Top 10 American Shows Britain is Obsessed With

This sci-fi thriller impressed viewers across the world with its nostalgic tone and brilliant storyline. Britain was no exception, and quickly became immersed in the lives of relatable characters, with their ‘80s outfits, lifestyles and adventures in the Upside Down. While we can’t necessarily relate to the idea of fighting demons in a parallel world, the show reminded viewers of the good old days of hopping on your bike with your friends. Backed up by a star-making turn from Millie Bobby Brown, it’s uniquely atmospheric and all-round awesome.

Remember when the world went crazy for “Twilight”? Well that seemed to happen all over again when this HBO series made its debut, except now the themes were free of the trappings and limitations of the Young Adult genre. You just don’t get a dark fantasy horror television series this juicy every day, let alone vampire stories that offer more than just sharp teeth. So, the collective excitement for this show was massive. With a brilliant cast, dramatic relationships and, well, some nice non-human elements, it’s addictive and then some.

The creators of this American television show took the ingredients of drama and mystery, and threw in the added twist of a psychic. Now that’s a winning combination. It’s exciting for us to watch such a complicated protagonist try and navigate his way through both a career and social life, and sure enough, Britain soon became obsessed with this show. It felt like a police drama with an edge and everyone enjoyed the twists and turns that the long-running series offered up across its 7 season run.

CSI feels like an old friend here in the UK. It’s like someone you can depend on; someone who is there for you - familiar and safe. And something you just can’t get enough of. Running for 15 seasons, and largely sticking to a tried and tested formula the whole way through, it consistently delivers on our expectations. Ticking all the forensic drama boxes, it has character-driven plots, investigations and top notch tension. And with a cast behind it that includes a number of well known faces, it became a welcome regular presence in homes across Britain.

Next on our obsession list is the ballsy and brilliant US TV series, “Homeland”. With edge of our seat action in each and every episode, rarely has a show left us so desperate to know more and sure enough, we keep tuning in to see what happens next. The initial series was of course centred around the British actor, Damian Lewis, which may have helped its popularity over here - but Claire Danes takes the lead throughout, with a masterful performance as Carrie Mathison. This woman is hell bent on achieving justice, whatever the cost!

With its focus on zombies, casting of English actor Andrew Lincoln (who does a remarkably decent accent), and impressive scenery, the UK seemed truly transfixed on this post-apocalyptic horror - particularly during the early series. Hooking us into watching human survivors fight the undead on a weekly basis, this show shakes up even the Zombie genre in general. There’s action around every corner, and you’re never more than five minutes away from a dramatic kill scene or an emotional speech.

A crime drama that captivated the UK, while some of its leading actors are well known Brits, this Baltimore-based series feels American through and through. The show, which followed the local drug scene through the eyes of both the law enforcement and the dealers themselves, proved a critical success and a fan favourite - and has since been consistently labelled as one of the greatest television series of all time. Raising the bar for TV drama, it’s as badass as they come.

There are clearly a lot of links between this fantasy drama and the UK. Its cast consists largely of British actors after all. But the HBO juggernaut that is “Game of Thrones” is an American affair, becoming one of the most successful series of the twenty-first century. Since the first season in 2011, the British fanbase has grown and grown. Whether it’s the all-conquering dragons, the powerful female roles, the high production value or the seemingly unending feud between the ruling houses, this show has it all. Question is - who will take the Iron Throne?

Putting some of our Hollywood favourites on the small screen, “Big Little Lies” instantly peaked interest around the world. And much like everyone else, the British viewers came for the stars, but stayed for the riveting story and compelling characters. As well as the stellar cast, this show has a unique narrative that leaves you scratching your heads until the very last episode, when all the confusing relationships finally start to make sense. Brilliant acting, brilliant script. Brilliant show. Enough said.

Our winner? The world-famous series, about a chemistry teacher who turns to drug dealing in a bid to fund his cancer treatment and provide for his family. In short, “Breaking Bad” was (and probably still is) unlike anything we had seen before. And what could be more appealing to Britain than the wide expanse of an Albuquerque desert? The show itself brought drama, action, fraught relationships, rampant crime and ongoing health issues into one completely chaotic story. And with the likes of Bryan Cranston to carry the plot, we enjoyed every last bit.