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Best Channel 4 TV Shows to Watch Right Now [2023]

SB-best-Shows-on-Channel-4-UK

Are you looking for the best Channel 4 TV shows? Look no further. This article has all that you need.

Channel 4 TV is a British public-service free-to-air television network established to provide “alternative” content from an independent perspective and differs from the BBC and ITV.

This means Channel 4 free trial and the cost is zero unless you watch it through other subscriptions. However, you will need a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN to watch Channel 4 outside the UK.

The All 4 app supports a wide variety of streaming devices so that you can watch Channel 4 on Firestick, Windows, Mac, Roku, etc. If Channel 4 not working, you can delete Channel 4 account anytime, depending on your subscribed device.

With over 40 years in service, Channel 4 has aired some of the most popular films and groundbreaking shows on television, including First Dates, The Great British Bake Off , Consent, The Piano, Hunted, Travel Man Season 11, Top Dog and Gogglebox.

What are the Best Channel 4 TV Shows to Watch in UK?

Channel 4 TV has some of the best shows to offer in 2023. From classics such as Father Ted to brand new series such as Deceit, there’s something for everyone.

This article will discuss 29 of the most popular channel 4 TV shows to watch in UK in 2023. So, if you want something to make your evenings or weekends more enjoyable, look no further than this list. Here are the best Channel 4 TV shows.

Grand Designs (1999 – )

Grand-Designs-uk

Director: Ned Williams, Marc Beers, Elliot Kew

Writer: Kevin McCloud

Cast: Kevin McCloud, Robert Gaukroger, Jeremy Till, Tom Raffield, Deborah Sheridan-Taylor

Genre: Documentary

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Seasons: 22

Grand Designs is a classic Channel Four documentary series that has been running for over two decades. The show follows intrepid property developers who attempt to build their dream homes, often against the odds.

With stunning locations and some truly jaw-dropping houses, Grand Designs is essential viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in architecture or design. It is among the best of Channel 4’s output and still going strong after 22 seasons.

Derry Girls (2018 – 2022)

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Director: Michael Lennox

Writer: Lisa McGee

Cast: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Louisa Harland, Tommy Tiernan, Tara Lynne O’Neill

Genre: Comedy

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Seasons: 3

Derry Girls is a hysterically funny comedy-drama set in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. The show follows a group of teenage girls as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence against the backdrop of The Troubles.

With pitch-perfect writing and an outstanding cast, Derry Girls is one of the best comedies on television. It’s also one of the few shows that accurately capture the experience of growing up female in a male-dominated society.

Gogglebox (2013 – )

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Director: Jon Cahn, Tom Hutchings, Kayleigh Damen

Writer: Jon Cahn, Tom Hutchings, Kayleigh Damen

Cast: Ralf Woerdenweber, Alex Michael, Josh Tapper, Carolyne Michael, Craig Cash

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Seasons: 19

Gogglebox is a reality TV show with a difference. Instead of following the lives of rich and famous people, it focuses on a group of ordinary Britons who watch television for a living.

The show has been running for over nine years and is one of Channel 4’s most popular programs. It’s a warm, funny, and often moving look at British life, as seen through the eyes of some very opinionated couch potatoes.

Location, Location, Location (2000 – )

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Director: Mark Powell, Matthew Elmes, Marcus Boyle

Writer: Mark Powell, Matthew Elmes, Marcus Boyle

Cast: Kirstie Allsopp, Mike Sales, Phil Spencer, Phil Clark, Karen Stevens

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Seasons: 10

Location, Location, Location is a reality TV show with a difference. Rather than following the lives of rich celebrities or wannabe reality stars, it focuses on the real and relatable issue of finding a place to live.

The show follows Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer as they help hapless house-hunters find their perfect homes. It’s funny, heartwarming, and occasionally frustrating, but always entertaining. The show is now in its tenth season and shows no signs of slowing down.

Hunted (2015 – )

Hunted-uk

Director: Sam Eastall, Richard Parry, Miles Blayden-Ryall

Writer: Sam Eastall

Cast: Doug Ipperciel, Nicola Thorn, Danni Brooke, Paul Cashmore, Marc Cananur

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Seasons: 6

If you’re looking for a more light-hearted show, then Hunted might be just the thing. The show’s premise is simple; a group of everyday people goes on the run from a team of professional bounty hunters in an attempt to win a cash prize.

It’s thrilling, funny, and frequently edge-of-your-seat stuff, with some masterful hiding places and escape routes. It’s one of Channel 4’s most popular shows and definitely worth a watch.

Taskmaster (2015 – )

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Director: Andy Devonshire, Peter Orton

Writer: Alex Horne

Cast: Greg Davies, Alex Horne, Richard Herring, Kerry Godliman, Lou Sanders

Genre: Comedy, Game-Show

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

Seasons: 14

Taskmaster is a brilliant comedy game show that has been running on Channel Four since 2015. The show sees a group of comedians undertake a series of bizarre and absurd tasks, with the winner receiving a golden envelope containing a mystery prize.

Taskmaster is consistently funny and inventive, with some truly memorable moments (including one contestant attempting to eat a wasp). It’s one of the best television shows and well worth your time.

First Dates (2013 – )

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Director: Dave Symmons, Matt Rudge, George Riad

Writer: Ana de Moraes

Cast: Brian Protheroe, CiCi Coleman, Fred Sirieix, Austin Ventour, Merlin Griffiths

Genre: Reality-TV, Romance

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Seasons: 18

First Dates is a reality TV show with a difference. Rather than following the exploits of the rich and famous, First Dates focuses on ordinary people looking for love. The show follows a group of singletons as they go on first dates at a restaurant in London.

With its mix of awkward moments, heartwarming stories, and genuine emotion, First Dates has proved to be a massive hit with viewers and has been running for 18 seasons. It is one of the most popular shows on Channel 4 you need to watch.

Sunday Brunch (2012 – )

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Director: Ashley S. Gorman, Tim Verrinder, Dave Skinner

Writer: Ashley S. Gorman, Tim Verrinder, Dave Skinner

Cast: Tim Lovejoy, Rebecca Seal, Simon Rimmer, Ashley Banjo, Ian Burrell

Genre: Talk-show

IMDb Rating: 5.2/10

Seasons: 10

Sunday Brunch is a live cooking and chat show that airs on Sundays on Channel Four. The show is hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, with regular guests including chefs, celebrities, and food experts.

Each week, the hosts cook up a storm in the kitchen and offer tips and advice on everything from what to cook for a romantic dinner to how to make the perfect roast chicken. It is among the best Channel 4 shows in 2023.

24 Hours in Police Custody (2014 – )

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Director: Graeme McAulay, Alisa Pomeroy, John Douglas

Writer: Graeme McAulay, Alisa Pomeroy, John Douglas

Cast: Zawe Ashton, Attiq Malik, Royce Pierreson, Chris Hutton, Brett Jones

Genre: Documentary

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Seasons: 13

24 Hours in Police Custody is another long-running Channel Four documentary series that offers a unique insight into the British criminal justice system.

The show follows real-life police cases from start to finish, giving viewers an intimate look at the often grueling work of detectives and prosecutors. With its fly-on-the-wall approach, 24 Hours in Police Custody is both a compelling and thought-provoking viewing.

Hollyoaks (1995 – )

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Director: Paul Riordan, Nigel Keen, Sean Glynn

Writer: Phil Redmond, Edward Sellek, Vikki Tennant

Cast: Nick Pickard, Ashley Taylor Dawson, Kieron Richardson, Jessica Fox, Jennifer Metcalfe

Genre: Romance, Drama

IMDb Rating: 4.6/10

Seasons: 22

Hollyoaks is a British soap opera that has been running since 1995. The show is set in the fictional village of Hollyoaks and follows the lives of its residents.

Over the years, Hollyoaks has earned a reputation for tackling controversial topics, such as knife crime, mental health, and sexual assault. It is one of Channel 4’s most popular shows and is a big hit with viewers.

The Great British Bake Off (2010 – )

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Director: Andy Devonshire, Scott Tankard, Jeanette Goulbourn

Writer: Andy Devonshire, Scott Tankard, Jeanette Goulbourn

Cast: Paul Hollywood, Mel Giedroyc, Mary Berry, Prue Leith, Sue Perkins

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Seasons: 12

The Great British Bake Off is a reality TV baking competition that has been running on Channel 4 since 2010. The show has proved to be a massive hit with viewers, thanks to its combination of competitive cooking, celebrity guest appearances, and light-hearted banter between the hosts.

It involves a group of amateur bakers competing against each other to create the best baked goods, with a panel of expert judges crowning a winner each week. The show has been a considerable rating success and is currently in its 12th season.

Escape to the Chateau (2016 – 2021)

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Director: Miles Carter, Jonathan Hales, Sean Lewis

Writer: Miles Carter, Jonathan Hales, Sean Lewis

Cast: Tracy-Ann Oberman, Angel Adoree, Dick Strawbridge, Stephen Newman, Jennifer Newman

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Seasons: 8

Escape to the Chateau is a reality TV show with a difference. It follows British couple Dick and Angel Strawbridge as they purchase, renovate, and restore a 19th-century French chateau.

The show is equal parts home improvement series, family drama, and social experiment, as Strawbridge’s attempt to adapt to life in rural France. Escape to the Chateau is one of the most addictive reality shows on TV.

SAS: Who Dares Wins (2015 – )

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Director: Phil Turner, Freddie Foss-Smith, Alex Kiehl

Writer: Phil Turner, Freddie Foss-Smith, Alex Kiehl

Cast: Jason Fox, Mark Billingham, Shaun Dooley, Matthew Ollerton, Ant Middleton

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Seasons: 7

SAS: Who Dares Wins is a Channel Four reality TV show that follows a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers as they put a group of civilian men through their paces in grueling challenges.

The show is tough, often brutal, but hugely entertaining and popular. With seven seasons already aired, no sign of SAS: Who Dares Wins slowing down soon. It is one of the best reality TV shows currently on television.

Married At First Sight UK (2015 – )

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Director: James Kayler, Richard Lovering, Nicola Bathurst

Writer: James Kayler, Richard Lovering, Nicola Bathurst

Cast: Mel Schilling, Charlene Douglas, Paul C. Brunson, Steven James Griffiths, Pepper Schwartz

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

Seasons: 7

Married At First Sight UK is a reality TV show with a difference. It follows couples who have agreed to get married without meeting each other first.

The cameras document the build-up to the big day and the early days of marriage, as the couples get to know each other for the first time. It’s a fascinating insight into human relationships, and the show has proved hugely popular with viewers.

The Inbetweeners (2008 – 2010)

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Director: Ben Palmer, Damon Beesley, Gordon Anderson

Writer: Damon Beesley, Iain Morris

Cast: Simon Bird, Blake Harrison, James Buckley, Greg Davies, Joe Thomas

Genre: Comedy

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Seasons: 3

The Inbetweeners was a massive hit for Channel Four when it aired between 2008 and 2010. The show follows a group of teenage friends navigating the ups and downs of sixth-form life.

Hilarious and relatable, The Inbetweeners was a coming-of-age comedy that struck a chord with viewers of all ages. It remains one of Channel 4’s most successful shows ever.

It’s A Sin (2021)

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Director: Peter Hoar

Writer: Russell T Davies

Cast: Olly Alexander, Callum Scott Howells, Nathaniel Curtis, Shaun Dooley, Lydia West

Genre: Drama, Comedy, History

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Seasons: 1

It’s A Sin is a brand new series from the legendary Russell T Davies, best known for his work on Queer as Folk and Doctor Who. The show follows a group of young gay men in London during the early years of the AIDS crisis, from 1981 to 1991.

It’s a heart-wrenching, funny, and uplifting series essential for viewing in 2023. It is one of the best Channel 4 TV shows of 2021 and is sure to be one of the most talked-about series of 2022.

The Virtues (2019)

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Director: Shane Meadows

Writer: Shane Meadows, Jack Thorne

Cast: Stephen Graham, Mark O’Halloran, Helen Behan, Niamh Algar, Frank Laverty

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Seasons: 1

The Virtues is a gritty and emotionally charged drama from acclaimed filmmaker Shane Meadows. The show follows Joseph, a man haunted by his dark past who is forced to return to Liverpool when his estranged son goes missing.

With stunning performances from Stephen Graham and Mark O’Halloran, The Virtues is a must-watch for fans of Meadows’ previous work.

24 Hours in A&E (2011 – )

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Director: Jackie Waldock, Alex Sunderland, Bruce Fletcher

Writer: Jackie Waldock, Alex Sunderland, Bruce Fletcher

Cast: Anthony Philipson, Peggy Coldwells

Genre: Documentary

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Seasons: 26

24 Hours in A&E is a gritty and often emotional documentary series that follows the staff and patients of a busy London hospital over the course of one day.

The show offers a fascinating insight into the workings of the NHS and the dedication of those who work within it. It is sometimes tough to watch but always compulsive viewing.

Travel Man: 48 Hours In… (2015 – )

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Director: Nicola Silk, Winston Gallagher, Leo McCrea

Writer: Richard Ayoade, Chris Richards, James Kettle

Cast: Richard Ayoade, Aisling Bea, Joe Lycett, Chris O’Dowd, Paul Rudd

Genre: Documentary, Adventure, Comedy

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Seasons: 10

If you’re looking for a light-hearted travel show to take your mind off of things, then look no further than Travel Man: 48 Hours In.

The premise is simple; each episode sees host Richard Ayoade visit a different city with a celebrity guest and attempt to cram in as much sightseeing and culture as possible for 48 hours.

Friday Night Dinner (2011 – 2020)

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Director: Martin Dennis, Robert Popper, Steve Bendelack

Writer: Robert Popper

Cast: Tamsin Greig, Paul Ritter, Simon Bird, Mark Heap, Tom Rosenthal

Genre: Comedy

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Seasons: 6

Friday Night Dinner is a hilarious sitcom about the weekly gathering of the Goodman family for a traditional Shabbat dinner.

Patriarch Martin (Paul Ritter) and his wife Jackie (Tamsin Greig) are always up to some antics, while their sons Adam (Simon Bird) and Jonny (Tom Rosenthal) try to navigate their own adult lives.

The Curse (2022 – )

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Director: James De Frond

Writer: Hugo Chegwin, James De Frond, Tom Davis

Cast: Allan Mustafa, Emer Kenny, Tom Davis, Steve Stamp, Hugo Chegwin

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Seasons: 1

The Curse is a brand new reality TV show from Channel 4 set in the 1980s. It features a group of crooks who make the wrong judgment together with stupid ideas and bad planning.

The result is a string of hapless capers and bungled gold heists that are often hilarious, sometimes tragic, and always entertaining. It is among the best Channel 4 TV shows to watch in UK in 2023.

Screw (2022 – )

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Director: Jordan Hogg, Tom Vaughan

Writer: Rob Williams, Karla Crome, Roanne Bardsley

Cast: Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Laura Checkley, Nina Sosanya, Stephen Wight, Faraz Ayub

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Seasons: 2

The screw is a brand new Channel Four crime drama that started to air in 2023. The show follows a prison officer in an all-male maximum-security prison in Britain.

It portrays the daily challenges she faces and the dark side of prison life that is often hidden from the public. Screw is a gritty and realistic drama that provides a unique insight into the British prison system. It is one of the best new shows on Channel Four and well worth watching.

Four in a Bed (2010 – )

Four-in-a-Bed-uk

Director: Lucy Malins, Charlotte Smith, Sharon Bennett

Writer: Lucy Malins, Charlotte Smith, Sharon Bennett

Cast: Mike Adams, Philip Olivier, Duncan Wisbey, Stephanie Parker, Dominic Parker

Genre: Reality-TV

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Seasons: 13

Four in a Bed is a reality TV show with a difference. Rather than following the lives of rich and famous people, or those with extraordinary jobs, it focuses on something much more mundane: the British bed and breakfast industry.

Each episode sees four different B&B owners compete to be crowned the best value for money. It’s a fascinating insight into a world most of us take for granted, and it’s often hilarious too.

Father Ted (1995 – 1998)

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Director: Declan Lowney, Andy De Emmony

Writer: Arthur Mathews, Graham Linehan

Cast: Ardal O’Hanlon, Dermot Morgan, Frank Kelly, Tony Guilfoyle, Pauline McLynn

Genre: Comedy

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Seasons: 3

Father Ted is one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time. Set on the fictional Craggy Island, the show follows the misadventures of three hapless Catholic priests as they try to avoid being sent to prison, deal with the eccentric locals, and generally make a hash of everything they try to do.

With its clever writing and stellar cast, Father Ted is a hilarious and timeless comedy that will entertain viewers of all ages.

Embarrassing Bodies (2008 – )

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Directors: Harry Beney, Francois Gandolfi

Writer: Harry Beney, Francois Gandolfi

Cast: Christian Jessen, Ashley Jensen, Pixie McKenna, Dawn Harper

Genre: Documentary

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Seasons: 5

Embarrassing Bodies is a Channel Four documentary series that follows a team of doctors as they provide treatment for patients with a wide range of embarrassing and often sensitive medical conditions.

The show is fascinating and educational, offering an insight into the human body that most of us would never normally get to see. It is one of the most popular shows on Channel 4, having aired for five seasons.

Steph’s Packed Lunch (2020 – )

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Director: Steph McGovern

Writer: Steph McGovern, Craig Cash

Cast: Steph McGovern, John Whaite, Russell Kane, Luke Kempner, Chris Kamara

Genre: Talk Show

IMDb Rating: 3.7/10

Seasons: 4

Steph’s Packed Lunch is a new daytime talk show from Channel Four, presented by Steph McGovern. The show is a mix of interviews, topical discussions, and fun segments, focusing on what matters to working families.

With an impressive lineup of guests and plenty of laughs, Steph’s Packed Lunch is fast becoming one of the essential viewings for busy mums and dads up and down the country.

Close to Me (2021 – )

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Director: Michael Samuels

Writer: Angela Pell, Matt Delargy, Amanda Reynolds

Cast: Connie Nielsen, Susan Lynch, Christopher Eccleston, Nick Blood, Leanne Best

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

Seasons: 1

Close to Me is a brand new thriller series from Channel Four that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show features Jo Harding, a woman who had a perfect life until an accident erased part of her memory.

As she tries to gather the pieces of her life back together, she realizes some dark secrets are lurking below the surface. With a stellar cast and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Close to Me is one of the best new shows on Channel Four and well worth checking out.

Deceit (2021)

Deceit-uk

Director: Niall MacCormick

Writer: Emilia di Girolamo

Cast: Niamh Algar, Sion Daniel Young, Eddie Marsan, Harry Treadaway, Sion Daniel Young

Genre: Biography, Drama, Crime

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Seasons: 1

Deceit is a brand new series from Channel Four that is also one of the most talked-about shows of the year. The show tells the story of a controversial honeytrap operation used in a 1992 police investigation of a murdered woman in London.

The show has been praised for its nuanced exploration of morality and ethics and its strong performances from a stellar cast. Deceit is essential viewing for anyone interested in political thrillers or true crime stories. It is one of the best Channel 4 dramas of 2022.

Humans (2015 – 2018)

Humans-uk

Directors: Lewis Arnold, China Moo-Young, Samuel Donovan

Writer: Lars Lundström, Sam Vincent, Jonathan Brackley

Cast: Katherine Parkinson, Lucy Carless, Gemma Chan, Colin Morgan, Tom Goodman-Hill

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Seasons: 3

If you’re a fan of sci-fi, then Humans is a must-watch. The show is set in a future where advanced artificial intelligence has become commonplace, with many opting to have ‘synths’ (synthetic humans) as servants or companions.

However, as the show explores, these synths are far from perfect, and their increasing sophistication leads to some worrying implications for the future of humanity. With excellent acting and writing, Humans is a thought-provoking and gripping series.

Recommended Shows to Watch On Channel 4 in July 2023:

More Streaming Guide for Channel 4:

Conclusion

The above list represents some of the best channel 4 TV shows to watch in UK in 2023. As you can see from the Channel 4 drama series list, there is a little something for everyone.

Whether you are looking for a comedy, drama, or reality show, Channel 4 has got you covered. So, set up your DVRs or streaming device and get ready to laugh, cry, and be entertained by some of the best television shows.

We hope you find this list helpful and enjoy watching the shows.

Joshua Garner
Joshua Garner
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Joshua calls himself nerd+geek who is also passionate about rugby. He enjoys comics, animes, and science fiction. He finds his comfort in writing about suspense, thrillers and science fiction shows and movies.

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