38 Iconic British TV Shows From the Past Decade That Everyone Should Watch

Director Shane Meadows brought together a cast of relative unknowns for 2005's film This Is England (pictured), many of whom had never acted before. By the time three spinoff TV shows reunited the original cast, they'd become some of the UK's most talented young actors. This Is England '86, This Is England '88, and This Is England '90 continued the story of Shaun, Lol, Woody, and friends and made for gritty, compelling viewing, especially the final scenes of the first series. It's no surprise this show made stars of the likes of Vicky McClure and Joe Gilgun.