Published: 10 October 2024
It’s time to get cosy and sink into your favourite TV. Whether you want to relax with a comforting series, discover a new cosy classic, or explore the wilderness from the comfort of your living room, we’ve got you covered.
Grab a nice hot chocolate, get cosy on the sofa and get ready to enjoy a boxset of the very best comfort TV.
I’m in the mood for...
- Cosy Drama TV
- Cosy Comedy TV
- Cosy Films
- Cosy Documentaries
- Cosy Entertainment
Cosy Drama TV
With every episode available on BBC iPlayer, these are the shows you can sink into as the days get a little shorter.
From unmissable period dramas and classic fantasy series, to cosy crime capers and nostalgic dramas from the iPlayer archive, you’re almost spoilt for choice...
Pride and Prejudice
The award-winning 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's classic Regency romance, starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
If you fancy another Austen classic, there's also the 2008 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility on BBC iPlayer with Hattie Morahan, Charity Wakefield, David Morrissey, and Dominic Cooper.
- Watch Pride and Prejudice on BBC iPlayer
- Watch Sense and Sensibility on BBC iPlayer
Merlin
Fantasy period drama based on the King Arthur legend. Young wizard Merlin (Colin Morgan), arrives in Camelot to find magic outlawed, its practice punishable by death.
There's lots more to enjoy from the iPlayer archive. In the mood for another brilliant fantasy series from the 00s? Why not try Robin Hood for more wisecracks, romance, and swashbuckling adventures in the fight for good.
- Watch Merlin on BBC iPlayer
- Watch Robin Hood on BBC iPlayer
Last Tango in Halifax
Romantic comedy drama series. Alan and Celia, both widowed and in their seventies, rekindle a passionate relationship that fate stole from them over sixty years ago. Enjoy the Bafta-winning series from Sally Wainwright as we follow the surprising and uplifting journey of Celia and Alan. Also starring Sarah Lancashire, Nicola Walker, Tony Gardner, Dean Andrews and Ronni Ancona.
For another heart-warming drama, head to the Scottish highlands with Monarch of the Glen. Based on Compton Mackenzie's novels, Archie MacDonald becomes the laird of a huge, decaying family estate in the Cairngorms.
- Watch Last Tango In Halifax on BBC iPlayer
- Watch Monarch of the Glen on BBC iPlayer
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators
Quirky, crime-fighting fun with Mark Benton and Jo Joyner.
The series follows an unlikely pair of private investigators, hardboiled ex-cop Frank Hathaway (Benton), and warm-hearted ex-hairdresser Lu Shakespeare (Joyner), as they work the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, solving thrilling cases and murders most foul.
Did you know? Shakespeare & Hathaway will return for a new series, add to your iPlayerWatchlistnow.
Wolf Hall
Historical drama chronicling the rise of Thomas Cromwell, the son of a humble blacksmith who became King Henry VIII's chief minister, as he navigated the corridors of power in the Tudor court.
Featuring Academy Award winner Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell, with Emmy Award winner Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII, alongside Academy Award nominee Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Wolsey. Wolf Hall will return, add to your iPlayer Watchlist now.
- Watch Wolf Hall on BBC iPlayer
- Read more - BBC announces the return of Wolf Hall for its thrilling final act
Call the Midwife
A heart-warming tale of life in London's hard-up East End. Midwives welcome new lives in the changing times of the 50s and 60s.
Call the Midwife will return, add to your iPlayer Watchlist now.
- Watch Call the Midwife on BBC iPlayer
- Read more - The BBC announces two further series of award winning drama Call the Midwife
Christie Collection
You'll find a collection of Christie classics on BBC iPlayer.
Enjoy star-studded adaptations ofgripping stories from the best-selling author of all time.
- Murder Is Easy - Nothing is what is seems in a deceptively sleepy English village.
- And Then There Were None - Ten strangers find themselves cut off from civilisation on an isolated rock off the Devon coast. Agatha Christie mystery with Aidan Turner, Charles Dance and Miranda Richardson.
- Ordeal by Innocence - Heiress Rachel Argyll is murdered at her family estate. Eighteen months later, the identity of the murderer is thrown in doubt. An Agatha Christie mystery starring Bill Nighy.
- The Pale Horse - When a young woman is murdered, a mysterious list of names is discovered. Who wrote the list, and what does it mean? An Agatha Christie mystery starring Rufus Sewell.
- The ABC Murders - It's 1933, and an older and greyer Hercule Poirot has fallen out of the public eye. When he receives anonymous letters threatening murder, he must take matters into his own hands. Adaptation with John Malkovich and Rupert Grint.
- The Witness for the Prosecution - A man is accused of killing his lover in order to inherit her wealth. An Agatha Christie mystery starring Toby Jones, Kim Cattrall and Andrea Riseborough.
There's also a new three-part adaptation of the classic mystery novel on the way!
- Read more: BBC unveils first-look at Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero
Sister Boniface Mysteries
A cosy series with Lorna Watson starring as TV’s favourite Vespa driving, crime-solving, Catholic nun.
From the makers of Father Brown (that's the internationally popular crime drama withMark Williams), Sister Boniface is the police's secret weapon in fighting crime. And, just in case you were wondering, you can also watch Father Brown on BBC iPlayer.
- Watch the Sister Boniface Mysteries on BBC iPlayer
- Watch Father Brown on BBC iPlayer
- Read more: Father Brown is back! Filming has begun on series 12 of the internationally successful drama
Beyond Paradise
An idyllic Death in Paradise spin-off set against the backdrops of Devon and Cornwall. DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and his fiancée Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) head to the not-so-sleepy town of Shipton Abbott as they embark on their new life.
You can also enjoy over 100 episodes of Death in Paradise on BBC iPlayer.
- Watch Beyond Paradise on BBC iPlayer
- Read more: Filming begins on Beyond Paradise series three
Cosy Comedy TV
Ludwig
Cryptic comedy drama with David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin. When John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor’s (David Mitchell) identical twin, James, disappears off the face of the earth, John takes over his brother’s identity in a quest to discover his whereabouts. John has never married, never had a family and never really ventured further than his own front door. Without a computer, mobile phone or even a television, he lives in quiet solitude, designing puzzles for a living, under the nom-de-plume of ‘Ludwig’.
However, filling the shoes of your identical twin is one thing - when your twin also happens to be a successful DCI leading Cambridge’s busy inner-city major crimes team the stakes are much higher. John may be a master of all things cryptic, but can he crack the biggest puzzle of his life?
- Watch Ludwig on BBC iPlayer
- Read more - David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell Martin, and creatives open up about the comedy-drama: “it’s a bit of a dream for me”
Ghosts
A cash-strapped young couple inherit a rickety country mansion, only to find it teeming with needy ghosts. Grown-up comedy from the Horrible Histories team, starring writers and creators Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, with Lolly Adefope, Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Did you know? There's also a US version of the popular sitcom available on iPlayer. A couple inherit a crumbling mansion - and a gaggle of ghouls, from a saucy 1920s lounge singer to a 1960s hippy. It's a live-in nightmare!
- Watch Ghosts on BBC iPlayer
- Watch Ghosts US on BBC iPlayer
Gavin & Stacey
Essex and Wales collide when Gavin and Stacey fall in love, bringing their friends, family and baggage with them. The slow-burn hit that became the nation's favourite.
Grab a chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, nine poppadoms, and get stuck in!
Treat yourself to a rewatch of the hit British sitcom ahead of the last ever episode on Christmas Day 2024.
Gavin & Stacey is coming this Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer.
Detectorists
The story follows the relationship between two friends who share a passion for metal detecting. When Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) are together, they’re like an old married couple. They gripe at each other, but there is a true bond underneath. Each has their own slightly dysfunctional lives but together they dream of finding a priceless Saxon hoard that will cement their place in detecting history. Helping them along the way is a delightfully quirky crowd of characters who are drawn to this all-absorbing hobby.
- Watch Detectorists on BBC iPlayer
We Might Regret This
Centring around a new relationship, an impending blended family and an intense female friendship, the series follows Freya (Kyla Harris) a 30-something Canadian artist and tetraplegic. She’s moved to London for Abe (Darren Boyd), a 50-something straight-laced lawyer who thinks he’s the old dog that can learn new tricks.
Freya and Abe's relationship is a high-speed romance which sees Abe inviting Freya to move into his house before she's even seen upstairs. Because of Freya’s disability, living together also includes personal assistants (PAs), who are always there - a third person in earshot for every romantic moment and domestic screaming match.
After failing to find the right person for this more than intimate role, Freya invites chaotic and impulsive best friend Jo (Elena Saurel) to take the job. What could go wrong?
- Watch We Might Regret This on BBC iPlayer
- Read more - cast and creators on what to expect from the new comedy about friendship, love and disability: “Kyla Harris is an absolute badass”
Dreaming Whilst Black
Critically acclaimed half-hour dramedy written by and starring Adjani Salmon.
Loosely inspired by real-life events, Dreaming Whilst Black tells the story of Kwabena (Adjani Salmon), an aspiring filmmaker stuck in a dead-end recruitment job who takes the first step toward achieving his dream.Along the way, he is quickly confronted with the tribulations of balancing finances, love, and his own sense of reality.
- Watch Dreaming Whilst Black on BBC iPlayer
Upstart Crow
Comedy about William Shakespeare (David Mitchell) as he starts to make a name for himself in London while also trying to be a good husband and father for his family in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Originally commissioned as part of the BBC’s Shakespeare Festival 2016 to mark the 400th anniversary of the writer’s death, the series explores Shakespeare's world and uncovers the surprising stories behind Will’s plays.
- Watch Upstart Crow on BBC iPlayer
Cosy Films
Phones off. Grab the snacks. It's time for Movie Night. There are loads of films to choose from on BBC iPlayer, including plenty of big-budget classics for a cosy night in.
Quartet
Ensemble comedy drama. An opera star arrives at a performers' retirement home amidst fraught preparations for a fundraising concert. Her presence adds to the tension. Directed byDustin Hoffman, the incredible cast includesMaggie Smith,Billy Connolly andMichael Gambon.
- Watch Quartet on BBC iPlayer
This Beautiful Fantastic
When Bella Brown, a reclusive young woman, is threatened with eviction unless she gives her garden a makeover, she sets to work, watched by her scornful and curmudgeonly next-door neighbour, Alfie. Romantic drama with Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Wilkinson and Andrew Scott.
- Watch This Beautiful Fantastic on BBC iPlayer
The Famous Five
Four children and their dog solve mysteries, battle sinister forces, and have the most magical summer of their lives. Based on Enid Blyton’s world-famous book series.
- Watch The Famous Five on BBC iPlayer
Room on the Broom
Animated film based on Julia Donaldson's picture book. A kind witch invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat.
Featuring the voices of Gillian Anderson (Witch), Rob Brydon (Cat), Martin Clunes (Dog), Sally Hawkins (Bird), Simon Pegg (Narrator), Timothy Spall (Dragon) and David Walliams (Frog).
- Watch Room on the Broom on BBC iPlayer
Wallace and Gromit
There are lots of Wallace & Gromit's adventures on iPlayer. Relive the first of Nick Park's award-winning claymations, where Inventor Wallace and his dog Gromit blast off in a homemade rocket to find out if the moon is really made of cheese...
There's also a new Wallace and Gromit on the way! Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is coming to the BBC this Christmas, add to your Watchlist on BBC iPlayer
- Watch Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out on BBC iPlayer
- Read more - Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl - everything you need to know about the new film coming this Christmas
The History Boys
Alan Bennett's adaptation of his acclaimed, long-running play set in 1980s Yorkshire.
A class of likely lads, caught in a clash of educational styles as they prepare to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, find their loyalties as well as their intellects tested.
Featuring James Corden, Richard Griffiths, Russell Tovey and Dominic Cooper.
- Watch The History Boys on BBC iPlayer
Coco
Despite his family’s ancestral ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, legendary singer Ernesto de la Cruz. Defying their wishes, Miguel sets off for the Land of the Dead in search of Ernesto and a chance to prove his talents.
Musical Pixar animation.
- Watch Coco on BBC iPlayer
Whisky Galore!
In 1943, disaster strikes on the remote Hebridean island of Todday when they run out of whisky. Salvation arrives when a ship carrying 50,000 cases of whisky founders on the island's rocks. But the islanders clash with authority in the shape of Home Guard commander Captain Waggett.
- Watch Whisky Galore! on BBC iPlayer
Cosy Documentaries
Settle down with a documentary and learn something new this autumn. Explore iconic series from the Natural History Unit with Sir David Attenborough, or discover a new era in history - all from the comfort of your home.
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust
A look behind the velvet rope at the UK's most beautiful and historic homes with the people saving Britain's priceless heritage.
Every year millions flock to the homes and gardens of one of Britain’s most important cultural institutions: the National Trust. But out of sight of visitors, there lies a hidden world. Behind closed doors, dedicated teams of volunteers, experts and curators are battling to keep our priceless heritage alive.
- Watch Hidden Treasures of the National Trust on BBC iPlayer
Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar
Actor, feminist, business mogul, activist: Elizabeth Taylor broke the mould and re-wrote the rules of celebrity.
Hear first-hand testimony from those closest to Elizabeth, from family members to her inner circle of friends and those she inspired - revealing Taylor not only as a great actress, but a free spirit, entrepreneur and groundbreaking activist.
This is her story, told by close family and friends, including Kim Kardashian and Joan Collins.
- Watch Elizabeth Taylor - Rebel Superstar on BBC iPlayer
Planet Earth III
Our home - thrilling, mind-blowing, and full of hope. David Attenborough shares amazing stories of the wonders of the planet. There's always more to discover.
Or discover a land of hauntingly beautiful coasts, magical forests, and volcanic and arctic extremes with Wild Scandinavia.
- Watch Planet Earth III
- Watch Wild Scandinavia
A Very British Romance with Lucy Worsley
Lucy Worsley delves into the history of romance to uncover the forces shaping our very British happily ever after and how our feelings have been affected by social, political and cultural ideas.
- Watch A Very British Romance with Lucy Worsley on BBC iPlayer
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing
Two friends, beautiful places and a good natter. Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse go on a life-affirming, funny journey, sharing their changed outlooks and trying to land a catch.
The popular series continues to delight audiences, with a new series currently airing on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Cosy Entertainment
Glitz, Glam, Entertainment! Put something on to help you feel inspired. We've got everything from reality TV, and sun-kissed adventures, to amazing transformations.
Strictly Come Dancing
We're waltzing back into the ballroom for a Strictly spectacular new series and 20th anniversary special in 2024. Join Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse as 15 brand new celebrities take to the floor.
- Watch Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer
- Read more - Everything you need to know about the new series and 20th anniversary celebrations
The Greath British Sewing Bee
Amateur sewers compete to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, hoping to be crowned Britain’s most sensational seamster.
Prepare to be inspired... (there is a link to free sewing patterns from the show on the BBC Programme page)
- Watch The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC iPlayer
Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts
Mary Berry explores the wonderful world of simple comfort food, bringing fuss-free recipes that can warm the cockles and lift the spirits.
In episode four, Mary explores the dishes that remind her of home and whips up some of her own family favourites, including a hearty bolognaise bake, perfect for chilly autumnal evenings.
- Watch Mary Berry's Simple Comforts on BBC iPlayer
Designing The Hebrides
Need some interior design inspiration? Look no further. Interior Design Masters champ Banjo Beale returns to his Hebridean home, breathing new life into homes and businesses across the Islands.
Join Banjo and his team of tradespeople as they travel around the Scottish isles to create more design magic.
- Watch Designing the Hebrides on BBC iPlayer
Nadiya's Cook Once Eat Twice
Grab your oven mitts, whip out your whisks, sharpen your knives, and dust off your baking trays…
In this crafty cookery series, beloved TV chef Nadiya Hussain is back on our screens with helpful hacks and ingenious recipes. Nadiya's trademark tips make the most of ingredients with loads of fun and flavour.
Head to episode three for the perfect weekend comfort food recipes, including roast chicken and chickpeas, and a batch-cook beef stew with fluffy dumplings.
- Watch Nadiya's Cook Once Eat Twice on BBC iPlayer
You've made it to the end of our list! But that's not all, there's lots more to explore on BBC iPlayer. Check out the 'categories' sections for more inspiration, or head to our companion list for your ultimate cosy autumn podcasts and playlists on BBC Sounds.
