U.K. TV SHOWS

Bodyguard

A massive hit in Britain, this sixepisode espionage thriller pits the bodyguard (Richard Madden) of a controversial conservative politician (Keeley Hawes) against terrorist cells, lone-gunman assassins, conspiracies to frame him for murder and too many plot twists to count. It’s one of the best blockbuster weekend binges you could ask for. ( Netflix)

People Just Do Nothing

“Radio will never be defeated by the internet. What will be on in the apocalypse? Kurupt FM.” The pirate-radio station crew in this Office- style mockumentary think they’re kings of the world, even though they broadcast to only a few London blocks. For five seasons, the show has delighted fans with its mix of hilarity and heart. (BBC)

Derry Girls

This sitcom follows a group of hell-raising teens in Nineties Northern Ireland: There’s self-absorbed Erin, her oddball cousin Orla, uptight Clare, party girl Michelle, and her English cousin James, who is forced to attend their all-girls Catholic school so he doesn’t get his ass kicked. Expect no lessons learned or heartwarming moments — this show is profane, ridiculous, unsentimental and all the better for it. ( Netflix)