, Rachel De-Lahay
IMDb Rating: 6
Number of Seasons: 2
Another series on the list has been adapted from a classic novel. This one is from the early 2000s. This story follows the childhood friends to adult lovers trope, but it is much more than that.
This romance blooms in a society that is still racist and creates strange narratives about interracial couples. You will actually enjoy the quotes and emotional sequences in this one.
Watch more romance-focused movies on BBC iPlayer with your loved ones.
15. The Responder (2022)
Directed by: Tim Mielants, Philip Barantini, Fien Troch
Cast: Martin Freeman, Adelayo Adedayo, Warren Brown, MyAnna Buring, Emily Fairn, Josh Finan, Faye McKeever, Philip S McGuinness, Mark Womack
Writer: Tony Schumacher
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Number of Seasons: 1
Martin Freeman is on this show – that’s all you need to know to watch the series; at least believe in the credibility that he has built over the years. Anyway, the series is about a man who is tasked with a night shift which makes his life pretty miserable.
But the problem heightens when he has to collaborate and work alongside a petty officer. As he is having major upheavals and his life is basically going through a period of crisis, a path to redemption appears in the form of a young heroin addict.
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Directed by: Jon Watts
Cast: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon
Writer: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers
IMDb Rating: 7.4
This is a Spiderman movie that you should watch – no ifs or buts. We have an incredible cast of Tom Holland and Zendaya. You will find this movie to be extremely close to the actual comics.
The characters are endearing, and the storyline is extremely engaging. Brilliant score, cinematography, and acting by all.
17. Rules of the Game (2022)
Directed by: Ruth Fowler
Cast: Maxine Peake, Susan Wokoma, Rakhee Thakrar
IMDb Rating: 6.1
Number of Seasons: 1
This is an interesting amalgamation of two genres: workplace drama and thriller. The workplace dynamic between different departments is tackled incredibly in this series.
There is an HR manager Maya who is inspecting cases relating to important workplace matters, such as toxic work culture and misconduct of employees. Watch the series to know how she makes Fly a great workplace.
18. Four Lives (2022)
Directed by: Neil McKay
Cast: Stephen Merchant, Sheridan Smith
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Number of Seasons: 1
This poignant documentary series revolves around the murder of four gay men. Serial killer Stephen Porte (played by Stephen Merchant) drugged, raped, and murdered four youths in Barking, Essex.
The story explores the families of victims who see their beloved member die in the most gruesome fashion possible. Their fight to get justice and bring some respect to the lost individuals is exactly what this drama is all about.
19. The Tourist (2022)
Directed by: Chris Sweeney
Cast: Jamie Dornan,Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Genevieve Lemon, Alex Dimitriades
Writer: Harry Williams, Jack Williams
IMDb Rating: 7
Number of Seasons: 1
Jamie Dornan has come a long way from his days as Mr. Grey. He is now picking up stories with more complex characters. This story is of a man who is experiencing amnesia and has woken up in Australia with no recollection of anything in the past. So he doesn’t know how he got there or even who he is.
The performance is brilliant and a must-watch if you are a Jamie Dornan fan.
You can also get BBC iPlayer on your iPad and stream these shows.
20. A Very British Scandal (2021)
Directed by: Anne Sewitsky
Cast: Claire Foy, Paul Bettany
Writer: Sarah Phelps
IMDb Rating: 7
Number of Seasons: 1
Claire Foy is back with yet another royal drama; this time, she plays Princess Margeret instead. Margaret was accused of her failed marriage by the press and many of those around her.
The lawsuit against her included outrageous allegations of theft, assault, and drug addiction. The story delves into the divorce, ensuing legal battles, and post-war Britain’s social and political environment.
We also recommend you watch the comedy genre of BBC iPlayer in Australia to enhance your entertainment.
Wrapping Up!
BBC iPlayer has the best dramas of the past few years. The challenge is where to start, as new BBC shows are ready for you. To help you get through, we’ve compiled a list of the best TV shows on BBC iPlayer to watch in Australia. You may watch the top movies on BBC iPlayer in addition to documentaries by connecting to a trustworthy VPN for BBC iPlayer that makes unblocking simple for you.
From thrillers to romantic comedies, horror movies to period dramas, watch these series for the interesting plotlines and beautiful performances. Additionally, if BBC iPlayer doesn’t work with VPN don’t make a cancellation decision, check the easy fixes, and enjoy the vast iPlayer media library.
Let us know in the comment box which shows you are most excited to watch.