The BBC produces a lot of great content. Most of the time we never see it unless it's in the form of an American remake. But thanks to Netflix we get access to some of the best original shows that the BBC has to offer. Here is my list of the top 5 must see shows currently streaming on Netflix.

  • MI-5

    This award-winning series dramatizes the professional exploits and personal lives of the "spooks" of the MI-5. No-nonsense head officer Harry Pearce guides a band of dedicated spies who risk their lives every day.

    I first heard of this show when I was discussing BBC shows with someone at a bar one night. This show didn't receive quite the attention that say 'Luther' and 'Sherlock' have received but then again it was around much earlier than those other two shows.

    This show is a very entertaining jaunt, and the good news is, if you really enjoy it there are nine seasons of the show.

  • Sherlock

    In this updated take on Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved mystery tales, the eccentric sleuth prowls the streets of modern-day London in search of clues. At his side -- though hobbling -- is flatmate Dr. John Watson, fresh from the war in Afghanistan.

    It's 'Sherlock'. If you haven't heard about this show yet, then you're likely hiding under a rock or you don't venture onto the Internet very much.

    This modern day version of the classic does a great job of honoring the roots from which it came from while still giving the stories a breath of fresh air. The actors who play Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are both very talented and have a great chemistry with each other.

  • Top of the Lake

    When pregnant, 12-year-old Tui tries to kill herself in a freezing New Zealand lake, Detective Robin Griffin has plenty of questions for the girl. But when Tui suddenly disappears, Griffin finds herself knee-deep in small-town secrets.

    Okay I'm going to be honest with you, I haven't had a chance to delve too deeply into this one yet. I was all set and ready to jump in on a Saturday, then I was rudely ripped away from my opportunity to get into the show.

    But between all the positive things I've heard, the actors in the show, and the trailer, I feel very comfortable putting it in this list.

     

  • The Fall

    When the Belfast police are stalled in their investigation of a spate of murders, Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is drafted to investigate. Under her lead, the team uncovers an intricate web of lives entangled by the killings.

    Gillian Anderson is back, and this time she's got an accent! Now this one I have watched from beginning to end, and I really enjoyed it. The story is told from two different perspectives.

    On one hand we follow Anderson's character, the investigator hired to find the murderer, and then the murderer himself. The interesting point being that we see the murderer going about his day-to-day life, not just the parts where he's out doing his thing. All in all a really good story.

  • Luther

    In this innovative police drama, dedicated detective John Luther is trying to keep from losing a grip on his personal life as he contends with the psychological factors underlying the crimes he's been assigned to solve.

    This show is hands down, my #1 favorite thing that the BBC has produced. Of course I loved Idris Elba in his sting on the HBO show 'The Wire'. But frankly I think he's even better in this show. His character in this show is brutal, and is basically one step away from being a criminal himself. I can't recommend this show enough.

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