As a self-confessed telly addict, I’ve watched more TV dramas and shows than I care to admit, but time and again, the best ITV dramas rise to the top of my list. Whether it’s a chilling crime thriller, a gripping courtroom saga or a powerful period piece, ITV has a knack for creating series that draw you in and don’t let go.
Over the years, I’ve kept mental (and sometimes even physical) lists of ones that truly stood out. So now, I’m finally sharing them. From unforgettable performances to stories that left a lasting impact, these are, in my opinion, the best ITV dramas of all time and they’re absolutely worth adding to your watchlist.
The best ITV dramas:
Broadchurch
One of the first ITV dramas that hooked me from start to finish was Broadchurch. The storyline was packed with twists and turns, constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat. The rapport between Ellie and Alec was electric and wonderfully portrayed by Olivia Colman and David Tennant, and the backdrop of the jagged West Bay coastline added an eerie, atmospheric touch that made everything feel even more intense. Plus, who could forget that dramatic plot-twist finale and powerful scene?
Cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Matthew Gravelle, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Charlotte Beaumont, Pauline Quirke, Jonathan Bailey, Vicky McClure, David Bradley, Lenny Henry, Eve Myles, Arthur Darvill, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sarah Parish, Will Mellor
Genre: Crime drama
Number of series: 3
Episodes: 24
Unforgotten
Led by the incredible Sanjeev Bhaskar, Nicola Walker, and later, Sinéad Keenan following Nicola’s departure, Unforgotten is a standout show and should always deserve a top spot in every best ITV dramas list.
The cast of Unforgotten has been packed with famous faces and top-tier acting talent, with each performance adding depth to the gripping, emotionally charged cold cases that keep audiences coming back for more. It was truly heartbreaking for me (and the nation) when *spoiler alert* Cassie (Nicola Walker) was killed off in a well-kept storyline secret, leaving fans in shock.
Cast: Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sinéad Keenan, Carolina Main, Jordan Long, Pippa Nixon, Lewis Reeves, Peter Egan, Jassa Ahluwalia, Tom Courtenay, Lorraine Ashbourne, Adeel Akhtar, Mark Bonnar, Alex Jennings, Susan Lynch, Sheila Hancock, Bronagh Waugh, Victoria Hamilton
Genre: Crime drama
Number of series: 6
Episodes: 36
Victoria
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of period dramas like me or usually steer clear of them, Victoria is one series everyone should watch. With Jenna Coleman in the lead as the young Queen Victoria, this beautifully crafted drama brings royal history to life with emotion, elegance, and just the right amount of political intrigue. From the lavish sets to the compelling character arcs, Victoria is a standout among the best ITV dramas, even for those who don’t typically gravitate toward period pieces.
Cast: Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Rufus Sewell, Nell Hudson, Ferdinand Kingsley, Leo Suter, Diana Rigg, Jordan Waller, Bebe Cave, Eve Myles, Anna Wilson-Jones, Kate Fleetwood, Tommy Knight
Genre: Period drama
Number of series: 3 and a Christmas special
Episodes: 25
Cold Feet
Cold Feet is one of those shows that just stuck with me, and one I love to re-watch. Following the ups and downs of a group of friends as they navigate love, marriage, careers, and everything in between, it felt like watching real life unfold - messy, funny, and moving all at once. Led by a brilliant ensemble cast - James Nesbitt as Adam, Helen Baxendale as Rachel, John Thomson as Pete, Fay Ripley as Jenny, Robert Bathurst as David and Hermione Norris as Karen - the characters feel lived-in and deeply relatable. It's a great family show (for teens and older) and I loved how it managed to balance humour and heartbreak in such a natural, relatable way.
The show's revival in 2016 proved just how enduring its charm is, showing how these beloved characters have aged, grown and faced new life challenges. It’s one of the best ITV dramas for anyone who loves character-driven storytelling.
Cast: James Nesbitt, Helen Baxendale, John Thomson, Fay Ripley, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris, Jacey Sallés, Cel Spellman, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Lucy Robinson, Karen David, Madeleine Edmondson, Jack Harper, Marji Campi, Leanne Best, Callum Woodhouse, Ella Hunt, Sylvie Briggs, Siobhan Finneran, Paul Ritter, Sunetra Sarker, Eve Myles, Richard Armitage
Genre: Comedy drama
Number of series: 9
Episodes: 60
Until I Kill You
Whether you know Anna Maxwell Martin as the overwhelmed Julia in Motherland or as the formidable DCS Patricia Carmichael, one thing’s clear - she has serious range. That talent is on full display in Until I Kill You, a shocking four-part true-crime drama based on Delia Balmer’s memoir Living with a Serial Killer. Starring alongside Anna is the wonderful Shaun Evans from Endeavour, who plays the evil serial killer John Sweeney.
ITV have a knack for bringing real-life stories to the screen, and I stayed up until the early hours of the morning watching this chilling drama. I was in awe of Anna Maxwell Martin's performance and went from not being a huge fan of Delia at the beginning to truly rooting for her.
Cast: Anna Maxwell Martin, Shaun Evans, Kevin Doyle, Jack Franklin, Simon Harrison, Clare Foster, Renu Brindle, Stephanie Street, Sophie Ford
Genre: Crime drama
Number of series: 1
Episodes: 6
Maternal
Inspired by a real surgeon, Maternal is a fantastic medical drama that follows three female doctors as they return to post-pandemic frontline medicine after maternity leave. Yes, there is some medical jargon, but also plenty of human drama and character growth.
Cast: Parminder Nagra, Lara Pulver, Raza Jeffrey, Oliver Chris, Abhin Galeya, Julie Graham, Elizabeth Dulau, Alexander Karim
Genre: Medical drama
Number of series: 1
Episodes: 6
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, cinema trips, playing board games and walking her three dogs.