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Twenty British, Irish, Australian, and Canadian series premiere nationally in the US in May, while In the Club debuts on, and Scott & Bailey and Shetland return to, public TV stations.

British TV Shows to Watch in May 2016 in the US

NATIONAL PREMIERES

Bluestone 42 Series 3Bluestone 42: Season 3 (Final)

The final season of this comedy-drama finds the soldiers of the eponymous bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan just weeks away from heading home. But before they can return to the UK, they have to risk life and limb to get safely back to the base while under enemy attack. Will they make it? Bluestone 42: Season 3 premieres in the US today, 1 May 2016, on Hulu Plus. (Photo courtesy of BBC Worldwide)

Dead BossDead Boss: Season 1

In this comedy co-written by Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe) and Holly Walsh (Psychobitches), Horgan stars as Helen Stephens, a new inmate at Broadmarsh Prison after her wrongful conviction for the murder of her boss. Costars include Jennifer Saunders (AbFab), Bryony Hannah (Call the Midwife), Tom Goodman-Hill (Mr Selfridge), Aisling Bea (Trivia), and Edward Hogg (Indian Summers). Dead Boss premieres in the US today on Hulu Plus.

Him & Her Complete Series 1-4Him & Her: Seasons 1-4 (Complete Series)

Set in the London bedsit shared by Steve (Russell Tovey, Banished) and his girlfriend, Becky (Sarah Solemani, Bad Education), this BAFTA TV Awards-winning comedy revolves around the lives of the unemployed couple. Which is to say not much, as they spend their waking hours doing little more than eating, shagging, and trying to get rid of folks who intrude on their lazy lives. Him & Her: Seasons 1-4 premieres in the US today on Hulu Plus.

Line of Duty Series 3Line of Duty: Season 3

The brilliant police drama is back, as gripping as ever. Season 3 finds AC-12’s latest investigation centering on an armed-response unit suspected of the deliberate shooting death of a suspect. This one thread in the storyline combines with others and superb acting to make LoD a series to binge-watch now on Hulu Plus. For further details, read “Line of Duty: Best Series Yet of Must-Watch Police Drama Premieres in the US.”

Miranda The FinaleMiranda: The Finale

One of my, what I call, favorite Britcoms ever, closes with a two-part finale in which Miranda (Miranda Hart) receives not one but two marriage proposals — from the steady and supportive Mike (Bohdan Poraj) and Gary (Tom Ellis), the love of her life. Whom will she choose, if she chooses either? The hilarious conclusion will have you laughing, crying, cheering and, of course, dancing! Miranda: The Finale premieres in the US today on Hulu.

The Passing BellsThe Passing Bells

Written by the award-winning Tony Jordan (Life on Mars), this affecting miniseries explores personal stories of the Great War, as told through the lives of teen soldiers, Tommy Edwards (Patrick Gibson, The Tudors) of the UK and Michael Lang (Jack Lowden, War & Peace) of Germany. As the war drags on from 1914 to 1918, the fighting takes an increasing toll on them and everyone in their lives. The Passing Bells premieres in the US today on Hulu Plus.

Penny Dreadful Season 2Penny Dreadful: Season 3

Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to Penny Dreadful as new character Dr. Seward, a therapist Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) turns to for help. Wes Studi (The Last of the Mohicans) plays Kaetenay, a mysterious Native American man with ties to Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) and an offer for Sir Malcom (Timothy Dalton). Dr. Jekyll, and presumably Mr Hyde (Shazad Latif, Ordinary Lies), is on the scene, as is… oh wait, spoilers! Penny Dreadful: Season 3 premieres tonight at 10 PM ET, on Showtime.

Showtime subscription for Amazon Prime

Stella Series 5Stella: Season 5

The fifth outing of this BAFTA Wales Awards winner for Best TV Drama finds Stella (Ruth Jones) once again dealing with personal dramas, some more humorous than others. She and Michael (Patrick Baladi) aren’t getting on, his baby by another mama is soon to be born, and a death shakes everyone in the village of Pontyberry… until rock legend Robert Plant makes an appearance. Stella: Season 5 premieres in the US today on Hulu Plus.

A Study in SherlockA Study in Sherlock

A bonus feature on the Sherlock: The Abominable Bride DVD, this multi-part, behind-the-scenes look at the special features Mark Gatiss chatting with Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Amanda Abbington, Rupert Graves, and Una Stubbs; a making-of documentary; Gatiss’ production diary; and eight inside looks into how different scenes were created for the Sherlock special. A Study in Sherlock begins streaming today on Netflix.

Threesome Series 1Threesome: Seasons 1 & 2 (Complete Series)

Having a drunken threesome ahead of one’s 30th birthday, getting pregnant, and deciding to raise the child with your hetero beau and gay baby daddy, well, that’s… unconventional. But accepting the responsibilities of being a mum is what Alice (Amy Huberman, The Clinic) does with co-parenting boyfriend Mitch (Stephen Wight, Bluestone 42) and best mate Richie (Emun Elliott, The Paradise). Threesome: Seasons 1 & 2 premieres in the US today on Hulu Plus.

Up the Women Series 1 & 2Up the Women: Seasons 1 & 2 (Complete Series)

Series creator/writer Jessica Hynes (Twenty Twelve) stars in this sitcom as Margaret, who champions the women’s suffrage cause to her fellow craft circle members after discovering it in 1910 London. The women might be politically hapless, but they’re committed. Costarring Rebecca Front (Doctor Thorne) and Judy Parfitt (Call the Midwife), amongst others, Up the Women: Seasons 1 & 2 premieres in the US today on Hulu Plus.

Houdini & Doyle Mangan Liddiard Weston
Houdini & Doyle: (L-R) Stephen Mangan as Arthur Conan Doyle, Rebecca Liddiard as Adelaide Stratton, Michael Weston as Harry Houdini – Photo: Joseph Scanlon / FOX © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.

Houdini & Doyle (UK/Canada)

This mystery and adventure drama stars Michael Weston (House) as Harry Houdini and Stephen Mangan (Episodes) as Arthur Conan Doyle, frenemies tasked by New Scotland Yard to solve cases that no one else can at the turn of the 20th century. With the assistance of Constable Adelaide Stratton (Rebecca Liddiard, Murdoch Mysteries), the master magician and paranormal debunker, and the “Sherlock Holmes” creator and paranormal aficionado, investigate crimes that appear to involve vampires, ghosts, monsters, and poltergeists. Houdini & Doyle has its US broadcast premiere on Monday, 2 May 2016, at 9 PM ET, on Fox, and its streaming debut on Tuesday, 3 May 2016, on Hulu.

Jack Irish Season 1
Guy Pearce as Jack Irish – Photo courtesy of Acorn TV

Jack Irish: Season 1 (Australia)

Inspired by the bestselling “Jack Irish” novels by Peter Temple, this Aussie noir drama returns with Guy Pearce starring as the eponymous private investigator and debt collector. After Jack is contracted to find a man with a criminal past, who is then killed in front of him, the charming antihero suspects a set-up. Meanwhile, Jack’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, journalist Linda Hillier (Marta Dusseldorp), leaves Melbourne to advance her career as a foreign correspondent in Manila. Jack Irish: Season 1 premieres in the US on Monday, 2 May 2016, exclusively on Acorn TV.

Moving On Series 7
Moving On: Kerry Godliman as Mel, Emma Fryer as Hayley in “A Picture of Innocence” – Photo courtesy of Acorn TV

Moving On: Series 7

This critically-acclaimed series of stand-alone contemporary dramas, created by Emmy® and BAFTA award-winning writer Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, Hillsborough, The Street), returns with five stories that explore a range of complex life issues. Episodes feature John Thomson (Cold Feet), Paul Copley (Downton Abbey), Kerry Godliman (Derek), Samuel Anderson (Doctor Who), and William Ash (Waterloo Road), amongst others. Moving On: Series 7 premieres in the US on Monday, 2 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

Filthy Cities Dan Snow
Filthy Cities host Dan Snow – Photo courtesy of KCET

Filthy Cities

This docu-series opens with “Medieval London,” in which historian Dan Snow reveals how today’s London was forged in the filth of the 14th century. One thing Snow shares is his examination of a plague victim’s remains, to show how the epidemic helped to create a cleaner London. Other episodes include “Revolutionary Paris” and “Industrial New York.” Filthy Cities premieres Wed, 4 May 2016, at 9 PM PT, on KCET, and 9 PM ET/PT on Link TV. US viewers can stream the series on the channels’ websites for two weeks after the air dates.

Wallander - Kenneth Branagh as Kurt Wallander
Wallander: The Final Season: Kenneth Branagh as Kurt Wallander – Photo courtesy of Steffan Hill/Left Bank Pictures (Television) Limited/Yellow Bird 2015

Wallander: The Final Season

Kenneth Branagh reprises his BAFTA-winning and Emmy®- and Golden Globes-nominated role as Kurt Wallander, the troubled Swedish cop character created by the late, great novelist Henning Mankell, in the Wallander‘s final three stories. In “The White Lioness,” Wallander, now having blackouts, travels to South Africa on a case of a missing Swede. “A Lesson in Love” finds Wallander increasingly forgetful and breaking a cardinal rule of policing while searching for a murder victim’s daughter. And in “The Troubled Man,” Wallander draws on instincts instead of his failing memory to solve a decades-old mystery. Wallander: The Final Season premieres in the US on Sunday, 8 May 2016, at 9 PM ET, on PBS.

The MusketeersThe Musketeers: Season 3 (Final)

Set in 17th century Paris, this action adventure series is back for its third and final season, and this time its premiere isn’t on cable but on Hulu. Not only is the stateside streaming service debuting the new season, it will be the exclusive home of all three seasons of The Musketeers in the US. The Musketeers: Season 3 premieres Saturday, 14 May 2016, only on Hulu. For further details, including new cast members, read this article.

19-2 Season 2
19-2: (L-R) Jared Keeso as Ben Chartier, Adrian Holmes as Nick Barron – Photo courtesy of Acorn TV

19-2: Season 2 (Canada)

The 2016 Canadian Screen Awards winner for Best Dramatic Series returns south of the Canuck border with another intense, character-driven, 10-part crime drama serial. Reprising their roles are Adrian Holmes as Nick Barron and Jared Keeso as Ben Chartier, partners in the Montreal Police Department who, in Season 2, find themselves and other cops from Station 19 involved in a school shooting. The tragedy deeply affects everyone, including Ben, who is ordered to see a therapist following his suspension. 19-2: Season 2 premieres in the US on Monday, 16 May 2016, exclusively on Acorn TV.

Doctor Thorne
Doctor Thorne: (L-R) Rebecca Front, Tom Hollander, Ian McShane, Stefani Martini – Photo © Hat Trick Productions

Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne

Announced on the 3rd of May by Amazon, this three-part miniseries from the creator of Downton Abbey revolves around love, vanity, arrogance, and illegitimacy amongst the have and have-not villagers of Greshambury. It stars Tom Hollander (The Night Manager), Rebecca Front (Humans), Ian McShane (Deadwood), and Stefanie Martini, Endeavour). Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne premieres in the US on Friday, 20 May 2016, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. For complete details, read this article.

Clean Break
Clean Break: (:-R) Damien Molony as Danny Dempsey, Kelly Thornton as Corrina Mallon, Adam Fergus as Frank Mallon, Aidan McArdle as Desmond Rane – Photo courtesy of Acorn TV

Clean Break (Ireland)

This four-part Irish drama stars Adam Fergus (Being Erica) as Frank Mallon, a car dealer whose life is collapsing. Not only are his cars not selling, his wife has left him, his daughter is out of control, and bank manager Desmond Rane (Aidan McArdle, Mr Selfridge) is about to seize his home and business. To save himself from ruin, Frank comes up with a scheme. Only it doesn’t go as planned, his world starts spinning out of control, and the solution to his money problems brings him even more troubles. Costarring Damien Molony (Suspects), Kelly Thornton (Love/Hate), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders), and Sean McGinley (Republic of Doyle), Clean Break premieres in the US on Monday, 23 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

The Dresser - Ian McKellen Anthony Hopkins
The Dresser: (L-R) Ian McKellen as Norman, Anthony Hopkins as Sir – Photo © Playground Television Limited UK 2016, courtesy of Starz

The Dresser

Richard Eyre’s (The Hollow Crown) adaptation of Ronald Harwood’s critically-acclaimed play brings acting legends Ian McKellen (The Hobbit trilogy) and Anthony Hopkins (Thor) together on screen for the first time. Set during WWII, a performance of Shakespeare’s King Lear is set to go on, but “Sir” (Hopkins), who’s playing Lear, is nowhere to be seen, leaving his dresser, Norman (McKellen), scrambling to make sure the show goes on. A funny and moving story of friendship and loyalty, The Dresser premieres in the US on Monday, 30 May 2016, at 9 PM ET, on Starz.

Starz subscription for Amazon Prime

Top Gear 2016 presenters
Top Gear: (L-R) Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Matt LeBlanc, Chris Evans, Chris Harris, Eddie Jordan, and The Stig – Photo © BBC Top Gear Magazine

Top Gear

The new season of the hit motoring show features new hosts Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc, The Stig, and new co-presenters, including motorsport guru and Formula 1 commentator Eddie Jordan, world record-breaking German racing driver Sabine Schmitz, renowned motoring journalist and YouTube petrolhead Chris Harris, and car reviewer and TV presenter Rory Reid. Top Gear premieres in the US on Monday, 30 May 2016, at 9 PM ET, on BBC America.

Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders: (L-R) Joe Cole, Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson – Photo by Robert Viglasky, courtesy of Netflix

Peaky Blinders: Season 3

This fan-favorite Netflix Original Series returns with its highly-anticipated third season. Set two years after the Season 2 finale, Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), now wildly wealthy and married, meets “the most evil character” he’s ever laid eyes on. What’s worse, he finds himself pulled into a web of intrigue more lethal than anything he has yet encountered. Peaky Blinders: Season 3 premieres in the US on Tuesday, 31 May 2016, exclusively on Netflix. For details, including guest stars, read “Peaky Blinders: Netflix US Confirms Season 3 Premiere Date.”

LOCAL PREMIERES

For all British TV series airing on local public TV stations this month, check your local listings or contact the station that serves your area for details about carriage and air dates and times. Viewers in the Washington, DC area can tune in to WETA UK for the shows below.

In the Club Series 1In the Club: Series 1

One of my favorite UK TV premieres of 2014, this ensemble-cast drama centers on six pregnant women who attend a local parenting class and must deal with various issues, from their mates to money. The cast includes Hermione Norris (MI-5), Katherine Parkinson (Doc Martin), Jill Halfpenny (Humans), Christine Bottomley (The Street), Taj Atwal (Stella), and Hannah Midgley (Emmerdale).

Scott & Bailey: Series 5 (final)Scott & Bailey: Series 5 (Final)

Two of Brit TV’s favorite detectives — Janet Scott (Lesley Sharp) and Rachel Bailey (Suranne Jones) — are back, and their last case together has Rachel as acting head of Syndicate 9. It involves the Dark Net, multiple murders, and unknown killers terrorizing Manchester. On the personal side of things, Rachel is in the family way, and Janet faces one of the worst fears a mum can have. Be prepared to shed some tears.

Shetland Douglas Henshall
Shetland: Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez – Photo courtesy of ITV Studios Global Entertainment

Shetland: Series 3

Douglas Henshall returns as DI Jimmy Perez in an original story for this Scottish noir crime drama, inspired by the characters in bestselling author Ann Cleeves‘ “Shetland” novels. (My interview with her is here.) Unlike Series 1 & 2, this is a six-part serial, which revolves around two murders that Perez is convinced are linked to a notorious gangster in Glasgow. It’s a very dangerous case, and harm doesn’t just lurk for Jimmy, Sandy, and Tosh, but happens. Guest stars include Anna Chancellor (Mapp & Lucia), James Cosmo (Game of Thrones), Ciarán Hinds (Above Suspicion), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), and Saskia Reeves (Wolf Hall).

NON-PREMIERE PROGRAMS ADDED TO STREAMING SERVICES

Acorn TV

(All photos courtesy of Acorn TV, except where noted.)

Joan of Arc_Dr Helen CastorJoan of Arc

Writer and historian Dr. Helen Castor (Medieval Lives) explores the life and death of Joan of Arc in this documentary. Joan was a legendary female warrior, but where in the legend is the real Joan— the teenage peasant girl who achieved the seemingly impossible? Hear Joan’s own words in a court manuscript from her trial, and follow along as Helen deciphers Joan’s true story. Joan of Arc begins streaming Monday, 2 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

White HeatWhite Heat

Claire Foy (Wolf Hall), Lindsay Duncan (Churchill’s Secret), Juliet Stevenson (Atlantis), Michael Kitchen (Foyle’s War), Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games), and David Gyasi (Interstellar) star in this six-part miniseries that brings to life the triumphs and heartbreaks of a generation of young people in 1960s UK. Written by BAFTA TV Award-winning writer Paula Milne (The Politician’s Wife), White Heat begins streaming Monday, 2 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

The Road to Coronation StreetThe Road to Coronation Street

This TV movie tells the true story of the creation of Britain’s beloved series, Coronation Street. Set in 1960s Manchester, it stars David Dawson (The Last Kingdom) as writer Tony Warren, who dreams of a unique TV program about working-class people, but must overcome many obstacles to bring his idea to life. The Road to Coronation Street begins streaming Friday, 6 May 2016, on Acorn TV. (Photo courtesy of ITV Studios.)

Where The Heart IsWhere the Heart Is: Series 4

Pam Ferris and Thomas Craig return as married couple Peggy and Vic Snow in this long-running UK drama. Set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Skelthwaite, it follows a group of nurses who are fiercely dedicated to both their jobs and their families. Where the Heart Is: Series 4 begins streaming Monday, 9 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

MargotMargot

This biopic stars Anne-Marie Duff (Shameless) as ballerina great, Dame Margot Fonteyn. At the age of 40, Margot becomes painfully aware that her time on the stage might be coming to an end. But then she is partnered with the young Russian dancer, Rudolf Nureyev (Michiel Huisman, Game of Thrones), and captivates the world’s imagination once again. Margot begins streaming Friday, 13 May 2016, on Acorn TV. (Photo courtesy of Mammoth Screen.)

Sherlock Holmes and the Leading LadySherlock Holmes and the Leading Lady

At Mycroft’s request, Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Lee, The Lord of the Rings) and Dr. Watson (Patrick MacNee, The Avengers) travel to Vienna, where they reconnect with Irene Adler (Morgan Fairchild, Falcon Crest), to recover stolen plans for an electro-magnetic bomb detonator. Then the thieves resort to murder to protect their stolen plans. Sherlock Holmes and the Leading Lady begins streaming Monday, 16 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

FallingFalling

When author Daisy Langrish (Penelope Wilton, Downton Abbey) moves to a secluded country cottage to escape busy London-life, local gardener Henry Kent (Michael Kitchen, Foyle’s War) immediately takes a romantic interest in her. But having been through two divorces, Daisy is reluctant to put her heart on the line again. Adapted from the Elizabeth Jane Howard novel, Falling begins streaming Friday, 20 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

Sherlock Holmes The Incident at Victoria FallsSherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls

At the king’s request, Holmes (Christopher Lee) and Watson (Patrick MacNee) must transport the world’s most valuable diamond from Africa to London. When the diamond is stolen, the detectives must brave the African jungle to recover the precious jewel, while accusations fly and the truth seems nearly impossible to decipher. Sherlock Holmes: The Incident at Victoria Falls begins streaming Monday, 23 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

The ScapegoatThe Scapegoat

Based on the Daphne Du Maurier novel, the film opens in 1952, as England prepares for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. John Standing (Matthew Rhys, The Americans) has just lost his teaching job when he meets Johnny Spence, a failing businessman and his doppelganger. Later mistaken for Spence, Standing is drawn into Spence’s family and business affairs. The Scapegoat begins streaming Friday, 27 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

To the Ends of the EarthTo the Ends of the Earth

Adapted from the trilogy of novels by Nobel Laureate William Golding, this award-winning miniseries centers on aristocrat Edmund Talbot (Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock) during his voyage to Australia. A tale of ambition, love, and misadventure, the miniseries features Jared Harris (The Crown), Richard McCabe (Doctor Thorne), and Sam Neill (Harry). To the Ends of the Earth begins streaming Monday, 30 May 2016, on Acorn TV.

Amazon Instant Video

HumansHumans: Season 1

This BAFTA Best Drama nominee is set in a parallel present, where the latest gadgets are Synths. While some embrace having these highly-developed, (overly) human-like robotic servants, others find that sharing life with these machines has chilling consequence. Featuring Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) and Gemma Chan (Bedlam) in the top-notch cast, Humans: Season 1 is an Amazon Prime Video selection effective Monday, 16 May 2016.

Angry BoysAngry Boys: Season 1 (Australia)

Created, written by, and starring Chris Lilley (Ja’mie: Private School Girl), this mockumentary explores the issues faced by young men today. Lilley plays multiple characters, including an American rapper, Japanese grandmother, champion surfer, a guard at a juvenile detention facility, and her twin teenage grandsons. Angry Boys is an Amazon Prime Video selection effective Saturday, 21 May 2016.

HuntedHunted: Season 1

This action drama stars Melissa George (The Slap) as Samantha, an espionage operative for private intelligence agency Byzantium. After surviving an attempt on her life, she doesn’t know whom to trust, who tried to kill her, or why they want her dead. Costarring Adam Rayner (Mistresses), Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones), and Morven Christie (Grantchester), Hunted is an Amazon Prime Video selection effective Saturday, 21 May 2016.

Life's Too Short Season 1Life’s Too Short: Season 1

Created by Warwick Davis’ (Harry Potter), Ricky Gervais (Derek), and Stephen Merchant (The Office), this mockumentary about “the life of a showbiz dwarf” follows Davis, playing a fictionalized version of himself, in his day-to-day life. Featuring cameo appearances by Liam Neeson, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sting, Life’s Too Short: Season 1 is an Amazon Prime Video selection effective Saturday, 21 May 2016.

Strike Back Season 3Strike Back: Season 3

Sullivan Stapleton and Philip Winchester reprise their roles as Sgt. Damien Scott and Sgt. Michael Stonebridge in Strike Back: Shadow Warfare, which finds the special agents venturing to Lebanon, Colombia, Hungary, Russia, and Germany, to capture elusive terrorist al-Zuhari and the drug money funding terrorists in the Middle East. Strike Back: Season 3 is an Amazon Prime Video selection effective Saturday, 21 May 2016.

Indian Summers Season 1Indian Summers: Season 1

Julie Walters (Harry Potter) leads the cast of this period drama as Cynthia Coffin, the widowed and influential doyenne of the Royal Club for the high-living English ruling class. It’s 1932, and as the British Raj is declining and a modern India is being born, passion, power plays, and politics play out in Simla, the “little England” in the Himalayan foothills. Indian Summers: Season 1 is an Amazon Prime Video selection effective Sunday, 29 May 2016.

Amazon Prime Video 600px green and dark grey

Hulu

Almost RoyalAlmost Royal: Season 1

This comedy-cum-reality series follows Georgie (Ed Gamble, Man Down) and Poppy Carlton (Amy Hoggart, Crackanory) — young siblings, heirs to an English country estate, and the 50th and 51st in line to the throne — as they make their first trip to the US. Unsuspecting, real-life members of the American public interact with them and believe they are actual British aristocrats. Almost Royal: Season 1 begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

BananaBanana: Season 1

Created by Russell T. Davies (Doctor Who), this half-hour anthology drama looks at the lives, loves, and losses of various LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth in Manchester. Featuring Fisayo Akinade (Ordinary Lies), Freddie Fox (Parade’s End), Letitia Wright (Top Boy), and Lynn Hunter (Casualty), the charming, witty, and at times, heartbreaking Banana begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

Being EricaBeing Erica: Seasons 1-4 (Complete Series) (Canada)

This award-winning drama-comedy-fantasy series stars Erin Karpluk (Rookie Blue) as Erica Strange, a depressed young woman whose bad life today is the result of bad decisions made in the past. After revealing them to her therapist, Dr. Tom (Michael Riley, This Is Wonderland), he sends Erica back in time so she can use the knowledge she has now to course-correct her life. Being Erica: Seasons 1-4 begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

CucumberCucumber: Seas0n 1

This eight-part drama follows Henry Best (Vincent Franklin, Happy Valley), a gay, middle-aged, Mancunian insurance salesman, in the aftermath of a disastrous date night with Lance Sullivan (Cyril Nri, The Bill), his boyfriend of nine years. In starting his life anew, Henry discovers truths about himself that challenge his sense of identity. Featuring characters from Banana, Cucumber begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

DCI BanksDCI Banks: Seasons 1-3

Based on the bestselling novels by Peter Robinson, this crime drama stars Stephen Tompkinson (Wild at Heart) as the eponymous detective, who with the feisty DS Annie Cabbot (Andrea Lowe, Where the Heart Is), and the by-the-book DI Helen Morton (Caroline Catz, Doc Martin), investigates crimes in Yorkshire. The ten stories of DCI Banks: Seasons 1-3 begin streaming today on Hulu Plus.

In the FleshIn the Flesh: Seasons 1 & 2 (Complete Series)

There’s no zombie like a medicated and rehabilitated one, and as Kieren Walker (Luke Newberry, From Darkness) can attest, life as a sufferer of Partially Deceased Syndrome is tough. He’s wracked by guilt, confused about his sexuality, and hunted by the anti-PDS militia. Meanwhile, there’s talk of another Rising, when more of the dead become the walking dead. In the Flesh: Seasons 1 and 2 begin streaming today on Hulu Plus.

Jane EyreJane Eyre

Adapted from the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte, this four-part, Primetime Emmy®-winning miniseries stars Ruth Wilson (The Affair) as the eponymous orphan turned governess at Thornfield Hall. She and Edward Rochester (Toby Stephens, Black Sails), the owner of the estate, proclaim their love for each other, but secrets in his life could jeopardize their wedding and a life of happily ever after. Jane Eyre begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

New Tricks Season 12New Tricks: Season 12 (Final)

The final season of this hit mystery series finds Ted Case (Larry Lamb), the former head of a gun crimes unit, joining UCOS; Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman), the last original member of UCOS, leaving the squad; and Danny Griffin (Nicholas Lyndhurst) and Steve McAndrew (Denis Lawson) still working with DCI Sasha Miller (Tamzin Outhwaite) to investigate the Met’s cold cases. New Tricks: Season 12 begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

The Shadow LineThe Shadow Line

This must-watch, award-winning noir conspiracy thriller stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) as DI Jonah Gabriel, whose investigation into the murder of a notorious crime boss parallels the inquiries of Joseph Bede (Christopher Eccleston, The A Word), an associate of the victim. Featuring a top-notch cast that includes Stephen Rea (War & Peace), the seven-part The Shadow Line begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

Uncle Series 1Uncle: Seasons 1 & 2

Nick Helm (Big Babies) stars as the titular relative in this comedy, which centers on Andy (Helm), an irresponsible, unemployed musician, and Errol (Elliot Speller-Gillott, Holby City), his sister’s son. Through one misadventure after another, the two develop an unlikely bond. After an accident results in a restraining order, they still spend time together, but on the sly from the family. Uncle: Seasons 1 & 2 begins streaming today on Hulu Plus.

Atlantis Season 2Atlantis: Season 2 (Final)

The final season of this Greek mythology-inspired fantasy series finds Jason (Jack Donnelly), Hercules (Mark Addy), and Pythagoras (Robert Emms) entangled in Queen Ariadne’s (Aiysha Hart) power struggle against Pasiphae (Sarah Parish). If Jason doesn’t fulfill his destiny, Atlantis will be lost beneath the waves forever. Atlantis: Season 2 begins streaming Sunday, 8 May 2016, on Hulu Plus.

Netflix

Casanova with David Tennant and Peter O'TooleCasanova

This TV-MA-rated romp of a miniseries finds Casanova, now in his golden years (the late, great Peter O’Toole, Lawrence of Arabia), looking back on the romantic adventures of his youth (David Tennant, Broadchurch). Costarring Rose Byrne (Damages), Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad), Shaun Parkes (Line of Duty), Ruper Penry-Jones (The Strain), and Nina Sosanya (Marcella), the two-part Casanova begins streaming today on Netflix.

SlasherSlasher: Season 1 (Canada/UK/US)

Wrath. Gluttony. Envy. Sloth. Greed. Lust. Pride. Sound familiar? Yes, these are the Seven Deadly Sins, the theme of this anthology horror series. The story arc follows Sarah Bennett (Katie McGrath, Merlin), whose return with husband Dylan (Brandon Jay McLaren, Graceland) to the home of her murdered parents coincides with the start of copycat killings by “the Executioner.” Slasher: Season 1 begins streaming Tuesday, 17 May 2016, on Netflix.

To the Ends of the Earth

Yes, Netflix is adding the same title as Acorn TV this month (see above), only it bows one week earlier, on Monday, 23 May 2016, on Netflix.

For updates about May 2016 program offerings, see the British TV Viewing Guide.

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British TV to Watch in May 2016: Line of Duty, Penny Dreadful, Wallander & LOTS More [UPDATED]
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