Happy Valley (2014) BEST

The final episode of series 3, the last ever series, garnered much praise from critics. Lucy Mangan, writing for The Guardian, called the episode as "[b]rutal, tender, funny, compelling and heartbreaking"; Anita Singh, reviewing for The Daily Telegraph, rated the episode 5/5 stars and claimed, "Happy Valley sounds so bleak on paper, with its storylines about drugs, rape and murder. But at its core is the love that Cawood has for her family. Wainwright gave us what we wanted: a happy ending for a character who truly deserves it"; Peter Stanford writing in the Telegraph highlighted the various religious themes, with Cawood taking on "the appearance of a living saint" amidst the evil and misery of Happy Valley.[23] Positive reviews were also published by The Times[24] and I, who rated the episode 5/5 stars.[25]

Happy Valley (2014)

Over the past decade, the UK has been spoiled as far as TV is concerned. From drama to comedy, there have been some truly iconic British series that have become international hits, from Sherlock to Fleabag. But along with those global big-hitters, the UK top talent has also produced a whole host of lesser-known shows that deserve a second look, like Save Me, Informer, and the wonderful Taskmaster. \nAs we wave goodbye to the 2010s, we're taking a look back at some of the very best shows that aired for the first time in the UK over the past decade. Some of them have become national institutions, while others flew under the radar but still gained some dedicated fans. Keep reading for 38 must-see shows, then get to thinking about which other favorites you would add to the list.\n\n Related:\n\n \n \n \n \n\n Our Favorite TV Shows From 2019\n \n \n","id":46984759,"type":"gallery","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"38 Iconic British TV Shows From the Past Decade That Everyone Should Watch","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":false,"slide_tags":"Best Of 2019TVThe 2010s","is_cover":true},"image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/uOhXQyF4i1VbrnJkCiSyHI1av7o\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/608\/n\/1922283\/9e7f906d108ad5b7_TCDHAVA_EC012\/i\/Happy-Valley-2014-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/W_r-YdP7DPOZbDBrVQqmLf1YTYU\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/608\/n\/1922283\/9e7f906d108ad5b7_TCDHAVA_EC012\/i\/Happy-Valley-2014-.jpg","title":"Happy Valley (2014-)","intro_text":false,"body":"It's safe to say that in recent years, British TV has delivered when it comes to bleak police dramas. Often mentioned in the same breath as Broadchurch, Happy Valley also tackles crime in a small community, but this time it's a crime-ridden, rundown northern town. Sarah Lancashire is policewoman Catherine Cawood, who's dealing with some serious family issues on top of her tough job. James Norton plays the man at the root of all of her heartache, and he'll have you screaming at your TV as his actions gets increasingly evil and twisted.\n","id":46984721,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984721\/Happy-Valley-2014-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Happy Valley (2014-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":1,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/OJh5wGS2S9zq-3T8hl3L81qo-0w\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/607\/n\/1922283\/25811830de3a1894_TCDENOF_EC014\/i\/End-Fing-World-2017-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/F4W_OcVwNkg60J2gUdJ8VVanDUE\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/607\/n\/1922283\/25811830de3a1894_TCDENOF_EC014\/i\/End-Fing-World-2017-.jpg","title":"The End of the F**ing World (2017-)","intro_text":false,"body":"We know you love this show, another UK sleeper hit that became a global success when Netflix picked it up. A deeply dark comedy, it follows disturbed teenager James as he goes on a road trip with angsty Alyssa. The pair bond as they're thrown into a number of dangerous situations, but it's never that simple when the protagonist admits \"I'm pretty sure I'm a psychopath.\" Season two introduced new drama in the form of Naomi Ackie's Bonnie, a woman on a (murder) mission.\n","id":46984722,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984722\/End-Fing-World-2017-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"The End of the F**ing World (2017-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":2,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/Ia0b6LWfsEqnpKErRHSuUXAr4rY\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/d65b63c04fd171d8_TCDENDE_UK002\/i\/Endeavour-2012-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/WSfLCWyU6O1t0K3s6jMBWWJyueQ\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/d65b63c04fd171d8_TCDENDE_UK002\/i\/Endeavour-2012-.jpg","title":"Endeavour (2012-)","intro_text":false,"body":"Prequels don't always live up to their inspirations (as anyone who watched 2017's Prime Suspect 1973 will attest) but Inspector Morse spinoff Endeavour has been a huge hit for ITV, following a young DC Morse (Shaun Evans) working in Oxford during the 1960s. The show has spanned six seasons so far, with plans for at least eight.\n","id":46984723,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984723\/Endeavour-2012-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Endeavour (2012-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":3,"slide_tags":"TVBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/Z9ZXWB6oJo4HoUY0r3VRFQQyBE8\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/8f1d4e3e223736b1_TCDSEED_EC009\/i\/Sex-Education-2019-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/VYKq12xcVyZGutmTsmwN4O4_nG8\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/8f1d4e3e223736b1_TCDSEED_EC009\/i\/Sex-Education-2019-.jpg","title":"Sex Education (2019-)","intro_text":false,"body":"Netflix's funny, touching, and relevant teen dramedy has been an instant hit, thanks in no small part to the talented young cast that includes Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, and Ncuti Gatwa. An episode can easily swing from gross-out comedy to touching emotion in the span of minutes, and the stylized setting (a kind of \"1970s retro now\") makes it unique and memorable. The show returns for its second season in early 2020.\n","id":46984724,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984724\/Sex-Education-2019-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Sex Education (2019-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":4,"slide_tags":"TVBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/xWvi7Rkhq9BsOWem2Z2Fx7lUZPA\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/607\/n\/1922283\/861777ccea3b1faa_TCDPEBL_EC002_1_\/i\/Peaky-Blinders-2013-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/Gu7qDl3DCj7cHrXMFoALJTgrp8g\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/607\/n\/1922283\/861777ccea3b1faa_TCDPEBL_EC002_1_\/i\/Peaky-Blinders-2013-.jpg","title":"Peaky Blinders (2013-)","intro_text":false,"body":"Peaky Blinders focuses on a gangster family living in Birmingham at the turn of the 20th century. Cillian Murphy is Tommy Shelby, head of the family and leader of the Peaky Blinders, a gang of dapper gents with razor blades hidden in their peaked caps. From the beautiful cinematography to the awesome soundtrack, Peaky Blinders nails it. And the cast just keeps getting better: from Tom Hardy to Adrien Brody, everyone wants a piece of this cool, stylish drama.\n","id":46984725,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984725\/Peaky-Blinders-2013-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Peaky Blinders (2013-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":5,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/-ILk5qQl49KwKIxmOOMXMkFf6_c\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/12\/11\/578\/n\/44490375\/ad8bca62c5426c13_TCDBODY_EC007\/i\/Bodyguard-2018.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/jzRt0AVwr2UPLAZ9oytp5yCNMU8\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/12\/11\/578\/n\/44490375\/ad8bca62c5426c13_TCDBODY_EC007\/i\/Bodyguard-2018.jpg","title":"Bodyguard (2018)","intro_text":false,"body":"One of 2018's big hits, this drama features Richard \"Robb Stark\" Madden as an employee of the Royalty and Specialist Protection branch of the Metropolitan Police whose job it is to look after the home secretary (Keeley Hawes) during tense political times. It's written by Jed Mercurio, who's also the man behind Line of Duty, and it has all the same twists, turns, and unexpected moments of that show. Madden won a Golden Globe nomination for his brooding performance. A sequel has not yet been confirmed, but rumors are rife it's on its way.\n","id":46984726,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984726\/Bodyguard-2018","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Bodyguard (2018)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":6,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/xpSvtdGc9nkyAcwN5SK91qyhbYE\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/12\/11\/578\/n\/44490375\/d19390c76af0ee3f_TCDKIEV_EC010\/i\/Killing-Eve-2018-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/qTaKRq10Q4OIcwXKUVGvA-YM5hc\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/12\/11\/578\/n\/44490375\/d19390c76af0ee3f_TCDKIEV_EC010\/i\/Killing-Eve-2018-.jpg","title":"Killing Eve (2018-)","intro_text":false,"body":"Sandra Oh made history as the first Asian actor to be nominated for the Emmy for best actress in a drama for her work in Killing Eve, which should give you some indication as to how good this BBC drama is. She also won a Golden Globe for her performance. The first season was written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (see Fleabag), and it's a stylish, entertaining, and surprising show that also features a standout performance from British actress Jodie Comer as Villanelle.\n","id":46984727,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984727\/Killing-Eve-2018-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Killing Eve (2018-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":7,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/cebAdv41M9p-CTOyNd0QnPx-vYU\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/670\/n\/44490375\/2c01900488487685_uktv_57005957198\/i\/Taskmaster-2015-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/ejGrRiec29umxCQRGsCW4LuWfKc\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/670\/n\/44490375\/2c01900488487685_uktv_57005957198\/i\/Taskmaster-2015-.jpg","title":"Taskmaster (2015-)","intro_text":false,"body":"Taskmaster is one of the most wholesome, enjoyable, and genuinely funny shows of the decade, and watching it it won't fail to cheer you up. The premise is simple: under the watchful eye of the show's creator, Alex Horne, a group of celebrities (usually comedians) are given a series of silly tasks to perform for the \"Taskmaster\" (Greg Davies) who awards points in a relatively random way throughout. It doesn't sound entertaining, but trust me, it is. Channel 4 definitely thinks so: it's just poached the show from Dave, so perhaps we will finally get to see the likes of Richard Ayoade and David Mitchell take part?\n","id":46984728,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: UKTV\/Avalon","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984728\/Taskmaster-2015-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Taskmaster (2015-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":8,"slide_tags":"TVBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/N-rpmEjM9tN8WNyCJQX6XxvHVm8\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/14\/683\/n\/1922283\/09a602bf81b47b83_TCDMYMA_EC001\/i\/My-Mad-Fat-Diary-2013-2015.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/B0HFEiADlS5ME-264Auhu5HXscM\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/14\/683\/n\/1922283\/09a602bf81b47b83_TCDMYMA_EC001\/i\/My-Mad-Fat-Diary-2013-2015.jpg","title":"My Mad Fat Diary (2013-2015)","intro_text":false,"body":"Based on the memoir of Rae Earl, this teen show tackles teen depression and suicide with humor and pathos. We follow the fictional Rae as she battles her demons during her time at sixth form college (yep, that again). For anyone who lived through the '90s, it's also a nostalgic ride with a killer soundtrack that includes just about every great British song from the era. Also, a pre-Killing Eve Jodie Comer, stealing every scene she's in.\n","id":46984729,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984729\/My-Mad-Fat-Diary-2013-2015","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"My Mad Fat Diary (2013-2015)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":9,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/3c2BwYjggdRIk5off3yBKaqjAjE\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/164577365b3cb6a0_TCDGRBR_EC003\/i\/Great-British-Bake-Off-2010-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/L_kn6HawTIKaDWtSJGTJO7xD42I\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/164577365b3cb6a0_TCDGRBR_EC003\/i\/Great-British-Bake-Off-2010-.jpg","title":"The Great British Bake Off (2010-)","intro_text":false,"body":"What best of the decade list would be complete without the cooking show that's warmed our hearts on Tuesday nights for 10 years? The Great British Bake Off (or The Great British Baking Show, to our international friends) has become something of a British institution, with millions tuning in to see those signature bakes, showstoppers, and soggy bottoms. Delivered with just the right amount of knowing wit and innuendo, GBBO gives us a little old-fashioned light relief when times are tough. Even a move from BBC One to Channel 4 couldn't kill it, though we do miss Mel, Sue, and Bezza.\n","id":46984730,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984730\/Great-British-Bake-Off-2010-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"The Great British Bake Off (2010-)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":10,"slide_tags":"TVBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/_9mAhEAO7ZmysIhc6TQxDtKUyfo\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/607\/n\/1922283\/f5a9d5d8206bff50_TCDBABY_EC016\/i\/Babylon-2014.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/RZdZ1mW6hUcoi4oGwKZ8pZD-PnQ\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2018\/06\/13\/607\/n\/1922283\/f5a9d5d8206bff50_TCDBABY_EC016\/i\/Babylon-2014.jpg","title":"Babylon (2014)","intro_text":false,"body":"It may be described as a comedy, but Babylon tackles serious subject matter and is about a million miles away from the 30-minute laugh track-led sitcom you might be imagining. It follows the lives of various people working for the Metropolitan Police Service, including beat cops, senior management, and the public relations department. Slick and clever, it offers a unique, tongue-in-cheek look at what it takes to protect a city like London. Plus, you'll spot plenty of familiar faces, including a pre-BAFTA Daniel Kaluuya.\n","id":46984731,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collection","permalink":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/photo-gallery\/46984759\/image\/46984731\/Babylon-2014","canonical":"https:\/\/www.popsugar.com\/entertainment\/best-british-tv-shows-2010s-46984759","share_text":"Babylon (2014)","use_tall_image":false,"omit_from_countdown":false,"caption_num":11,"slide_tags":"TVNetflixUnited KingdomBest Of 2019The 2010s","image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/wJiqsXcE7It4nWmLrKJOZgTgEbM\/fit-in\/1024x1024\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/3d6e48bd4a510b57_TCDTOBO_ZX009\/i\/Top-Boy-2011-.jpg","share_image":"https:\/\/media1.popsugar-assets.com\/files\/thumbor\/P_giOd9Q7QlTAK4WTJ4DnPQeCc0\/fit-in\/2048xorig\/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-\/2019\/12\/05\/666\/n\/44490375\/3d6e48bd4a510b57_TCDTOBO_ZX009\/i\/Top-Boy-2011-.jpg","title":"Top Boy (2011-)","intro_text":false,"body":"Top Boy actually began its life almost a decade ago, when Channel 4 screened the first short series of the gritty-but-witty crime drama over four consecutive nights. A second series followed, but after being dropped by C4 in 2014, the show, which starred Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson, looked set to disappear. However, it was given a new lease of life toward the end of the decade, thanks to none other than Drake, who helped persuade Netflix to revive the show with the original cast, plus plenty of newcomers, like the much-loved Micheal Ward.\n","id":46984732,"type":"image","photo_source":"Image Source: Everett Collectio