the telly.

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With the return of Downton Abbey season (or series, to be Brit-accurate!) 3 last Sunday, I can't be the only one with my Anglophilia flaring up.  Luckily for us all, their fantastic television extends far beyond the world of the Crawleys.  Below, some favorites and some on my to-watch list:   

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The Hour

BBC America

Come for the Mad Men feel and costume eye candy, stay for the 1950s London 

cold war intrigue and the preciousness (Exhibit A) of Ben Whishaw.  

Seriously, this show is bloody brilliant (Britishisms!).  Only 6 episodes 

per season so you can catch up easily.  

Series 1 available on DVD

Series 2 available through XFinity On Demand if your 

cable package includes BBC America

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Sherlock

PBS

I am dying to catch-up on this; I have heard nothing but amazing reviews.  

I mean I think I already love this show, sight unseen, based on the casting of 

Benedict Cumberbatch & Martin Freeman as Sherlock and Watson alone!

Series 1 & 2 available on Netflix Instant

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Dr. Who

BBC America

If you've never heard of this 30+ year old scifi show, you honestly might not like it.  

C and I have been debating diving in to the Whovian world and catching up 

from the time Matt Smith took over as the 11th Doctor.  A big undertaking, 

but I have a feeling we'll fit right into the fandom.

6 series available on Netflix Instant

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Coupling

The Brits' answer to Friends with lots of - ahem - Coupling.  

NBC tried and failed to make an American version of this show back in 2003 

(which I watched cause ugghhh), but the British version, also from the 

early 00's, is fantastically quirky and silly and witty.

All 4 series available on Netflix Instant.

This post could go on forever; the Brits just know how to do good TV.  Want more suggestions?  I've heard very good things about Being Human - U.K. version (BBC America - I actually watch the U.S. version (about 3 roommates who happen to be a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost, respectively) and really enjoy it.  The Brits claim their version is WAY better, of course!); Luther (BBC America - starring the effortlessly handsome Idris Elba); Torchwood (BBC America - If I understand my Dr. Who mythology correctly - and I know the Whovians will correct me if I'm wrong! - Torchwood is a spin-off series); and Call the Midwife (PBS - Casee Marie of The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower did a fantastic write-up of this show back in the fall.  Actually, I believe she's the reason I started watching The Hour last year as well!).

Enjoy!  if you end up watching any of the above (or have other suggestions!), let me know what you think.

xo. di.