What’s New and Noteworthy on BritBox This Month
For fans of British television, BritBox continues to be a treasure trove of compelling dramas, insightful documentaries, and laugh-out-loud comedies. Whether you’re looking for the latest gripping crime series or a heartwarming look at life in the UK, there’s always something to pique your interest. This month sees the addition of some captivating new titles, alongside a host of recently added gems that are perfect for a binge-watching session.
This Week’s Premieres on BritBox
BritBox is kicking off April with a bang, offering two highly anticipated new releases that promise to deliver both stunning scenery and intricate crime-solving.
Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles – 1 April
This captivating three-part documentary series invites viewers to the breathtaking Shetland Islands. It offers an intimate look at the lives of native Shetlanders, alongside the experiences of those who have recently moved to these remote and beautiful landscapes. Expect stunning vistas and engaging personal stories, featuring the talents of Mark Bonnar.Silent Witness Season 29 – 2 April
The ever-popular forensic crime drama returns with its 29th season. The dedicated team of forensic pathologists and scientists are settling into their new laboratory in Birmingham. Their work remains as challenging and vital as ever, with the season opener tackling a case where Artificial Intelligence is being used to exacerbate racial tensions. As the season unfolds, the team will investigate the shocking demise of an elderly man found impaled by a screwdriver, and the international repercussions of the murder of a Chinese-British activist. Adding a layer of personal peril, one of the forensic team members finds themselves in a life-threatening situation, bringing the danger uncomfortably close to home. The series stars Emilia Fox, David Caves, Maggie Steed, Francesca Mills, Sophie Hopkins, Nathan Wright, and Adam Rayner.
Recently Added to the BritBox Library
March brought a fantastic array of new content to BritBox, ensuring there’s plenty to keep you entertained. From sunny island mysteries to insightful royal documentaries and relatable family sitcoms, these recent additions are well worth your time.
Death in Paradise Season 15 – 24 March
The beloved crime comedy-drama continues its run with its 15th season. Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, portrayed by Don Gilet, is still finding his feet on the idyllic island of Saint Marie. He and his team are tasked with solving a series of perplexing cases. Meanwhile, Mervin is trying to build a relationship with his recently discovered half-brother, Solomon (Daniel Ward). However, their differences quickly become apparent, leading to a degree of frustration for Mervin. Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is grappling with the aftermath of a recent absence and, with a little tough advice from his old friend Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), he’s determined to regain the islanders’ trust. New recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) joins the team, assisted by Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah). However, Mattie’s arrival is complicated by shadows from her past. With fresh plotlines and new faces, Season 15 is set to be a must-watch.Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors – 17 March
This intimate 90-minute documentary offers an unprecedented look into Queen Camilla’s dedicated advocacy work concerning domestic and sexual abuse. For the past decade, she has been a vocal proponent for raising awareness of these critical issues. The film captures her engaging with survivors, campaigners, and change-makers, from hosting roundtables with teenagers to celebrating International Women’s Day at Buckingham Palace. It delves into the root causes of abuse and explores pathways to breaking its cycle. Queen Camilla shares candid reflections on her motivations and provides a rare glimpse into her private meetings and official engagements over the course of a year.Motherland Seasons 1-3 – 4 March
Anna Maxwell-Martin (known for her roles in Bleak House, Line Of Duty, and South Riding) stars as Julia Johnstone, a working mother navigating the chaos of a parent group and an absent husband, all while dealing with the relentless challenges of modern motherhood. Julia finds herself needing to take a more active role in her children’s lives when her mother stops helping with childcare. This leads her to the local parents’ group, where she encounters other parents like Liz (a fellow working mum), Kevin (a stay-at-home dad), and the sharp, confident Amanda. Together, they face the trials, traumas, and sheer absurdity of raising children in today’s world, forging an unexpected bond. Motherland is celebrated for its brutal honesty and hilarious insights. This critically acclaimed, binge-worthy sitcom offers a refreshingly unromantic and chaotic portrayal of middle-class motherhood, capturing the hyper-competitive landscape of modern parenting with genuine humour and relatability.8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Seasons 7-8 – 10 March
This popular British comedy panel show mash-up sees the quick-witted format of 8 Out of 10 Cats, hosted by Jimmy Carr, tackle the mathematical and word-based challenges of the classic game show Countdown. What began as a series of specials, including one for Channel 4’s 30th anniversary in 2012, proved so popular that it has since spawned numerous seasons. As of August 2024, the show has aired an impressive 162 episodes, a testament to its enduring appeal.Out There Season 1 – 10 March
Starring Martin Clunes (famous for his roles in Doc Martin, Men Behaving Badly, and Reggie Perrin), this compelling new drama centres on Nathan Williams, a Welsh farmer whose tranquil existence is shattered when urban criminal gangs begin using the British countryside for drug and money laundering operations. Nathan, a widower still coming to terms with grief while raising his teenage son on a farm passed down through generations, finds his world invaded. As the criminals encroach on his land, Nathan is forced to risk everything to protect his family, his farm, and his family’s legacy in this tense and thrilling drama. Hailing from the same team behind Manhunt, Out There is a guaranteed edge-of-your-seat viewing experience. It has even been dubbed the ‘Breaking Bad of Wales’ by The Times, a comparison that hints at the gripping narrative viewers can expect.
