Happy 2016, blog readers!

Shan and I have always bonded over our love of British television. We marathoned season after season of Robin Hood, Merlin, and Doctor Who, and enjoy checking out the latest British imports from across the pond. This year, we fell in love with The Great British Bake Off (affectionately known as “GBBO”) and are thrilled that even more British television shows will be gracing our television screens next year. Here’s a guide to the U.K. shows we’re most excited to watch in 2016.

Sherlock
U.S. Premiere Date: Friday, January 1 at 9PM (PBS)

The game is on! Sherlock is back for a special Christmas episode between series 3 and 4. This episode, titled “The Abominable Bride,” features our favorite mystery duo in Victorian England solving the case of a bride who has supposedly come back to life. Will this episode hint at what’s yet to come in the next series? Will we learn more about Mary’s backstory? WHAT ABOUT MORIARTY?? We only need to wait a few short hours to find out!

Downton Abbey
U.S. Premiere Date: Sunday, January 3 at 9PM (PBS)

The final season of Downton Abbey has arrived, so make sure you have a box of tissues nearby! This season has already started and ended in the U.K., so cheers to you for avoiding spoilers! We don’t have to wait much longer to watch – our favorite Granthams will be back on our TV screens in only a matter of days!

London Spy
U.S. Premiere Date: Thursday, January 21 at 10PM (BBC America)

London Spy has been phenomenal hit in the U.K. since its release in November. The show follows the story of a couple, Danny and Alex, and the mysterious circumstance surrounding Alex’s disappearance. Though London Spy has only 5 episodes to date, it’s already gained critical acclaim. The show stars Ben Whishaw, one our favorite British actors who has had a phenomenal 2015 with supporting roles in Spectre, The Danish Girl, Suffragette, and In The Heart of the Sea. London Spy also features many other seasoned British actors including Jim Broadbent (fondly remembered by many of us for his performance as Professor Slughorn in Harry Potter) and Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss. Tune in for a compelling drama set against the backdrop of modern London!

War and Peace
U.S. Premiere Date: Monday, January 18 at 9PM (A&E, Lifetime, and the History Channel)

Were any of required to read Leo Tolstoy’s 1,000+ page epic? If you did, good for you! If you didn’t, you’re in luck: the BBC is creating a miniseries that will air this January! The show follows the story of France’s invasion of Russia, and the trailer is absolutely beautiful, reminiscent of Anna Karenina and other period dramas. War and Peace stars Lily James of Downton Abbey and  Cinderella, as well as Jim Broadbent and Paul Dano. The show will be split into four two-hour episodes in the U.S., airing simultaneously on A&E, Lifetime, and the History Channel.

You, Me and the Apocalypse
U.S Premiere Date: Thursday, January 28 at 8PM (NBC)

You, Me and the Apocalypse aired in the U.K. in September to rave reviews and was quickly picked up by NBC for a U.S. premiere this January. The comedy-drama follows a group of people with very different lives waiting out the apocalypse in a bunker. The show features many famous American and British actors including Rob Lowe, Jenna Fischer (The Office), and Matthew Baynton, who starred in one of my favorite Brit shows of all time, The Wrong Mans. We absolutely can’t wait to check out this hilarious comedy!

Orphan Black 
U.S. Premiere Date: Spring 2016 (BBC America)

Orphan Black is finally returning to the U.S.!! Series 4 promises to bring us dangerous new enemies, as well as a strain placed on the relationships within the sisterhood itself. Tatiana Maslany also (FINALLY!) received an Emmy nomination for for Orphan Black last year – needless to say, it’s been a great year for the show and we hope the momentum keeps up throughout 2016. Keep your eyes peeled for more details about series 4, as well as release date!

What other shows are looking forward to watching? Comment on this post or let us know on Twitter: @ukintheeveryday!

Happy watching,
Rae