If you’re a fan of TV that keeps you on the edge of your seat, there are some fantastic new BBC dramas on the way that are about to become your next obsession! From crime thrillers such as Line of Duty and Happy Valley, that will have you guessing until the very last second to emotional rollercoasters like The Split and Normal People that hit you right in the feels, the BBC has something for everyone. And let’s be real, there's just something about a good, new BBC drama series that pulls you in and makes you want to watch just one more episode (even when you know you should probably be getting some sleep).
Whether you’re into gripping crime stories, family dramas, or something with a bit more historical flair, there’s something for everyone; no matter what’s going on, it’s always fun to sit down and lose yourself in a new BBC drama. Our TV expert has compiled a list of some of the new dramas that you'll want to stay up all night binge-watching!
The best new BBC dramas for 2025 & beyond:
This City is Ours
Dubbed “a love letter to Liverpool” by its star James Nelson-Joyce, This City Is Ours has quickly become one of the most gripping shows of recent years, according to fans. The hard-hitting drug cartel drama, set against the gritty yet vibrant backdrop of Liverpool, debuted to widespread acclaim, captivating audiences with its raw storytelling and powerful performances. Its authenticity and intensity struck a chord, leading to high praise and a rapidly growing fanbase. In exciting news for viewers, the BBC has officially announced that the series will return for a second season—promising even more drama, tension, and emotional depth in the chapters to come.
Cast: James-Neslon Joyce (Little Boy Blue), Sean Bean (Game of Thrones), Hannah Onslow (This Is Going To Hurt), Jack McMullen (The Street), Laura Aikman (Gavin & Stacey), Julie Graham (The Bletchley Circle), Kevin Harvey (Time), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls)
Episodes: 8
Genre: Crime drama
Release date: Sunday 23rd March 2025
Reunion
A deaf man, newly released from prison is on a relentless mission to right the wrongs of his past in Reunion and in doing so, uncovers some shocking truths that led to his imprisonment.
Cast: Matthew Gurney (The Doll), Lara Peake (Rivals), Anne-Marie Duff (The Salisbury Poisonings), Eddie Marsan (The Pact), Rose-Ayling Ellis (Code of Silence), Olive Gray (Dark Money), Joe Sims (Broadchurch)
Episodes: 4
Genre: Crime drama, revenge thriller
Channel: BBC One
Release date: 7th April 2025
The Bombing Of Pan Am 103
Based on the devastating true story of the deadliest terrorist attack on UK soil, this gripping new BBC one drama chronicles the harrowing events surrounding the bombing of Pan Am flight 103. The tragedy remains one of the most horrific acts of terrorism in history, and this powerful retelling explores not only the scale of the attack but also the far-reaching impact it had on the victims’ families, the town of Lockerbie and global security.
Cast: Connor Swindells (SAS Rogue Heroes), Merritt Wever (Unbelievable), Tony Curran (Mayflies), Peter Mullan (Ozark), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Patrick J. Adams (Suits), Eddie Marsan (The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe), Cora Bissett (Shetland)
Episodes: 6
Genre: Drama
Channel: BBC One
Release date: Sunday 18th May 2025
King & Conqueror
The highly anticipated King & Conqueror marks James Norton's return to the BBC after his chilling turn as Tommy-Lee Royce in Happy Valley. Here, he trades modern menace for medieval ambition, starring opposite Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in a gripping reimagining of one of history’s most dramatic power struggles.
Set in the 11th century, the series follows the fateful clash between Harold Godwinson, the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England, and William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. As tensions rise and alliances shift, the series promises to deliver a high-stakes political thriller with emotional weight and visual spectacle.
Cast: James Norton (Happy Valley), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones), Clémence Poésy (The Essex Serpent, Emily Beecham (Daphne), Eddie Marsan (Reunion) and Juliet Stevenson (One of Us), Jean-Marc Barr (Rivages), Luther Ford (The Crown)
Episodes: 8
Genre: Period drama
Channel: BBC One
Release date: 2025
Riot Women
From the brilliant mind of Sally Wainwright, the acclaimed writer behind Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax, comes Riot Women, a new BBC drama set in Yorkshire. This time, Wainwright turns her sharp eye and trademark wit to a group of middle-aged women who, fed up with being ignored during the menopause, channel their frustration into forming a punk-rock band. With a stellar cast and Sally's signature blend of wit, drama, and raw humanity, it's set to be one of the standout shows of the year.
Cast: Lorraine Ashbourne (Sherwood), Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It), Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner), Rosalie Craig (Moonflower Murders), Amelia Bullmore (The Jetty), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), Taj Atwal (Line of Duty), Melanie La Barrie (Casualty), Peter Davison (Doctor Who), Angel Coulby, Chandeep Uppal, Oliver Huntingdon (Sherwood), Amit Shah (Happy Valley), Kevin Doyle (Downton Abbey), Nicholas Gleaves (After The Flood)
Episodes: 6
Genre: Drama, music (punk-rock)
Channel: BBC One
Release date: 2025
Film Club
If you're looking for a slightly lighter, funnier drama Film Club ticks all of those boxes. Co-created and written by Sex Education and The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood and Ralph Davis from SAS Rogue Heroes, this romcom is perfect to snuggle up on the sofa with.
Cast: Aimee-Lou Wood (Daddy Issues), Nabhaan Rizwaan (Informer), Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster), Liv Hill (Three Girls), Adam Long (Happy Valley), Fola Evans Akingbola (The Night Agent), Owen Cooper (Adolescence), Arian Nik (Daddy Issues) as Kam, Ralph Davis (SAS Rogue Heroes)
Episodes: 6
Genre: Romantic comedy-drama
Channel: BBC Three
Release date: 2025
The Guest
The Guest is a Welsh drama that explores a toxic relationship between a buisness owner and her young employee. Starring Eve Myles (Cold Water) - one of Wales’ most celebrated acting talents - alongside rising star Gabrielle Creevy (Black Doves), the drama delves into manipulation, obsession and blurred boundaries in the modern workplace. It promises to be a gripping addition to the BBC’s new drama line-up.
Cast: Eve Myles (Keeping Faith), Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin), Siôn Daniel Young (Lost Boys & Fairies), Emun Elliott (The Gold), Catherine Ayers (Keeping Faith), Julian Lewis Jones (Stella), Bethan Mary-James (Cuffs), Joseph Ollman (Queenie) Clive Russell (Ripper Street)
Episodes: 4
Genre: Thriller
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
The Other Bennet Sister
If you're a fan of Bridgerton or Jane Austen, you'll adore The Other Bennet Sister, a Pride and Prejudice spin-off based on the novel that was written by Janice Hadlow. Adapted into a new BBC drama by screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, this 10-part series will be a love-story for the ages.
Cast: TBA
Episodes: 10
Genre: Period drama, Regency romance, domestic fiction
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
Open Water
.Among the most anticipated new BBC dramas is Open Water, the screen adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s multi-award-winning debut novel. A tender, immersive exploration of young Black love and artistic ambition, the story follows Marcus, a retail worker with dreams of becoming a photographer, and Effie, a dance student studying in Dublin.
Cast: TBA
Episodes: TBA
Genre: Coming-of-age, romance, urban fiction, political fiction
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
Blue Lights (series 3)
Series 3 of Belfast-based drama Blue Lights will pick up on the journey of our new police recurits as they progress through the early years of their career.
Cast: TBC
Episodes: TBA
Genre: Crime drama
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
Vigil (series 3)
Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie will be back for Vigil series 3 and this time Kirsten gets to pack her bags and join her partner Amy in the Arctic Circle to solve some military crimes.
Cast: Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack), Rose Leslie (Miss Austen)
Episodes: TBA
Genre: Crime drama
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
The Capture (series 3)
Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) is back to debunk a fresh conspiracy in The Capture series 3. Despite having multiple seasons, this show still seems like an unknown gem that I recommend to anyone who's looking for a new BBC drama!
Cast: Holliday Grainger (Strike), Killian Scott (Dublin Murders), Indira Varma (Luther), Ben Miles (The Crown), Lia Williams (The Missing), Ginny Holder (Death in Paradise), Nigel Lindsay (Victoria), Daisy Waterstone (The Durrells), Joe Dempsie (Toxic Town), Andrew Buchan (Better), Hugh Quarshie (Holby City), Amanda Drew (A Very British Scandal), Tessa Wong (Midsomer Murders), Ron Perlman (Hellboy)
Episodes: 6
Genre: Conspiracy fiction, thriller, drama, suspense
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
Sherwood (series 3)
Sherwood, one of the BBC’s most successful shows, is returning to Nottingham for a third series. Created by Nottingham-born writer James Graham, viewers are wondering if more undercover spy cops or new villains like the formidable Ann Branson (masterfully played by BAFTA-winning Monica Dolan) will emerge. Graham has teased “a new set of stories, and the continuation – and completion – of some strands I’ve been dreaming of for some time,” making Sherwood series 3 one of the most anticipated returns on British television.
Cast: TBA
Episodes: TBA
Genre: Crime drama, thriller, mystery
Channel: BBC One
Release date: TBA
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.