20th November 2024
The Best British TV Dramas of 2024 (So Far) and Their Filming Locations
The British television landscape continues to shine in 2024, with gripping dramas and exquisite storytelling. Here's a round-up of some standout series this year, along with their filming locations and some similar Amazing Space options!
1. Joan (ITVX)
This biographical crime drama, starring Sophie Turner as Joan Hannington, follows the transformation of an ordinary mother into one of Britain's most notorious jewel thieves. The show captures the grit and glamour of 1980s London through meticulous set design and fashion. Interestingly, much of the filming took place in the West Midlands, including Birmingham, which stood in for period-appropriate London locations. The authenticity of these settings adds depth to the series' heist-driven narrative.
2. Baby Reindeer (BBC Three)
Based on Richard Gadd's acclaimed one-man play, Baby Reindeer is a harrowing exploration of obsession and trauma. Richard Gadd reprises his role as Donny, whose life spirals out of control when he becomes the target of an unrelenting stalker. Filming locations include London and Edinburgh, echoing the dark, urban tension central to the story.
3. Rivals (Disney+)
An adaptation of Jilly Cooper's 1980s "bonkbuster" novel, this drama dives into a world of steamy affairs and cutthroat rivalries. With David Tennant and Alex Hassell leading the cast, the series is set against the backdrop of the cutthroat world of 1980s independent television. Filming primarily took place in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, capturing the opulent countryside vibe essential to Cooper's fictional Rutshir with CH-10259 acting as one of the central country estate filming locations.
4. The Day of the Jackal (Sky Atlantic)
Eddie Redmayne stars in this modern reimagining of the classic assassin story, bringing a sleek, international edge to the narrative. While exact filming details remain sparse, scenes were shot across European locations to emphasize the globetrotting thriller's high stakes.
5. Mr Bates vs. The Post Office (ITVX)
The emotional ITV drama was filmed extensively across Yorkshire, known for its quaint villages and urban centers, which provided the perfect backdrop for the story's rural and suburban settings. The production team recreated sub-post offices and courtroom environments, emphasizing the ordinary yet impactful nature of the tale. RES-12751 in Wales is a similar location to that which was used to portray the protagonists home after losing their Post Office contract.
6. Slow Horses (Apple TV)
Apple TV’s acclaimed espionage series continues its gritty portrayal of MI5 through filming in Central London, including locations like Lambeth and Soho. These urban landscapes provide an authentic backdrop for the shadowy world of intelligence operations. Filming has also been reported at Ealing Studios, which supports the show’s intense interiors.
7. Shardlake (Disney +)
Set in Tudor England, this Disney+ period drama adapts C.J. Sansom's novel. It follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake on a murder investigation in a monastery during the reign of Henry VIII. Filming took place in historic UK locations, including rural estates and monastic ruins, adding authenticity to the story's setting. Amazing Space is home to many impressive castle locations, but RES-12675 in Kent certainly would not have looked out of place in this Tudor drama.
British TV in 2024 has proven diverse, with historical epics, true crime, and psychological thrillers. The carefully chosen filming locations—from iconic cities like Edinburgh to serene rural sites—enhance these narratives, grounding them in authenticity. Whether you're drawn to emotional depth, historical intrigue, or modern drama, there’s something to captivate every viewer this year.