April showers bring three dozen 37 British and Canadian TV premieres — 31 32 national and 5 local/regional — to viewers in the US.
For updates about shows from the UK, Canada, and Ireland added to US linear TV and streaming channels throughout the month, see the British TV Viewing Guide.
Programs and dates are subject to change without prior notice.
Videos below may contain content that is not suitable for everyone.
NATIONAL PREMIERES
The Mallorca Files (UK)
This light mystery series follows introverted, by-the-book British detective Miranda Blake (Elen Rhys, Silent Witness) and her extroverted, rule-breaking German crime-fighting partner, Max Winter (Julian Looman, Pagan Peak), as they investigate murders and other crimes on the eponymous Spanish island. (Read this article for more details.) The Mallorca Files, a BritBox Original series, premieres in North America with its first two episodes on Wednesday, April 1, exclusively on BritBox. New episodes will premiere in pairs on Wednesdays.
Sunderland ‘Til I Die: Season 2 (UK)
In the new season of this sports docuseries, pro football club Sunderland A.F.C. have had two back-to-back seasons of failure, and they hope to turn things around as they face a new season in the third tier of English football. Sunderland ‘Til I Die: Season 2, a Netflix Original series, premieres globally on Wednesday, April 1, exclusively on Netflix. (Video is from Season 1)
The Virtues (UK)
Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire) stars in this drama miniseries as Joseph, whose despair over his young son leaving for Australia takes him to Ireland to confront painful memories from a childhood spent in care. There he reunites with his sister Anna (Helen Behan, Taken Down), gets work with her husband Michael (Frank Laverty, Michael Collins), and falls for Michael’s sister Dinah (Niamh Algar, The Bisexual) — before a shadowy figure forces Joseph to face the demons of his past. Costarring Mark O’Halloran (Dead Still), The Virtues premieres in the US on Thursday, April 2, exclusively on Topic.
The Windermere Children: In Their Own Words (UK)
Narrated by Iain Glen (Downton Abbey), this documentary presents interviews with men and women who, as orphaned children, survived the Holocaust concentration camps and were rehabilitated in a disused aircraft factory overlooking Lake Windermere in the UK. Their experiences in adjusting to freedom in a foreign country were dramatized in the film The Windermere Children (see below). The Windermere Children: In Their Own Words premieres in the US on Friday, April 3, on PBS Passport. It will also be available for streaming on the PBS Masterpiece Channel on Prime Video starting Saturday, April 4.
Frankie Drake Mysteries: Season 3 (Canada)
Lauren Lee Smith and Chantel Riley return as Frankie Drake and Trudy Clarke, partners in the Drake Private Detectives agency in 1920s Toronto, in the new season of this fan-favorite mystery series. Cases they tackle this time around involve mystery novelist Agatha Christie, a mermaid-themed jazz club, swanky Toronto private schools, and more. (For episode synopses, see this article.) Frankie Drake Mysteries: Season 3 premieres in the US on Saturday, April 4, at 7 PM ET, on Ovation TV.
The Windermere Children (UK-Germany)
Based on the experiences of child survivors of the Holocaust, this historical drama follows the children brought to the Calgarth Estate by Lake Windermere, England, where they are helped to recuperate, to rebuild their lives, and to integrate into British society with the help of volunteer therapists… and where they find kinship in each other. Starring Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) and Romola Garai (The Miniaturist), The Windermere Children premieres in the US on Sunday, April 5, at 10 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings), as well as on the PBS Masterpiece Channel on Prime Video.
World on Fire (UK)
Set in Britain, Poland, France, Germany, and the United States, this drama follows the intertwining fates of ordinary people in five countries as they grapple with the effects of World War II on their everyday lives. Starring Helen Hunt (As Good As it Gets), Sean Bean (Game of Thrones), Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), Jonah Hauer-King (Little Women), and Blake Harrison (A Very English Scandal), World on Fire premieres in the US on Sunday, April 5, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings), as well as on the PBS Masterpiece Channel on Prime Video.
Deadwater Fell (UK)
Set in a small Scottish community, this mystery-crime drama centers on the murder of a seemingly perfect and happy family by someone they know and trust. The community soon gets torn apart by mistrust and suspicion, and those closest to the family begin to question everything they thought they knew about their friends. Starring David Tennant (Broadchurch), Cush Jumbo (Vera), Matthew McNulty (The Terror), and Anna Madeley (The Crown), Deadwater Fell premieres in the US and Canada with Episode 1 on Monday, April 6, exclusively on Acorn TV. New episodes will premiere weekly on Mondays.
Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell (Canada)
Celebrate the end of four-time Emmy®-nominated comedy series Schitt’s Creek with this special farewell for fans — an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the show, which features never-before-seen footage, plus interviews with the cast, creators, journalists, and celebrity superfans. Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell premieres in the US on Tuesday, April 7, at 8:30 PM ET/PT, on Pop TV (directly after the series finale, which will be simulcast across Pop TV, Comedy Central, and Logo at 8 PM ET/PT).
Liar: Season 2 (UK)
Following the events in Season 1 of this thriller, the new season opens with the discovery of Andrew Earlham’s (Ioan Gruffudd) dead body and the launch of a murder investigation, which forcibly draws Laura Nielson (Joanne Froggatt), who’s been trying to move on from her ordeal, back into Andrew’s destructive path. Liar: Season 2 premieres in the US on Wednesday, April 8, at 11 PM ET, on SundanceTV.
Love Wedding Repeat (UK)
In this English-language remake of French romantic comedy Plan de Table, Jack (Sam Claflin, Peaky Blinders) tries to make sure his little sister has the perfect wedding day. But he’ll have to juggle an angry ex-girlfriend, an uninvited guest, a misplaced sleep sedative, and an unexpected reunion with the girl of his dreams who got away (Olivia Munn, The Rook). Love Wedding Repeat, a Netflix Film, premieres globally on Friday, April 10, exclusively on Netflix. (You can add it to your queue now.) (Photo by Riccardo Ghilardi)
Belgravia (UK-US)
Set in the 19th century, this drama is based on Julian Fellowes’s novel of the same name. When the Trenchards accept an invitation to the Duchess of Richmond’s ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, it sets in motion a series of events that will have consequences for decades. Starring Tamsin Greig (Episodes), Philip Glenister (Life on Mars), and Harriet Walter (The Crown), Belgravia, an Epix Original series, premieres in the US on Sunday, April 12, at 9 PM ET, on Epix.
Baptiste (UK)
Tchéky Karyo reprises his role as retired French investigator Julien Baptiste in this mystery series spun off from The Missing. It finds Baptiste and his family on holiday in Amsterdam when an ex-girlfriend, now the city’s chief of police, asks him to help find a missing sex worker. The case plunges Julien into the city’s criminal underworld and compels him to send his family into hiding. Baptiste premieres in the US on Sunday, April 12, at 10 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings), as well as on the PBS Masterpiece Channel on Prime Video.
Easter from King’s 2020 (UK)
This annual British tradition features the renowned Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, performing a special Easter concert, broadcast live from the historic and breathtaking campus chapel. Easter from King’s 2020 premieres in North America as a “Now” program on Sunday, April 12, exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from 2019)
Killing Eve: Season 3 (UK-US)
After all the OMG events in the Season 2 finale, the new season of this blockbuster hit drama finds MI6 operative Eve (Sandra Oh) has survived being shot and assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer) believing she’s dead. Then a shocking and personal death sets the two women on a collision course yet again. Killing Eve: Season 3 premieres in the US on Sunday, April 12, at 9 PM ET/PT, on BBC America and AMC.
Vintage Roads Great & Small: Series 2 (UK)
Christopher Timothy and Peter Davison, former costars in All Creatures Great and Small, return to present the new season of this series, a lighthearted and inspiring celebration of early motor car travel and an exploration of the history and heritage found along Britain’s vintage highways. Vintage Roads Great & Small: Series 2 premieres in the US on Monday, April 13, on Acorn TV.
The Case of Sally Challen (UK)
This documentary centers on Sally Challen, a mum of two in Surrey who, after bludgeoning her abusive husband to death in 2010, was found guilty of murder. In 2019 her new defense lawyers argued that she was the victim of her husband’s “coercive control,” and that she should be in prison for manslaughter, not murder. The Case of Sally Challen premieres in the US on Tuesday, April 14, on Sundance Now.
Scarborough (UK)
From Benidorm creator Derren Litten comes this new comedy series, which finds Scarborough residents Karen (Catherine Tyldesley, 15 Days) and Mike (Jason Manford, Ordinary Lies) reunited after five years apart. Now in their late 30s, it’s time they make a proper go of it. But with an unexpected death at Karen’s job and Mike’s feud with the local ice cream mogul, this couple might not survive what Scarborough has in store for them. Scarborough premieres in North America on Tuesday, April 14, exclusively on BritBox.
Best of Seven Worlds, One Planet (UK-US)
The most spectacular moments from Seven Worlds, One Planet are brought together in this nature documentary, which highlights the incredibly rich and wonderful diversity of life found on our planet’s seven continents. Best of Seven Worlds, One Planet premieres in the US on Tuesday, April 21, at 9 PM ET/PT, on BBC America.
Northern Cops (UK)
This observational documentary series follows the emergency response officers, detectives, and command centers of the Northumbria Police, who fight to keep their community safe and whose stories reflect modern crime-fighting and social issues facing the whole of the UK. Northern Cops premieres in North America on Tuesday, April 21, exclusively on BritBox. (Pictured: PC Jamie Leslie and PC Anne Mackay — Photo by Ryan McNamara © 72 Films Ltd)
Climate Change – The Facts
Presented by Sir David Attenborough, this documentary features scientists exploring the impact of climate change and what could happen if global warming exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius. It shows how the latest innovations and technology pose potential solutions and what individuals can do to prevent further damage. Climate Change – The Facts premieres in the US on Wednesday, April 22, at 8 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings).
H2O: The Molecule That Made Us (UK)
This landmark, three-part documentary tells the human story through our relationship to water. It shows how our success is intimately connected to our control of the molecule, and how the growth of our civilizations has also created a dangerous dependence on a precious resource — one that may be about to run out. H2O: The Molecule That Made Us premieres in the US on Wednesday, April 22, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings). (Photo courtesy of WGBH Educational Foundation)
She Walks with Apes (Canada-US)
Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) narrates this epic story of three women — Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas — who embarked on lifelong journeys to live with humanity’s closest living relatives, the Great Apes. She Walks with Apes, part of BBC America’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, premieres in the US on Wednesday, April 22 at 9 PM ET/PT, on BBC America. (Photo by Mark Starowicz)
After Life: Season 2 (UK)
Created, written by, and starring Ricky Gervais, the new season of this comedy-drama finds local newspaper writer Tony (Gervais) trying to be a better friend to those around him while still struggling with immense grief for his late wife. They all grapple with their own problems as the threat of the paper being shut down looms over them. After Life: Season 2, a Netflix Original series, premieres globally on Friday, April 24, exclusively on Netflix. (Video is from Season 1, one of my favorite TV shows of 2019)
The Last Kingdom: Season 4 (UK)
Based on Bernard Cornwell‘s “Saxon Tales” historical novels, this drama’s new season sees Edward (Timothy Innes) and Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) sparring over the future of Mercia and their father’s dream of a united England, as Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) tries to recover his lost birthright. The Last Kingdom: Season 4, a Netflix Original series, premieres in the US on Sunday, April 26, exclusively on Netflix. (Video is from Season 3)
How to Catch a Serial Killer (UK)
This documentary is the story of the dogged pursuit of serial killer Christopher Halliwell by Detective Steve Fulcher, who was determined to get justice for the families of the victims. It has been one of the biggest crime stories in recent years — involving multiple murders, two much-publicized trials, one irreparably-damaged career in law enforcement, and a captivated public over the course of more than a decade. How to Catch a Serial Killer premieres in the US on Tuesday, April 28, on Sundance Now.
Inside the Vatican (UK)
This documentary provides rare behind-the-scenes access to one of the most important places in the Christian world. It offers an inside look into the daily lives of those who live and work in the Vatican — from the Pope himself, to the nuns who serve the homeless, and many others. Inside the Vatican premieres in the US on Tuesday, April 28, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings), as well as on pbs.org and the PBS app. (Photo © Craig Hastings Padi Productions S.L.)
Question Time 2020 (UK)
Presented by Fiona Bruce, the new season of this 40-year-old weekly BBC current affairs program continues to give the general public a voice and a chance to have their questions answered by the panelists — usually political figures, journalists, comedians, celebrities, and trade union leaders. Question Time 2020 premieres in North America as a “Now” program on Tuesday, April 28, exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from 2019)
Nadiya’s Time to Eat (UK)
Nadiya Hussain, a winner on The Great British Baking Show, presents this cooking show, in which she serves up a mouthwatering selection of delicious shortcuts, vital ingredients, and fast favorites — easy-to-prepare recipes designed to help save time and calm stressed-out lives. Nadiya’s Time to Eat, a Netflix Original series, premieres in the US on Wednesday, April 29, exclusively on Netflix.
Normal People (UK)
Based on Sally Rooney‘s best-selling novel of the same name, this drama is a modern love story about how one person can unexpectedly change another person’s life and about how complicated intimacy can be. It follows Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Cold Feet) and Connell (Paul Mescal, Bump) as they embark on an on-again/off-again romance that starts at school and continues through college — both testing their relationship as they explore different versions of themselves. Normal People, a Hulu Original series, premieres in the US with all episodes on Wednesday, April 29, exclusively on Hulu.
Spy in the Wild 2
Narrated by David Tennant (Doctor Who), this nature documentary returns with four new episodes that feature more than 50 ultra-realistic animatronic spy creatures — including a spy Komodo dragon, spy puffin, spy stork, spy koala, spy seal, and spy gorilla, amongst many others — capturing some of the most extraordinary animal behavior ever seen, from directly inside the animal world. Spy in the Wild 2 premieres in the US on Wednesday, April 29, at 8 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings).
Pointless: Season 23 (UK)
Pointless is the only game show in which contestants with the fewest points win. Four teams of two must come up with lesser-known or pointless answers to questions. The more obvious an answer, the more points are added; to survive elimination, teams must avoid having the highest score per round. The last team standing has a chance to win the jackpot. Pointless: Season 23 will premiere in North America as a “Now” program (date tba) exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from Season 21)
LOCAL/REGIONAL BROADCAST PREMIERES
Select public TV stations will begin airing the following programs on or after April 1. Check you local listings or contact the station that serves your area for air dates and times. To request any of the shows, contact your station or American Public Television.
Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways: Season 6 (UK)
In the latest season of this travel documentary series, veteran English television presenter Chris Tarrant travels by train to Romania, Turkey, Ireland, and Kenya to discover great railways and their stories. (Video is from Season 5) Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways: Season 6 is confirmed for airing on the following public TV stations and regional networks: Idaho Public Television, KLRU, KNME, KSPS, KTWU, Maryland Public Television, Montana PBS, WLRN, WLVT, WNED, WPBA, WPSU, WSKG
Fake or Fortune? Season 8 (UK)
Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould are back to investigate and solve more fine art mysteries — employing old-fashioned detective skills and the latest forensic testing to reveal tales of lost masterpieces, forgers and, sometimes, looted art. Season 8 features a family portrait, a landscape, a Venetian scene, and a still life. (Video is from Season 7) Fake or Fortune? Season 8 is confirmed for airing on the following public TV stations and regional networks: Connecticut Public Television, Idaho Public Television, KLRU, KUAT, KUED, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, PBS Hawaii, WSBE, WSKG
Inside the Ritz Hotel London (UK)
Narrated by Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), this documentary reveals how one of the most well-known hotels in the world stands out from the rest. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at life inside the London Ritz — from the famous faces who stay there, such as actor Richard E. Grant and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, to the hotel staff, who plan and host grandiose events and celebrity parties. Inside the Ritz Hotel London is confirmed for airing on the following public TV stations and regional networks: Georgia Public Broadcasting, KEET, KERA, KETC, KQEH, KRSU, KUAT, KUED, KVIE, Maryland Public Television, PBS Wisconsin, WCET, WCVE, WEDU, WFYI, WGCU, WLRN, WNED, WNEO, WSBE, WVPT, WyomingPBS
Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome (UK)
In this follow-up series to Pilgrimage: Road to Santiago, a group of eight British personalities from various faiths attempt the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage. They travel the ancient roads largely on foot, endure pain, sweat and tears, and form an indelible bond through shared experience and conversation. Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome is confirmed for airing on the following public TV stations and regional networks: Idaho Public Television, KBDI, KCET, Montana PBS, NET (Nebraska), Oregon Public Broadcasting, WCNY, WOSU, WPTD, WSBE, WSKG
The Queen’s Grocer: Inside Fortnum & Mason (UK)
This documentary takes a behind-the-scenes look at the historic food emporium in London that has been providing food to the Royal family for hundreds of years. The Queen’s Grocer: Inside Fortnum & Mason is confirmed for airing on the following public TV stations and regional networks: Connecticut Public Television, Georgia Public Broadcasting, KERA, KETC, KLRU, KRSU, KSPS, KUAT, KVIE, Maryland Public Television, New Hampshire PBS, PBS Wisconsin, WCET, WCVE, WEDU, WFYI, WGBH, WGCU, WLRN, WLVT, WNED, WNEO, WSBE, WSKG, WVPT, WyomingPBS (Photo © Prisma by Dukas, courtesy of APT)
NON-PREMIERE PROGRAMS DEBUTING ON LINEAR TV
Line of Duty: Season 1 (UK)
In the first season of this mystery-crime thriller, the Met’s lead anti-corruption team of Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar, Blood), DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston, Traces), and DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure, Broadchurch) investigate DCI Tony Gates (Lennie James, The Walking Dead), a seemingly exemplary senior officer who might actually be a bent copper. Costarring Craig Parkinson (Temple), Neil Morrissey (The Good Karma Hospital), and Gina McKee (The Rook), Line of Duty: Season 1 makes its US network debut on Saturday, April 4, at 10 PM ET, on AMC.
NON-PREMIERE PROGRAMS BEING ADDED TO STREAMING SERVICES
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Acorn TV and its digital channels, including the Acorn TV channel on Amazon.
Lovejoy: Series 5 & 6 (UK)
Based on Jonathan Gash‘s “Lovejoy” novels, this crime dramedy stars Ian McShane (Deadwood) as the eponymous antique dealer gifted at sorting the real from the fake. His wild world is full of aristocrats, con men, and criminals — all of whom Lovejoy goes up against with the help of assistants Eric (Chris Jury, Doctor Who) and Beth (Diane Parish, EastEnders) and love interest Charlotte (Caroline Langrishe, Agatha Raisin). Series 5 of Lovejoy begins streaming Monday, April 13, followed by Series 6 (final) on Monday, April 27.
Land Girls: Series 1 & 2 (UK)
This period drama follows the lives, loves, highs, and lows of four members of the Women’s Land Army working at the Hoxley Estate during World War II. Starring Mark Benton (Shakespeare & Hathaway), Becci Gemmell (Call the Midwife), Summer Strallen (Hollyoaks), Christine Bottomley, In the Club), Jo Woodcock (Collision), and Seline Hizli (Grantchester), Series 1 of Land Girls begins streaming Monday, April 6, followed by Series 2 on Monday, April 20.
Barristers (UK)
This groundbreaking documentary series centers on some of the UK’s leading legal minds, and for the first time ever in Northern Ireland, cameras have access to the workings of their courts. Over a 15-month period, the show follows the barristers as they build and represent their cases — from fighting for a mother’s access to her children, to taking the Department of Justice to the Supreme Court in London. Barristers begins streaming Monday, April 27.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on BritBox and its digital channels, including the BritBox channel on Amazon.
Father Brown: Seasons 1-6 (UK)
Inspired by G.K. Chesterton‘s short stories and set in the early 1950s, this fan-favorite mystery series centers on the eponymous Catholic priest (Mark Williams, Harry Potter films), who often finds himself solving some of the biggest crimes in the quaint English village of Kembleford, with help from his motley and not always godly squad of allies. Father Brown: Seasons 1-6 begins streaming Wednesday, April 1. (Video is from Season 2)
Antiques Roadshow: Season 39 (UK)
The exploration of Britain’s hidden treasures continues in the new season of this perennial favorite, which features the public bringing their antiques to be examined by experts aboard Britain’s historic steam train, The Flying Scotsman. Amongst the finds are a diamond bracelet once worn by Hollywood star Rita Hayworth. Antiques Roadshow: Season 39 begins streaming Friday, April 10. (Video is from Season 37)
Waiting for God: Seasons 1-3 (UK)
This classic Britcom stars Graham Crowden (Waking the Dead) and Stephanie Cole (Coronation Street) as Tom Ballard and Diana Trent, a retired accountant and an ex-journalist, respectively — two elderly eccentrics who, in refusing to grow old gracefully, strike up an uneasy alliance that leads to many adventures at the Bayview Retirement Home. Waiting for God: Seasons 1-3 begins streaming Friday, April 24.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on the PBS Masterpiece Channel on Prime Video.
The Widower (UK)
Reece Shearsmith (Inside No. 9) stars as convicted murderer Malcolm Webster in this true-crime drama, which tells the story of how spendthrift Webster marries and then attempts to kill a succession of women to cash in their life insurance policies. Costarring Sheridan Smith (Cilla), Kate Fleetwood (Victoria), Archie Panjabi (Shetland), and John Hannah (The Victim), The Widower begins streaming Saturday, April 18.
The Great Fire (UK)
This miniseries portrays events during the Great Fire of London in 1666 from the points of view of the Farriner family, in whose bakery on Pudding Lane the fire started, and of the Royal Court. Starring Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch), Jack Huston (Parade’s End), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Man in an Orange Shirt), and Daniel Mays (1917), The Great Fire begins streaming Monday, April 27.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Prime Video.
Foyle’s War: Season 1 (UK)
Starring Michael Kitchen (Reckless) as DCS Christopher Foyle, this 1940s-set mystery-crime drama series follows the detective as he investigates crimes in Hastings, Sussex, England, with help from his driver Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks, Frankie Drake Mysteries) and DS Paul Milner (Anthony Howell, Luther). Foyle’s War: Season 1 begins streaming as a Prime Video title on Wednesday, April 1.
Mr. Selfridge: Season 1 (UK)
Jeremy Piven (Entourage) stars in this period drama as the eponymous American entrepreneur, who revolutionized shopping in the UK by opening a department store on Oxford Street in London. Costarring Ron Cook (Chernobyl), Tom Goodman-Hill (Humans), Amy Beth Hayes (The Mallorca Files), and Amanda Abbington (Sherlock), Mr. Selfridge: Season 1 begins streaming as a Prime Video title on Wednesday, April 1.
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Did you miss any of the new shows from previous days, weeks, or months? Check out the British TV Viewing Guide and Archives to find out.
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For details about the April premieres of shows from Australia and New Zealand, visit The Down Under TV Place. For those about the debuts of original-language, English-subtitled programs from Europe, visit The Euro TV Place.
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