British TV

Last updated: March 24, 2026

The U.K. has a great track record when it comes to creating engaging TV shows for kids of all ages. From the charming Postman Pat to the mechanically brilliant Top Gear to the hilariously sci-fi Doctor Who, the Brits (and the Irish, and the Scots, and the Welsh) have tons of great and creative picks to offer young tots and discerning teens. Just keep in mind that if your kids didn't have a British accent before, they might adopt one after diving into one of these shows. For more family-friendly picks, check out TV for the Modern Family and Comedy TV Shows for Teens.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Timmy Time Poster Image

TV

Timmy Time

age 2+

Cute series has positive social messages for tots.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (2009)

See full review

Angelina Ballerina Poster Image

TV

Angelina Ballerina

age 3+

A little mouse dreams big -- OK for all ages.

Sprout Kids' Animation (2002)

See full review

Balamory Poster Image

TV

Balamory

age 3+

Charming Scottish import with loveable characters.

Discovery Kids Kids Musical TV (2002)

See full review

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Poster Image

TV

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom

age 3+

Charming British series promotes perseverance, friendship.

Nick Jr. Kids' Animation (2015)

See full review

Bob the Builder Poster Image

TV

Bob the Builder

age 3+

Teamwork paramount on friendly construction show.

PBS Kids' Animation (1998)

See full review

Kipper Poster Image

TV

Kipper

age 3+

Adventurous puppy tales for preschoolers.

Sprout Kids' Animation (1997)

See full review

Peppa Pig TV Poster: Peppa pig in red dress jumping in puddles.

TV

Peppa Pig

age 3+

Sweet pig family provides gentle lessons to preschoolers.

Nick Jr. Kids' Animation (2005)

See full review

Postman Pat Poster Image

TV

Postman Pat

age 3+

Small-town adventures just right for kids.

HBO Family Kids' Animation (1981)

See full review

Thomas & Friends Poster Image

TV

Thomas & Friends

age 3+

Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.

PBS Kids' Animation (1984)

See full review

Brum Poster Image

TV

Brum

age 4+

Yellow car saves the day in London town.

Discovery Kids Comedy (1991)

See full review

Charlie and Lola Poster Image

TV

Charlie and Lola

age 4+

Brit siblings set good examples; great for kids.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (2005)

See full review

James May's Toy Stories Poster Image

TV

James May's Toy Stories

age 7+

Adults act like kids and play with toys in fun UK series.

BBC America Educational (2009)

See full review

Jamie's Meals in Minutes Poster Image

TV

Jamie's Meals in Minutes

age 8+

Oliver's quick-cooking show pushes produce, healthier food.

BBC America Educational (2010)

See full review

The Great British Baking Show Poster Image

TV

The Great British Baking Show

age 8+

Mild, mouth-watering baking contest great fun for all ages.

PBS , Syndicated Game Shows (2010)

See full review

The Great Pottery Throw Down Poster Image

TV

The Great Pottery Throw Down

age 8+

Pottery competition show is gentle, if formulaic, fun.

Max Reality TV (2020)

See full review

Hetty Feather Poster Image

TV

Hetty Feather

age 9+

Charming British series about youth and self-determination.

BBC Drama (2018)

See full review

Horrible Histories Poster Image

TV

Horrible Histories

age 9+

Books-inspired British sketch comedy yields laughs, facts.

Online Comedy (2009)

See full review

Richard Hammond's Crash Course Poster Image

TV

Richard Hammond's Crash Course

age 9+

Extreme machines entertain and inform; great for gearheads.

BBC America Reality TV (2012)

See full review

Doctor Who TV show poster: Ncuti Gatwa is surrounded by planets; the Tardis and his companion are shows below him

TV

Doctor Who

age 10+

Inclusive, long-running British sci-fi series thrills fans.

BBC America , Syfy Science Fiction (1963)

See full review

Top Gear Poster Image

TV

Top Gear

age 12+

High-octane fun for car enthusiasts and newbies.

BBC America Reality TV (2007)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.