21. Merlin (2008-2012)
Channel BBC1 Starring Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Angel Coulby, Katie McGrath, Richard Wilson, Nathaniel Parker, Anthony Head, John Hurt. The legend of King Arthur is one of Britains most well-known contributions to mythology. With Merlin, the BBC has created a compelling family show that introduces the story to a new generation. Influenced by Smallville, the American show that showcased the early years of Superman, Merlin features Arthur as a Prince and the titular Merlin as a young wizard who must keep his abilities hidden in the kingdom of Camelot, where magic has been forbidden. With a stellar cast of both young and veteran actors in regular roles, as well as several high profile guest stars, the series, broadcast in 183 countries, recently came to a natural conclusion after five series, all of which made for enjoyable teatime television as the heroes of British folklore faced threats ranging from rival kingdoms to supernatural beings. The first British show to air on American network television in thirty years, Merlin was sadly soon relegated to cable (eventually being paired with WWE wrestling in the schedules, of all things), but remained strong in its home nation, attracting around seven million viewers each week. Typically, the Americans also tried to make their own version of the legend in the form of Camelot, but despite boasting a considerable array of acting talents, it floundered, leaving Merlin as the definitive Arthurian story of our era.
20. Lark Rise To Candleford (2008-2011)
Channel BBC1 Starring Olivia Hallinan, Julia Sawalha, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle, Linda Bassett, Mark Heap, Karl Johnson, Sandy McDade, Dawn French, John Dagleish, Ruby Bentall, Liz Smith, Matilda Ziegler, Victoria Hamilton, Ben Miles, Olivia Grant, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Gerard Horan, Stephen Marcus, Jason Merrells, Rebecca Night, Ben Aldridge, Richard Harrington. Period drama is frequently cited as being something that the British excel at, with the UKs rich history providing the backdrop for so many successful programmes throughout the years Lark Rise To Candleford, based on the novels by Flora Thompson, features an ensemble cast comparable in size to most phonebooks, who occupy various positions in the class-based English society of the late 1800s. Headed by postal workers played by Hallinan and Sawahla, they navigate through life in 19th Century Oxfordshire, with plots incorporating everything from romance to politics across two villages, the titular Lark Rise and Candleford. The show attracted strong viewing figures throughout its four series, averaging between 6.5 and 7 million per episode, making its cancellation in 2011 both an unexpected and unpopular one.