Beginner's Guide: 7 Essential British Shows to Watch

There are literally hundreds of great British TV shows that you can watch over and over again.

So many, in fact, that it's impossible to list them all here. But these are 7 that are essential viewing if you want to understand the British psyche:

1. Come Dine With Me

What could be more British than a dinner party? In this fly-on-the-wall reality show, each of the four contestants hosts a dinner for the others for the chance to win £1000. Not the biggest prize on TV, but it certainly brings out the worst in some of them. Slightly embarrassing for Brits, but an insight into how many dinner parties go down.

2. The Royle Family

A pretty perfect portrayal of the average British working class family. When it first came out in the 90s, we'd never seen anything like it. But the family dynamics, the incredibly boring conversations about what Barbara heard that day, and the constant staring at the box resonated with millions.

3. Gogglebox

After The Royle Family showed us a fictional family watching TV, Gogglebox gave us the real thing. Watching a show about other people watching TV on a Friday night might sound like a terrible idea. But it's hilarious. These are normal people watching normal shows and chatting about them, just like we all do.

4. The Thick of It

As close as any show has ever come to showing what life is like in government (or opposition). Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) is one of the best, worst and sweariest characters ever to appear on television. His put-downs are just brilliant - and we get to see politicians being ridiculed.

5. The Young Ones

This show is very much of its time, but still very funny and relevant. Set in a student house, much of the comedy will appeal to modern audiences who remember their time at university. And it's slapstick enough to transcend time. It's also a nice pastiche of the 1970s.

6. Blackadder

One of the greatest comedies of all time. It's bursting with gags and almost every line is either a set-up or a punchline. It's historical, but still points the finger at many of the absurdities that still exist in the British class system.

7. Little Britain

Sketch comedy has fallen out of favour in recent years. But this show was a perfect snapshot of Britain at the time. Each character was carefully crafted. And both the writing and the acting were sublime. It's Brits sending up Brits. And it's just brilliant.