Are you tired of scrolling through Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services for hours, trying to find the perfect show to binge-watch? Well, my friend, get ready to be sucked into a new world – quite literally. I present to you, the enchanting universe of British TV dramas. “Hold up,” you might say, “British TV dramas? Don’t those usually involve people in fancy hats discussing the weather over a cup of tea?” Think again, dear reader! Prepare to be transported into worlds of crime, intrigue, and some accents so thick you’ll wish you’d paid more attention in your high school Shakespeare classes.

Let’s kick off our magical mystery tour with the gritty underbelly of Birmingham during the aftermath of World War I, as seen through the lens of “Peaky Blinders.” The show’s protagonist, Thomas Shelby (played by the mesmerizing Cillian Murphy), is the leader of the notorious Shelby crime family. The series, now with five glorious seasons for you to sink your teeth into, follows the exploits of this family as they navigate the treacherous world of gangsters, dodgy cops, and even the British government. Also, be prepared for some killer fashion – those flat caps aren’t just for show.

Do you fancy a quick detour to Scotland? Brace yourselves for “Shetland,” a show that’ll make you crave some peat fires and maybe a stiff drink of whisky. A windswept murder mystery set in the remote Scottish archipelago, “Shetland” will have you clinging to your blanket with a mix of chilly scenery and heart-pounding suspense. Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (the excellent Douglas Henshall) takes on a series of murder cases, and as you’ll quickly discover, there’s never a dull moment in the land of tartan and bagpipes. And if you happen to fall in love with the islands, congratulations! You’ve found your next holiday destination.

For the period drama lovers among us, we have a two-for-one special: the delightfully scandalous “Downton Abbey” and the iconic “Call the Midwife.” Now, you may have heard of these already (unless you’ve been living under a rock), but hear me out – these shows offer more than just lavish costumes and historical British settings. While “Downton Abbey” chronicles the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, it’s not all about tea parties and garden strolls; we’re talking romance, murder, and a whole lot of drama. Meanwhile, “Call the Midwife” focuses on the heartwarming, tear-jerking, and at times jaw-dropping lives of midwives and nuns working in London’s East End during the 1950s and 1960s. No amount of yoga or deep breathing exercises will help you stay calm during some of these episodes.

Feeling drained by all the emotions, crime, and turmoil? We’ve got just the tonic! Behold, the adorable comedic relief that is “Gavin & Stacey.” Penned by the brilliantly talented James Corden and Ruth Jones, this quirky rom-com revolves around a long-distance couple and their charmingly eccentric families. Warning: you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll desperately want a sequel (even though the show wrapped up years ago).

By now, your bags must be packed and your passport ready. Remember, the land of binge-worthy British TV dramas beckons! Get your comfiest chair, stock up on your favorite snacks, and be prepared to spend an embarrassing number of hours with these fantastic characters and their spellbinding stories. After all, there’s no need to feel guilty when you’re embarking on an epic adventure. Cheers to our very British binge-fest!