April brings the national premieres of 28 new series, seasons, and specials from the UK, Ireland, and Canada to the US, plus 7 local-regional additions on public TV stations.
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.
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NATIONAL PREMIERES
The Last Bus (UK)
This adventure comedy-drama follows a group of whip-smart students who, after embarking on a life-changing field trip, fight to save humanity from an army of ruthless drones. Featuring Robert Sheehan (Misfits), The Last Bus, a Netflix Series, premieres globally on Friday, April 1, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
The Outlaws (UK)
Set in Bristol, this comedy-thriller follows seven strangers who, while completing their Community Payback sentences together, discover a bag full of cash hidden in the derelict community center they’re meant to renovate — and soon find themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous criminal turf war. (For further details, read this article.) The Outlaws, an Amazon Original, premieres in the US on Friday, April 1, exclusively on Prime Video. (You can add it to your watchlist now).
Prince Philip: Prince, Husband, Father (UK)
This recent film commemorates the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away April 9, 2021. Using the late Prince’s own words and drawing upon rare archival recordings, viewers will hear him touching on a range of topics, including the role of the monarchy. Prince Philip: Prince, Husband, Father premieres in the US on Friday, April 1, on True Royalty.
Slow Horses (UK-US)
Based on Mick Herron‘s novel of the same name, this thriller follows a team of British intelligence agents at Slough House, an MI5 dumping ground for those who made career-ending mistakes. Amongst them is River Cartwright (Jack Lowden, The Tunnel), who sees a chance to redeem himself after kidnappers threaten to behead a young man they’ve abducted. But is everything as it seems? Starring Gary Oldman (Mank), Slow Horses premieres in the US on Friday, April 1, on Apple TV+.
Harry Wild (IE)
Jane Seymour (Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman) stars in this new mystery series as Harriet “Harry” Wild, a recently retired English professor who, after figuring out whodunit on her detective son’s case, discovers a new lust for life solving mysteries with her teenage mugger-turned-sidekick. (For further details, read this article.) Harry Wild, an Acorn TV Original, premieres in the US and Canada with its first two (of eight) episodes on Monday, April 4, exclusively on Acorn TV. New episodes will debut in pairs through April 25.
Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story (UK)
As the title suggests, this program centers on Jimmy Savile, a British TV star who charmed a nation with his eccentricity and philanthropy. But sexual abuse allegations expose a shocking unseen side of his persona. Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story, a Netflix Documentary, premieres globally on Wednesday, April 6, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Hard Cell (UK)
Created by and starring Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), this mockumentary comedy series follows Laura Willis, an events planner-turned-women’s prison governor as she documents the thrills and spills of life behind bars. Hard Cell, a Netflix Series, premieres globally on Tuesday, April 12, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Rise of the Nazis: Dictators at War (Season 2) (UK)
Season 2 of this docuseries looks at why dictatorships fail. Its three episodes center on Hitler’s attack on the Soviet Union and the aftermath of the Nazis’ defeat on the Eastern Front. (For further details, read this article.) Rise of the Nazis: Dictators at War premieres in the US on Tuesday, April 12, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings). New episodes will debut on April 19 and 26. (Photo courtesy of 72 Films)
Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (UK)
Based on Agatha Christie’s iconic novel, this mystery miniseries, adapted and directed by Hugh Laurie (House), sees amiable Bobby Jones (Will Poulter, Dopesick) finding a dying man on a golf course. The man gasps the cryptic question of the series’ title with his last breath, after which Bobby and his whip-smart socialite friend, Lady Frances “Frankie” Derwent (Lucy Boynton, The Politician), embark on a danger-filled crime-solving adventure to find the answer to the mysterious question. Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, a BritBox Original, premieres in North America on Tuesday, April 12, exclusively on BritBox.
Deceit (UK)
This true-crime drama is based on the controversial honeypot operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in Southwest London in 1992. It stars Niamh Algar (The Virtues) as codenamed undercover officer “Lizzie James,” who serves as bait for a suspected murderer in the sting. Costarring Eddie Marsan (The Pact), Deceit premieres in the US with its first (of four) episodes on Thursday, April 14, exclusively on Topic. New episodes will debut weekly.
The Great Pottery Throw Down: Season 5 (UK)
This competition series returns with twelve new contestants putting their pottery skills to the test in their quest to be named Britain’s best home potter. Joining Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) as a host is Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso), and both master potter Keith Brymer Jones and ceramics expert Rich Miller return as judges. The Great Pottery Throw Down: Season 5, a Max Original, premieres in the US on Thursday, April 14, exclusively on HBO Max. (Video is from Season 4)
Anatomy of a Scandal (UK)
Based on Sarah Vaughan‘s best-selling novel, this psychological thriller and courtroom drama revolves around MP James Whitehouse (Rupert Friend, Homeland), whose seemingly idyllic life is turned upside down when a scandalous secret comes to light. (For further details, read this article.) Anatomy of a Scandal, a Netflix Series, premieres globally on Friday, April 15, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
The Cellar (IE)
This horror film follows Keira Woods (Elisha Cuthbert, 24), whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. After discovering an ancient, powerful entity controls their home, she realizes she must face it or risk losing her family’s souls forever. The Cellar, a Shudder Original, premieres in the US exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ on Friday, April 15 — day and date with the film’s theatrical release.
Choose or Die (UK)
This horror thriller sees two friends, tempted by a chance to win unclaimed prize money, rebooting a mysterious 1980s video game and unwittingly stepping into a surreal world of next-level terror. Starring Iola Evans (Vera), Asa Butterfield (Sex Education), and Eddie Marsan (River), Choose or Die, a Netflix Film, premieres globally on Friday, April 15, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Easter from King’s 2022 (UK)
This annual tradition returns us to the Chapel of King’s College in Cambridge, where the Easter celebration features readings and seasonal hymns performed by the world-famous choir. Easter from King’s 2022 premieres in North America on Saturday, April 16, exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from 2021)
Annika (UK)
Nicola Walker (Unforgotten) stars in this new mystery-crime drama series as DI Annika Strandhed, the head of Glasgow’s newly-formed Marine Homicide Unit, whose M.O. of linking crimes under investigation to literature and mythology proves to be quite effective. (For further details, read this article). Annika premieres in the US on Sunday, April 17, on PBS Passport and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils (UK)
In this second of three Doctor Who specials airing this year, the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), Yaz (Mandip Gill), and Dan (John Bishop) are in 19th century China, where a small coastal village is under threat from both the fearsome pirate queen Madame Ching (Crystal Yu, Casualty) and a monstrous alien force which she unwittingly unleashes. Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils premieres in the US on Sunday, April 17, on BBC America and AMC+. (Photo Credit: James Pardon / BBC Studios / BBC America)
Hidden Assets (IE-BE)
This crime drama sees Irish Detective Emer Berry (Angeline Ball, Keeping Faith) and Belgian Police Commissioner Christian De Jong (Wouter Hendrickx, Undercover) investigating the link between rough diamonds in Ireland to a series of bombings in Belgium. After unraveling a political conspiracy, they must stop another terrorist attack before it’s too late. (For further details, read this article.) Hidden Assets, an Acorn TV Original, premieres in the US with its first two episodes (of six) on Monday, April 18, exclusively on Acorn TV. New episodes will debut in pairs through May 2.
Yorkshire Ripper: The Secret Murders (UK)
This docuseries explores more than 20 unsolved murders and attempted murders linked to Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper. Yorkshire Ripper: The Secret Murders premieres in the US in its entirety on Tuesday, April 19, exclusively on Sundance Now and AMC+.
Heartstopper (UK)
In this new coming-of-age series, teens Charlie (newcomer Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor, His Dark Materials) discover their unlikely friendship might be something more, as they navigate school and young love. Heartstopper, a Netflix Series, premieres globally on Friday, April 22, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Pretty Hard Cases: Season 2 (CA)
The new season of this comedy crime drama finds detective duo Samantha Wazowski (Meredith MacNeill, Baroness Von Sketch Show) and Kelly Duff (Adrienne C. Moore, Orange Is the New Black) up against a new-age gang that doesn’t operate by the same old rules, forcing the cops to put their lives on the line as they attempt the riskiest take-down of their careers. Pretty Hard Cases: Season 2, an IMDb TV Original, premieres in the US on Friday, April 22, exclusively on IMDb TV.
The Trick (UK)
This historical drama, based on the 2009 Climategate scandal, stars Jason Watkins (McDonald & Dodds) as Phil Jones, a professor and the Director of Climate Research at the University of East Anglia. After a hacking incident, he and his team find themselves at the center of a media storm when their 30 years of research work is discredited in a fake news attack. The Trick premieres in the US on Friday, April 22, at 10 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings).
A Very British Scandal (UK)
Claire Foy (The Crown) and Paul Bettany (WandaVision) star in this historical drama about the divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll — a notorious and brutal legal case that featured accusations of forgery, theft, violence, drug-taking, secret recording, bribery, and an explicit Polaroid picture — all played out in the white-hot glare of the 1960s media. A Very British Scandal, an Amazon Original, premieres in the US on Friday, April 22, exclusively on Prime Video
The Baby (US-UK)
In this horror comedy series, 38-year-old Natasha (Michelle De Swarte, The Duchess) doesn’t want to be a parent, yet finds herself unexpectedly landed with baby — a cute but manipulative one with a deadly nature. (For further details, read this article.) The Baby premieres in the US with Episode 1 (of 8) on Sunday, April 24, at 10:30 PM ET/PT, on HBO; it will be available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes will debut weekly.
The Man Who Fell to Earth (US-UK)
Based on Walter Tevis’s novel of the same name and the iconic film that starred David Bowie, this sci-fi drama stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) as an alien who comes on Earth to find Justin Falls (Naomie Harris, Skyfall), a scientist and the only person on earth who can help save his species. Together they discover that, in order to save his world, they must first save ours. The Man Who Fell to Earth premieres in the US on Sunday, April 24, at 10 PM ET/PT, exclusively on Showtime.
Smother: Season 2 (IE-UK)
Following on from the events in Season 1, the new season of this mystery thriller finds Val Ahern’s (Dervla Kirwan, The Stranger) world rocked once again, this time by the stranger who turns up on her doorstep claiming to be the estranged son of her late husband. (For further details, read this article.) Smother: Season 2, a Peacock Original, premieres in the US on Thursday, April 28, exclusively on Peacock TV.
Ten Percent (UK)
This English adaptation of the hit French series Call My Agent! follows the staff of a talent agency as they hustle to keep clients happy after the abrupt death of their founder. Series regulars include Jack Davenport (The Pirates of the Caribbean), Lydia Leonard (Flesh and Blood), Maggie Steed (Elizabeth Is Missing), and Prasanna Puwanarajah (Patrick Melrose). Guest stars include Dominic West, Helena Bonham Carter, Himesh Patel, Phoebe Dynevor, and more. Ten Percent premieres in the US on Friday, April 29, exclusively on Sundance Now and AMC+.
Gentleman Jack: Season 2 (UK)
Opening in 1834, the new season of this historical drama finds Anne Lister (Suranne Jones, Vigil) and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle, Peaky Blinders) setting up home as wife and wife at Shibden Hall. Halifax is on the brink of revolution, and Lister’s refusal to keep a low profile becomes dangerous for them. (For further details, read this article.) Gentleman Jack premieres in the US on HBO (date tba), and will be available for streaming on HBO Max.
LOCAL/REGIONAL PREMIERES & NON-PREMIERE ADDITIONS
Select public TV stations and regional networks will begin airing the programs below on or after April 1, except where noted otherwise. Check you local listings or contact the station that serves your area for air dates and times. To request the shows, contact your public TV station or American Public Television.
Battle Honours (UK)
This six-part docuseries unpacks stories of World War II through the men who fought the battles, revealing the experiences — from recruitment and training, to the hard lessons and scars carried from one combat arena to the next — that shaped the way these battles were fought. Battle Honours is confirmed for airing on Iowa PBS, Kentucky Educational Television, KSPS, Nebraska Public Media, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, WBGU, WITF, and WNEO.
In the Footsteps of… (UK)
In this four-episode travel series, host Gyles Brandreth visits the places that inspired some of Britain’s most famous storytellers, including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, and Thomas Hardy. He also unlocks the secrets behind their novels and uncovers the true-life events that inspired some of the greatest stories ever told. In the Footsteps of… is confirmed for airing on Idaho Public Television, Iowa PBS, KCPT, Kentucky Educational Television, KQEH, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Maryland Public Television, Montana PBS, WDSE, WNED, WPBS, and WXXI.
The Man Who Destroyed Oscar Wilde (UK)
In this documentary, Merlin Holland, grandson of Oscar Wilde, tells the epic story of the famous playwright’s courtroom duel and downfall at the hands of an attorney he once called an “old friend.” The Man Who Destroyed Oscar Wilde is confirmed for airing on Kentucky Educational Television, KQEH, Maryland Public Television, WCVE, WPBS, WSBE, and WVPT.
The Queen and Her Prime Ministers (UK)
This documentary uses archive footage and personal accounts to show how, over the last 70 years, the Queen has accompanied her prime ministers through their times in office. The Queen and Her Prime Ministers, which begins airing on or after April 28, is confirmed for airing on Georgia Public Broadcasting, KERA, KMOS, KQEH, KSPS, KUAT, Maryland Public Television, Montana PBS, Oregon Public Broadcasting, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Vermont PBS, WBGU, WCVE, WILL, WMVS, WNED, WNEO, WPBS, WSKG, WVPT, WXEL, and WyomingPBS.
The Queen: Anthology – A Life on Film (UK)
This unique collection of visual stories chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from her birth and days as a young queen in waiting, to her Coronation, major life events, and milestones. The Queen: Anthology – A Life on Film, which begins airing on or after April 28, is confirmed for airing on Georgia Public Broadcasting, KCTS, Kentucky Educational Television, KERA, KMOS, KPBS, KQEH, KSPS, KUAT, Maryland Public Television, Montana PBS, Oregon Public Broadcasting, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Vermont PBS, WBGU, WCET, WCVE, WILL, WITF, WMHT, WMVS, WNED, WNEO, WOSU, WPBS, WQPT, WSBE, WSKG, WVPT, WXEL, WXXI, and WyomingPBS.
Rebus: Seasons 2-4 (UK/Scotland)
Based on the crime novels by Ian Rankin, this dark, gritty mystery-crime drama series follows tough, street-savvy detective DI John Rebus (Ken Stott, Crime) as he investigates crimes in Edinburgh, Scotland. Rebus: Seasons 2-4 is confirmed for airing on KQED, Maryland Public Television, WDSE, WISC, and WPBS.
Secrets of the Museum (UK)
This six-part docuseries goes behind the scenes at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, where only a fraction of its 2-million-item collection is on public display. Secrets of the Museum is confirmed for airing on Idaho Public Television, Iowa PBS, Kentucky Educational Television, KERA, KPJK, KQEH, KRSU, KUEN, Oregon Public Broadcasting, WEDU, WNED, WOSU, WSBE, and WXXI.
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 Acorn TV on Amazon.
Walking Through History: Season 3 (UK)
In this docuseries, Tony Robinson (Time Team) takes spectacular strolls through Britain’s past, discovering the hidden stories to many of the country’s landmarks and infusing each walk with an appreciation of some of the striking landscapes and geographical features. Walking Through History: Season 3 begins streaming Monday, April 4.
Coming Home (UK)
Based on Rosamunde Pilcher‘s novel of the same name, this drama follows Judith Dunbar (Emily Mortimer, Mary Poppins Returns), a boarding school student whose friendship with a fellow student introduces her to a world of glamor and wealth — all while she is unaware that war is looming. Coming Home begins streaming Monday, April 11.
Discovering Hamlet (US)
Narrated by Patrick Stewart, this TV documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of Kenneth Branagh’s first time playing Hamlet professionally, under the guidance of Derek Jacobi. Discovering Hamlet begins streaming Monday, April 18.
Shakespeare – The Legacy (UK)
Hosted by John Nettles, this one-hour special celebrates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. It reveals the man who transformed the London theatre and the English language, and unlocks some of the mysteries surrounding his life and the legacy of his work. Shakespeare – The Legacy begins streaming Monday, April 18.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on AMC+ and its digital channels, including AMC+ on Amazon.
Finding Joy: Season 2 (IE)
Season 2 of this comedy finds single, 30-something Joy Morris (series creator, writer, and star Any Huberman, Striking Out) reborn as an online entrepreneur, launching her own video channel to establish her brand of finding happiness and fulfillment in everyday life, aided by Stan (Paul Reid, Rebellion) on camera and Emer (Ruth Kearney, Sanditon) on everything else. Finding Joy: Season 2 begins streaming Thursday, April 7.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on BritBox and its digital channels, including BritBox on Amazon.
Stand-Up Comedy Collection
Titles on this curated list of standup specials (see below), which features established and up-and-coming comedians, begin streaming Friday, April 1.
- BBC Presents: Stand Up for Live Comedy
- Craig Ferguson: I’m Here to Help
- Eddie Izzard: Definite Article
- Eddie Izzard: Glorious
- Gina Yashere: Skinny B*tch
- John Bishop: Live: Supersonic – At the Royal Albert Hall
- Live at the Apollo Seasons 13-15 & Best of
- Live from the BBC: Seasons 1-3
- Russell Brand: Messiah Complex
- The Stand Up Sketch Show: Seasons 1-3 (BritBox exclusive)
- Steve Coogan’s Stand Up Down Under
Macbeth (2018) (UK)
Bridging the gap between theatre and film, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy is set in a world that is an arresting blend of medieval imagery and modern aesthetics. A timeless tale of unchecked ambition, soured friendships, lost intimacy, and a descent into nihilism, it stars Mark Rowley (The Last Kingdom) as the titular Scottish general-turned-king. Macbeth begins streaming Friday, April 8.
Antiques Roadshow: Season 41 (UK)
This ever-popular series features members of the public bringing their antiques for examination and sharing stories of how they came to own them, and specialists in art, furniture, and collectables advising them on the history of the pieces and their likely value. Included in this season is a special episode marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Antiques Roadshow: Season 41 begins streaming Friday, April 22.
Doctor Foster: Seasons 1-2 (UK)
Suranne Jones (Scott & Bailey) stars in this drama thriller as Gemma Foster, a talented and respected family doctor who, in suspecting her husband of having an affair, starts behaving in ways that are out of character for her, throwing the lives of her family, her patients, and herself into chaos. Doctor Foster: Seasons 1-2 begins streaming Tuesday, April 26.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Shudder and its digital channels, including Shudder on Amazon, as well as on the AMC+ streaming bundle.
See For Me (CA)
In this thriller film, a blind young woman must defend herself against home invaders with help from an Army veteran — via an app. See For Me begins streaming Thursday, April 7, exclusively on Shudder and AMC+.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Sundance Now and its digital channels, including Sundance Now on Amazon, as well as on the AMC+ streaming bundle.
Still Life (UK)
Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan) stars in this feature drama as John May, whose work for the local council in South London entails finding the next of kin of those who have died alone. The case of an elderly alcoholic in a flat directly opposite his hits him harder than usual, so John journeys outside London to track down the man’s long-abandoned daughter (Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey). Against the odds, the two lonely souls are drawn to each other, and John starts opening up to life’s possibilities. Still Life begins streaming Monday, April 11.
Lilting (UK)
Set in contemporary London, this drama centers on a Cambodian-Chinese mother (Pei-Pei Cheng, Mulan), who, while mourning the untimely death of her son, finds her world suddenly disrupted by the presence of a stranger (Ben Whishaw, London Spy). Owing to language differences, a translator helps piece together their memories of the man they both loved. Lilting begins streaming Monday, April 18.
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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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