The Best of British TV Coming in 2026, From ‘Half Man’ to ‘Industry’

British television is entering a golden age of adaptations and original thrillers, as evidenced by a packed slate of upcoming shows. From Harlan Coben’s reliably twisty narratives to fresh takes on beloved classics, 2025 and beyond promise a compelling viewing experience. But beyond the individual titles, these releases point to broader trends shaping the future of British TV – and global television as a whole.

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    The Reign of the Adaptation: Familiar Stories, New Audiences
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    The sheer number of adaptations – <em>Run Away</em>, <em>The Night Manager</em> (Season 2), <em>Pride and Prejudice</em>, <em>Lord of the Flies</em>, <em>Kill Jackie</em>, and <em>The Other Bennet Sister</em> – highlights a key strategy for streamers and broadcasters. Familiar intellectual property (IP) provides a built-in audience and reduces risk.  A 2023 report by Ampere Analysis found that adaptations accounted for over 40% of all original content commissioned by major streaming platforms. This isn’t simply about rehashing old favorites; it’s about reimagining them for contemporary audiences. Relocating stories, like Coben’s novels from the US to the UK, is a prime example of this localization strategy.
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    The Power of Brand Recognition
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    Authors like Harlan Coben and Jane Austen are essentially brands themselves.  Their names on a project guarantee a certain level of interest. This is why we’re seeing increased investment in acquiring rights to popular books and comics.  Think of the success of Netflix’s <em>Bridgerton</em>, which sparked a surge in interest in Julia Quinn’s novels.
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    The Rise of the Prestige Thriller
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    Shows like <em>Red Eye</em> (Season 2), <em>The Night Manager</em> (Season 2), and <em>War</em> tap into a growing appetite for sophisticated, high-stakes thrillers. These aren’t your typical procedural dramas; they feature complex characters, intricate plots, and often, a focus on espionage or political intrigue.  This trend is fueled by the success of shows like <em>Homeland</em> and <em>Killing Eve</em>, which demonstrated that audiences crave intelligent, suspenseful storytelling.
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    <strong>Pro Tip:</strong>  Look for thrillers that explore morally grey areas and feature unreliable narrators. These elements create a more immersive and thought-provoking viewing experience.
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    Character-Driven Drama: Beyond the Plot
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    Several upcoming series, including <em>Alice and Steve</em>, <em>How to Get to Heaven From Belfast</em>, and <em>Half Man</em>, prioritize character development and emotional depth.  These shows aren’t just about *what* happens; they’re about *why* it happens and how it affects the characters involved.  This focus on emotional resonance is crucial for building long-term audience engagement.  Lisa McGee’s involvement in <em>How to Get to Heaven From Belfast</em> is particularly noteworthy, given the critical acclaim and cultural impact of <em>Derry Girls</em>, which was lauded for its authentic and relatable characters.
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    The Importance of Authentic Voices
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    Creators like McGee are increasingly sought after because they bring unique perspectives and a deep understanding of their subject matter.  This trend towards authentic storytelling is a direct response to audience demand for more diverse and representative content.
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    Genre Blending and Hybridity
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    <em>Industry</em> (Season 4) exemplifies a growing trend: genre blending.  Combining elements of drama, comedy, and social commentary, the show offers a nuanced and often satirical look at the world of high finance.  This hybrid approach appeals to a wider range of viewers and allows for more complex storytelling.  Similarly, <em>Tip Toe</em>, a darkly comedic thriller, demonstrates a willingness to experiment with tone and genre conventions.
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    The Platform Wars and Content Distribution
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    The distribution landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented, with content spread across multiple platforms – Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, HBO, and BritBox.  This creates both opportunities and challenges for viewers.  <em>The Night Manager</em> (Season 2), for example, will be available on the BBC in the UK and Amazon Prime Video internationally.  This multi-platform strategy allows broadcasters and streamers to maximize their reach and revenue.
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    <strong>Did you know?</strong> The number of streaming services available to consumers has more than doubled in the past five years, leading to increased competition for viewers’ attention.
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    FAQ: The Future of British TV
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    <strong>Q: Will adaptations continue to dominate the TV landscape?</strong><br>
    A: Yes, but expect to see more original concepts emerge as streamers invest in developing their own IP.
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    <strong>Q: What role will British talent play in global television?</strong><br>
    A: A significant one. British actors, writers, and directors are highly sought after for their creativity and skill.
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    <strong>Q:  How will the rise of AI impact television production?</strong><br>
    A: AI is already being used for tasks like script analysis and editing.  Expect to see it play an increasingly important role in streamlining the production process, but creative control will likely remain with human storytellers. <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/tech/ai-hollywood-strike-writers-guild-1235861441/">(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)</a>
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    <strong>Q: Will there be more co-productions between UK and international broadcasters?</strong><br>
    A: Absolutely. Co-productions allow for shared costs and wider distribution, making them an increasingly attractive option for both parties.
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    These upcoming shows aren’t just entertainment; they’re indicators of a dynamic and evolving industry.  The trends they represent – the power of adaptation, the demand for prestige thrillers, the focus on character-driven drama, and the fragmentation of the distribution landscape – will continue to shape the future of British television for years to come.
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    What are you most excited to watch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!  And be sure to explore our other articles on the latest television trends. <a href="#">[Link to related article]</a>
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