5 Must-Watch BBC TV Shows and Dramas Coming in November 2026
November 2026 brings a strong run of British television to BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Whether you enjoy spy thrillers, crime dramas, sharp comedy or a clever mockumentary, there is something new waiting for you on the BBC this month.
Here you will find five must-watch BBC titles for November 2026. They are ranked from fifth place to the top pick, so the strongest choice is saved for last. Each entry gives you the release details, the premise and the reasons the show deserves a place on your watchlist.
The line-up covers a lot of ground. You will see a Cold War spy drama, a returning Scottish crime series, a Liverpool gangster drama, a new sitcom from Baby Cow and a comedy that takes on the history of cinema. Some titles suit a cosy night in, while others reward your full attention.
Some viewers prefer a steady weekly watch, while others want a full run to binge over a weekend. This guide helps you decide, because each entry notes how the show is released and whether you should plan around weekly episodes. Weekly series also give you time to talk about each episode with friends, which can make the watch even more enjoyable.
Think about your mood before you choose. A dark drama such as Honey or This City Is Ours needs focus, while Bill’s Included or Cunk on Cinema work well as a lighter evening watch. A good rule is to start with the title that matches your energy level, then move on to the others when you are ready.
Release dates can change, so check BBC iPlayer before you plan your viewing. The dates here come from the announcements available during research. Where a date is still to be confirmed, the entry says so, so you know exactly what to double-check.
Each entry begins with the release details, followed by the premise and the central stakes. We then explain why the show is worth watching, who will enjoy it most and where to find it. We have kept spoilers low, so you can pick your next watch without losing the surprises. The guide also avoids major twists, so you can decide with confidence.
Everything in this guide is written in plain English. Each title has its own clear heading, so you can jump straight to the show that catches your eye. If a title is not for you, the related guides further down can point you to something similar.
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5. Cunk on Cinema
Release date: November 2026, exact date to be confirmed | BBC Two and BBC iPlayer | Comedy mockumentary
Cunk on Cinema brings back Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk for a three-part mockumentary about the history of film. The series moves from early filmmaking through to CGI and AI, with Cunk’s blend of confidence and confusion driving the jokes.
The central comedy is the gap between Cunk’s bold claims and what she actually understands. The stakes are simply the laughs, but the satire also tests how easily experts and audiences accept sweeping statements about art and technology.
The series is quick, sharp and sly. Its deadpan delivery and its interviews with well-known experts give it the same bite as earlier Cunk series, while the cinema setting gives it a fresh target.
Why it ranks here: Cunk on Cinema ranks fifth because it is a sharp comedy with a clear format and a strong brand, though its exact broadcast date had not been locked when we checked.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the way Cunk makes serious subjects feel light. The series also has a wide reach, as it has been announced for Netflix streaming alongside its BBC Two run.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy mockumentaries, satire and quick, quotable comedy.
Where to watch: BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in November 2026, with Netflix streaming also announced in coverage.
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4. Bill’s Included
Release date: November 2026 | BBC One and BBC iPlayer | Comedy
Bill’s Included is a new six-part Baby Cow sitcom starring Rob Brydon as Bill Beam, a divorced man who rents his spare rooms to university students. He cannot decide whether he is their landlord or one of the gang, and that uncertainty drives most of the comedy.
The central conflict is Bill’s attempt to find his place again after divorce. He wants to be respected as a landlord, but he also wants friends, and the students are happy to test every boundary. The stakes are small and everyday, which is a big part of the charm.
The series is warm, awkward and playful. Brydon’s timing makes even quiet moments land, and the mix of generations gives the show a broad appeal.
Why it ranks here: Bill’s Included ranks fourth because it is a fresh sitcom with a strong lead and a simple, relatable premise that many viewers will recognise.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans of Rob Brydon value his comic timing and his ability to play awkward characters with real warmth. Baby Cow, the company behind the show, is known for comedy with a distinctive tone.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy household and workplace sitcoms, Rob Brydon’s work and character-led comedy.
Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer, from November 2026. Check Rotten Tomatoes for reviews once they appear.
3. This City Is Ours
Release date: November 2026 | BBC One and BBC iPlayer | Crime drama
This City Is Ours returns to Liverpool with the fallout from Ricardo’s death still shaking the city’s criminal underworld. Michael and Diana are pulled back into the chaos, while an old-school gangster arrives demanding compensation from the organisation.
The central conflict is loyalty. Michael and Diana must decide whose side they are on as old debts and new threats collide. The stakes include their safety, their families and the balance of power in the city.
The series is gritty and grounded. Its focus on a real-feeling city, with its tensions and its sense of community, sets it apart from more polished gangster dramas.
Why it ranks here: This City Is Ours ranks third because it is a gripping crime drama with a clear emotional engine, and its return keeps the story moving in a fresh direction.
Why fans and critics value it: Viewers value its sense of place and its sharp dialogue. Its mix of street-level crime and personal stakes gives it a strong hold on crime fans.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy gangster dramas, British crime and character-driven thrillers.
Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer, from November 2026. Earlier series are a useful starting point for new viewers.
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2. Shetland: New Series
Release date: November 2026 | BBC One and BBC iPlayer | Crime drama
Shetland returns to its windswept island setting, with Calder and Tosh investigating a discovery that stirs up an old case. Skeletal remains are found inside a submerged car, and the trail leads back to a local GP who left Shetland nine years earlier under a cloud of rumours.
The central conflict is the search for the truth behind a disappearance the island would rather forget. The stakes include the reputations of people who stayed, the secrets of those who left and the detectives’ own trust in the community they serve.
The series is atmospheric and slow-burning. Its wide shots of the islands and its careful, character-led plotting make it one of the most comfortable crime dramas on the schedule.
Why it ranks here: Shetland ranks second because it is a long-running, reliable crime drama with a fresh mystery at its heart and a loyal following on BBC One.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its setting, its steady pace and its focus on the community. Many viewers return for the way the detectives work through local rumour and history.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy British detective dramas, slow-burn mysteries and rural settings.
Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer, from November 2026. Watch IMDb for cast details and earlier series.
1. Honey
Release date: November 2026 | BBC One and BBC iPlayer | Spy drama
Honey is a Cold War spy drama set in East Berlin in 1982. It follows Marta, a 24-year-old MI6 deep-cover agent who is trying to survive the Stasi while staying alive in a city where every move is watched.
The central conflict is Marta’s position between two dangerous worlds. She is caught between counter-intelligence chief Friedrich Bauman and a reckless CIA operative, and each one wants something different from her. The stakes are personal as well as political, because one wrong move could cost her everything.
The series is tense, stylish and full of sharp turns. Its mix of espionage and dark humour gives it a fresh tone, and its divided city adds a strong sense of atmosphere that spy fans will enjoy.
Why it ranks here: Honey ranks first because it combines a fresh setting, a strong premise and a clear hook, which makes it the most talked-about spy drama on the BBC list this month.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its atmosphere and its focus on a central character caught between powerful men. Coverage has described it as a prequel to Killing Eve, which gives it an audience already curious about spy drama.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy Cold War spy stories, espionage thrillers and strong central characters.
Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer, from November 2026. Check Wikipedia for background on the Cold War setting.
Why These BBC Releases Stand Out
The BBC’s November line-up mixes spy drama, crime, sitcom and mockumentary. That range means you can choose the mood that suits your evening, whether you want something tense, something cosy or something that makes you laugh out loud.
Several of these titles are built around a sense of place. Honey is set in a divided Berlin, Shetland takes you to a remote island, and This City Is Ours is rooted in the streets of Liverpool. That focus on location gives the list a distinct character.
Timing matters too. Cunk on Cinema’s broadcast date had not been locked when we checked, so keep an eye on BBC iPlayer for the official announcement. The rest of the month is busy enough to keep a regular viewing routine going.
How to Choose Your First Watch
Start with your mood. For a tense night, Honey is the strongest pick. For something familiar and cosy, Shetland is a safe bet. For a laugh, Bill’s Included or Cunk on Cinema will do the job.
Think about how much time you have. Shetland and This City Is Ours suit a weekly routine, while Cunk on Cinema is short and easy to fit around other plans.
Finally, check BBC iPlayer before you plan the evening. Episode dates and start times can change, so a quick check helps you avoid surprises. Browse More Titles on Amazon while you plan your November viewing.
Final Thoughts
November 2026 gives BBC viewers a varied mix of spy drama, crime, comedy and mockumentary. Honey brings a fresh spy story, while Shetland and This City Is Ours offer the crime drama many viewers come back for.
Which one will you start with? Share your pick in the comments, tell us what we missed and let us know which title you are most excited to watch.
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A last set of related picks before the questions below:
Explore This Amazon Offer for more titles to browse before you dive into the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BBC show is the biggest this November?
Honey is the headline pick, a Cold War spy drama on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Is Honey linked to Killing Eve?
Coverage has described Honey as a prequel to Killing Eve, so fans of that show may want to give it a try.
Is Shetland a new series?
Yes. It returns with Calder and Tosh investigating skeletal remains found in a submerged car.
Is This City Is Ours a Liverpool crime drama?
Yes. It returns with Michael and Diana pulled back into the fallout from Ricardo’s death.
Is Bill’s Included a new sitcom?
Yes. It is a new six-part Baby Cow comedy starring Rob Brydon as a reluctant student landlord.
How many parts does Cunk on Cinema have?
It is a three-part mockumentary about the history of cinema, with Diane Morgan returning as Philomena Cunk.
When does Cunk on Cinema air?
It is due in November 2026 on BBC Two, but the exact broadcast date had not been confirmed when we checked.
Do I need to watch earlier series of Shetland first?
It helps, as earlier series build the characters and the island setting, but new viewers can still follow the story.
Are these BBC shows available outside the UK?
Availability varies by region, so check BBC iPlayer for the latest details where you live.
Where can I find the full schedule?
The BBC publishes its schedule on its official site and in the BBC iPlayer app.
For critic scores on the titles in this guide, Metacritic is a useful place to check: Metacritic.
More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows
If you want to keep exploring, these trusted sites cover reviews, news and streaming guides:
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