10 British TV Shows You've Never Heard Of (But Totally Should Watch)

1. Dead Pixels

Alright, fellow geeks, assemble! Dive into the lives of Meg, Nicky, and Usman – three pals obsessed with an online fantasy game. So much so that the virtual world often seems more real than reality. Romance, jobs, and other "real life" nuisances take a backseat to their digital quests. Now, it might sound nerdy, and, well, it is. But isn't there a gamer inside all of us, yearning for a legendary loot drop?

2. The Goes Wrong Show

Ever seen a play? Ever seen one go absolutely, hilariously, and catastrophically wrong? The Cornley Drama Society tries to put on theatrical productions, but disasters abound – collapsing sets, forgotten lines, and misplaced props. It's a mess, but a calculated one. The audience knows things will fall apart, but how? Where? When? Comedy's about timing, but what happens when time's simply not on your side?

3. Criminal: UK

Now, here's a unique little nugget. Dive deep into the intense world of police interrogations. Each episode, a new suspect, a new crime, but always the same pressure-cooker room. The beauty? It's all about the dialogue, the tension, the mind games. No car chases or gunfights, just raw, emotional warfare. Sounds too sedentary? Think again. Ever played chess with words?

4. Detectorists

Listen up. You know those metal detector enthusiasts? Turns out, they're not just aimlessly wandering fields! Follow Andy and Lance, two such hobbyists, as they dream of discovering Saxon gold in the English countryside. It's more than beeps and buried coins; it's about camaraderie, countryside tranquillity, and the thrill of the hunt. A slow-paced gem with a touch of British humour. The real treasure? The journey itself. Who'd have thunk?

5. Inside No. 9

Step right into a world of stories, each more peculiar than the last. All taking place inside a 'Number 9'. Be it a house, a dressing room, or even a shoe. Oh, the creators, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, are a sneaky pair. Every episode's a different genre; sometimes it's giggles, sometimes it sends shivers down the spine. A roller coaster of tales, some might say. But isn't unpredictability the spice of life?

6. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

An '80s hospital with supernatural disturbances? Indeed, that's the setting. But wait! It's a show within a show. Garth Marenghi, the author, provides commentary on his supposedly banned horror TV series. The acting's deliberately shoddy, the effects are laughably bad, but oh boy, the intentional campiness is a treat. Too meta for some, a comedic stroke of genius for others. You be the judge.

7. Back

David Mitchell and Robert Webb, remember them from Peep Show? Well, they're at it again! Stephen tries to take over the family business post his father's demise. But, lo and behold, Andrew, a former foster child turned cosmopolitan traveler, returns to the scene. Friendship? Rivalry? It's a bit of both. Small-town politics meet big-time laughs. If life's a game, who's got the upper hand here?

8. Mum

Ever felt like you're wading through the messiness of grief while the world simply whirls around you? Enter Cathy, a newly-widowed woman, surrounded by family that's more chaotic than comforting. It's not just about mourning, but also about moving on. With subtle humor and touching moments, it's a nuanced look at life's lows and... well, more lows. But hey, isn't resilience the name of the game?

9. Raised by Wolves

Hark! Not the sci-fi series you might be thinking of. This one's penned by the sharp-witted Caitlin Moran, exploring the chaos and comedy of a single mum raising her brood in Wolverhampton. Financial struggles? Check. Hormonal teens? Double-check. Yet, there's something utterly endearing about their unapologetic rawness. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what if the village is more bonkers than the child?

10. Stag

A stag do (that's a bachelor party for the non-Brits) in the Scottish Highlands. What could possibly go wrong? Well, how about being hunted by some mysterious folks? It starts off as lads having a laugh, but swiftly turns into a fight for survival. Dark comedy meets thriller. And remember, it's all fun and games until someone becomes prey. Would you venture into the woods?