The BBC iPlayer has long been recognized as a source of outstanding television content, featuring remarkable performances, gripping narratives, and revolutionary storytelling. Even more impressively, however, is their ability to showcase shows that not only received critical acclaim but were honored at the Academy Awards with nominations or accolades – let’s dive into 10 BBC iPlayer shows that were honored this year!
1. “Fleabag” (2016-209)
Created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Fleabag” became an instant cultural hit. Following the life of Fleabag, played by Waller-Bridge herself, as she navigates love, family life and her own complex emotions is an outstanding dark comedy-drama which earned Emmy Award nominations along with two Oscar nominations in its second season.
2. “The Night Manager” (2016)
mes Based on John le Carre’s novel, this thrilling espionage thriller earned widespread critical acclaim. Starring Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, it received wide critical acclaim for its intense plot, stellar performances, and masterful storytelling – even earning Hugh Laurie an Academy Award nomination as Best Actor in a Supporting Role!
3. “Sherlock” (2010 to 2017)
Incorporating Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective into modern audiences, “Sherlock” was an outstanding adaptation that captivated global viewers. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, it won many accolades and nominations–though no Oscars nomination was received directly for it.
4. “The Crown” (2016 – Present)
Tracing Queen Elizabeth II’s reign through historical drama “The Crown”, this lavish TV series has garnered widespread acclaim for its lavish production values, writing and outstanding performances. Nominated for several Emmy and Golden Globe awards respectively and even though not nominated for Oscars (oscars do not exist yet!), “The Crown” sets an impressive standard in television historical dramas.
5. “Killing Eve” (2018 – Present)
Based on Luke Jennings’ “Villanelle” novels, “Killing Eve” is an electrifying espionage drama that follows an intelligence officer and highly skilled assassin as they engage in a battle for survival. Starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer as Sandra Oh and Eve respectively, it has received critical acclaim and numerous awards including Emmy nominations due to its captivating performances and engaging storyline that showcase the ever-changing landscape of television narratives.
6. “War & Peace” (2016)
This epic adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel earned high praise for its ambitious scope and impressive production values, receiving nomination for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design due to the series’ meticulous efforts in depicting 19th-century Russia with stunning detail.
7. “Les Miserables” (2018)
Based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, this television adaptation earned critical acclaim for its powerful performances and faithful interpretation of its timeless story. Though not nominated directly for Oscars, its depiction of justice and redemption resonated strongly with audiences as well as critics alike.
8. “The Hollow Crown” (2012-16)
“The Hollow Crown,” an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s history plays, features breathtaking performances by notable actors like Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston and Judi Dench. Receiving critical acclaim due to its faithful adaptations of Shakespearean works, “The Hollow Crown” earned several Oscar nominations including Best Production Design.
9. “Giri/Haji” (2019)
An award-winning crime drama that explores London and Tokyo simultaneously, “Giri/Haji” earned wide-scale critical acclaim due to its intricate plot and multicultural storytelling. Though not nominated for Oscars, “Giri/Haji’s” international appeal and merging of Japanese and British sensibilities made an impressionful statement about diversity available through BBC iPlayer content.
10. “The Little Drummer Girl” (2018)
Based on John le Carre’s novel, this thrilling spy thriller received praise for its compelling narrative and strong performances by Florence Pugh and Alexander Skarsgard in it. Though nominated for an Academy Award nomination, “The Little Drummer Girl” demonstrated BBC iPlayer’s commitment to producing high-quality global relevant content.
Conclusion: BBC iPlayer Is an Emblem of British Television
The BBC iPlayer stands as an emblematic representation of British television, offering an array of programs that have won critical acclaim – from “Fleabag” to the legendary epic of “War & Peace”, this platform demonstrates its commitment to captivating narratives, exceptional performances and groundbreaking storytelling.
Take your binge-watching experience to the next level with BBC iPlayer shows that have left an indelible mark on television excellence. These incredible series feature captivating narratives and performances to rival cinema, showing that small screen can be just as impactful and powerful than cinema. However, because BBC iPlayer is geo-blocked outside UK it cannot be watched without using a VPN service like Express VPN to unblock it for use elsewhere such as Italy or Spain.
