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Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Stefanie Hutson

When people talk about British TV shows, it often seems like shows from a number of other countries are all tossed into the same bucket (or it is bouquet?). Scotland has given us a lot of great shows, though, so we wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the best TV shows from Scotland alone.

Note that there are a number of shows that were filmed mostly or entirely in Scotland, but because they weren't intended to be set in Scotland, we've not included them on this list. For example, the fast food comedy Fried is said to be set in Croydon, but the storefront for Seriously Fried Chicken was actually a street in Glasgow.

It's also worth mentioning that many of these shows are fairly rare, and not all are available on North America-encoded DVDs. Please double check the listings if you decide to buy DVDs and you don't own a region-free DVD player. Some titles are only available on Amazon UK, which isn't a problem for most countries (and sometimes it's cheaper for things you can get on your local Amazon). They can either convert the currency at checkout, or you can let your card do it automatically.

Scottish TV Shows, and TV Shows Set in Scotland

Outlander – 2014 to present – An English nurse mysteriously finds herself transported back to Scotland in the year 1743. This show was a joint British–American project, using creative talent from both sides of the pond. In later seasons, the action moves to the US. Streaming

Taggart – 1983 to 2010 – On the crime-ridden streets of Glasgow, the Maryhill CID investigates murders. Streaming | DVD Set 1 | DVD Original 5 Set | 32 DVD Set

Two Doors Down – 2013 to present –  This engaging sitcom features a group of often crazy neighbors in Glasgow. S1 DVD | S2 DVD | S3 DVD

Brotherly Love – 1999 – This short-lived sitcom follows a Scottish man who returns home to Invercorrie for an uncle's funeral. Gregor Fisher (Rab C. Nesbitt) stars. Sadly, we're not aware of any legal ways to watch this one right now. 

Hamish MacBeth – 1995 to 1997 – In a small Scottish village of Lochdubh (the real-life village of Plockton), a police constable bends the rules and occasionally hides his true ability so he can stay in a place and job he loves. Streaming | DVD

Burnistoun – 2009 to 2012 – This sketch comedy is set in the fictional town of Burnistoun near Glasgow. DVD

Shetland -2013 to present – Set against the remote beauty of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, this crime drama follows DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) as he investigates local murders with DS Alison “Tosh” McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell). Based on Ann Cleeves’ bestselling novels, the series blends atmospheric landscapes with layered storytelling. Starting in season 8, Ashley Jensen takes over as the lead detective following Henshall’s departure. Streaming

Half Moon Investigations – 2009 – This comedy-mystery series for kids was filmed in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, and follows young investigator Fletcher Moon as he goes on stakeouts and undercover operations with his partner, Red Sharkey. Streaming

In Plain Sight – 2016 – This series covers serial killer Peter Manuel's crimes in 1950s Lanarkshire, Scotland. Though it’s a dramatisation, it’s based on a true story. Streaming

The Nest – 2020 – Sophie Rundle (Bodyguard) and Martin Compston (Line of Duty) star in this tense Glasgow-based drama about a wealthy couple desperate to have a baby. When they cross paths with a troubled teenage girl from the other side of the city, they offer her life-changing money to become their surrogate. As secrets unravel and past traumas surface, the lines between right and wrong blur. Streaming

Rebus – 2000 to 2007 – This gritty Edinburgh-set detective drama is based on Ian Rankin’s bestselling Rebus novels and stars John Hannah (series 1) and Ken Stott (series 2–4) as the troubled but brilliant DI John Rebus. Known for bending the rules and confronting the city’s darkest crimes head-on, Rebus navigates a world of corruption, moral ambiguity, and personal demons in pursuit of justice. Streaming

Rebus – 2024 – In this modern reimagining of Ian Rankin’s iconic detective, John Rebus is a younger, still-serving officer in contemporary Edinburgh, grappling with the moral grey areas of modern policing. Richard Rankin stars as the sharp but conflicted detective, whose old-school instincts clash with new-world challenges in a city that’s changing faster than he is. Streaming

Still Game – 1999, 2002 to present – Set in the fictional Glasgow neighborhood of Craiglang, this long-running Scottish comedy follows lifelong friends Jack and Victor, two sharp-witted pensioners who spend their days trading barbs, navigating the indignities of aging, and getting into mischief with their equally eccentric neighbors. Netflix

Rab C. Nesbitt – 1988 to 2014 – Rab C. Nesbitt is an unemployed Glaswegian in a string vest who spends his days drinking, ranting, and philosophizing about life’s injustices. Set in the Govan district of Glasgow, this dark comedy follows Rab as he clashes with authority, dodges responsibility, and holds court at the pub—all while driving his long-suffering wife Mary up the wall. DVD

Traces – 2019 to present – New chemistry graduate Emma Hodges begins work at The Scottish Institute of Forensic Science and Anatomy, but when she joins an online course to build professional skills, she notices the case is eerily familiar. It's the case of how her mother's body was found eighteen years earlier. Along with her new bosses and a committed detective, Emma begins following up the clues – leading her right into the middle of a live investigation. Streaming

Chewin' the Fat – 1999 to 2005 – This offbeat Scottish sketch comedy features a rotating cast of quirky characters and absurd scenarios, many rooted in Glasgow life. From the local pub to the corner shop, it parodies everyday situations with surreal twists, sharp dialogue, and recurring sketches that became cult favorites across Scotland. Netflix

River City – 2002 to present – This Scottish soap opera focuses on the lives of a group of people living in Glasgow. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

2000 Acres of Sky – 2001 to 2003 – A single mother with two children moves from the inner city to a small Scottish island to improve their lives. The only complication? The islanders want a married couple, so she has to recruit her best friend and pretend. Streaming | DVD

The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star – 1998 – This comedy follows a fictional Glaswegian band, Jocks Wa Hey, as they struggle to find success in a tough business. Not currently available to stream legally.

The Advocates – 1991 to 1992 -This Edinburgh-based legal drama ran for two seasons, each centered on a complex, high-stakes case. Starring Ewan Stewart and Isla Blair as determined defense lawyers, the series blends courtroom scenes with investigations that often reveal murky moral territory. Season 2 features appearances by Michael Kitchen and a young Rachel Weisz. Streaming | DVD

The Loch / Loch Ness – 2017 – When a brutal murder rocks a small town on the shores of Loch Ness, local detective Annie Redford is thrust into her first serious homicide case. As the investigation unfolds, she’s joined by an experienced investigator from Glasgow, and together they begin to uncover dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of the seemingly quiet Highland community. With rising tensions, mounting bodies, and no shortage of suspects, the case becomes more complex and personal than anyone expected. The series stars Laura Fraser, Siobhan Finneran, and John Sessions. Streaming

Limmy's Show – 2009 to 2013 – This Scottish sketch comedy is written, directed, and strared in by Brian Limond. DVD

Take the High Road – This long-running Scottish drama was set on the banks of Loch Lomond, and focuses on the lives of the people who live in Glendorrach, a small fictional village. Volume 1 DVD | Volume 2 DVD

The Tales of Para Handy – 1994 to 1995 – Based on the Para Handy books by Neil Munro, this comedy series gives us the adventures of the crew of The Vital Spark as they cruise around the western part of Scotland. Includes a special guest appearance by David Tennant. Streaming | Complete Series DVD

Scotch & Wry – 1978 to 1992 – This Scottish sketch comedy show initially ran for a couple years, with occasional specials afterwards. Complete Collection DVD | Best of DVD

Gary: Tank Commander – 2009 to 2012 – This comedy focuses on the daily life of a Scottish tank commander and his crew. S1-2 DVD | S3 DVD

The High Life – 1994 to 1995 – Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson star in this surreal Scottish sitcom about two flamboyant stewards working for fictional airline Air Scotia. Set around Prestwick Airport, the series follows their misadventures in the skies and on the ground, blending camp humour, musical numbers, and over-the-top antics with a very Scottish twist. DVD

Naked Video – 1986 to 1991 – This is the Scottish sketch comedy that introduced the world to Rab C. Nesbitt. S1 DVD | S2 DVD | S3 DVD

Annika – 2021 to present – A sharp-witted marine homicide detective investigates unexplained deaths along Scotland’s waterways while balancing life as a single mother. Played by Nicola Walker, the lead often breaks the fourth wall, sharing dry observations and literary asides as she guides viewers through each case. Adapted from a BBC Radio 4 drama, the series combines clever storytelling with atmospheric settings and character-driven mysteries. Streaming

Punchdrunk – 1993 – This Glasgow-based boxing comedy didn't last long, but it did feature Diana Hardcastle (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) in an early role. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Atletico Partick – 1995 to 1996 – When Karen's husband Jack is more interested in football than her, she finds solace with Ally, a man more interested in sex than football. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Clique – 2017 – Two childhood friends are pulled apart when they go to university in Edinburgh and one falls in with an enticing upscale social scene. Unfortunately, something sinister lies behind the glamorous veneer.  Streaming | DVD

Takin' Over the Asylum – 1994 – An employee in a mental hospital begins to run a radio station within the hospital. Stars Ken Stott and David Tennant. DVD | UK DVD (Both require a region-free DVD player, but one may be cheaper than the other).

The Field of Blood – 2011 to 2013 – Set in early 1980s Glasgow, this crime drama follows aspiring journalist Paddy Meehan as she uncovers connections in a local murder case while battling sexism in a gritty, male-dominated newsroom. Based on the novels by Denise Mina, the series stars Jayd Johnson, with David Morrissey and Peter Capaldi in key supporting roles. Streaming

Empty – This short-lived Scottish comedy explores what happens when the Greater Glasgow Building Services comes to your home. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US. It was on Netflix at one point.

Your Cheatin' Heart – 1990 – This six-part dramedy serial sees Tilda Swinton playing Cissie Crouch, a woman working at an American-themed restaurant in Glasgow while her husband does time for a robbery she doesn't think he committed. A journalist offers to help clear his name by investigating some of his associates, and it all gets rather dark and complicated from there. DVD 

Dear Green Place – 2007 to 2008 – This Scottish comedy is set in a park in Glasgow, with episodes focusing on various issues in park maintenance. S1 DVD | S2 DVD

Lip Service – 2010 to 2012 – This Scottish drama peeks into the lives of lesbians in Glasgow. Streaming

Case Histories – 2011 to 2013 – Based on Kate Atkinson’s bestselling novels, Case Histories is a British crime drama that follows Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs), a former soldier and policeman turned private investigator in Edinburgh. Haunted by personal tragedy, Brodie is drawn to cases involving the lost, the bereaved, and the broken. The series blends intricate mysteries with character-driven storytelling, as Brodie navigates complex investigations while grappling with his own troubled past. S1 Streaming | Complete S1-2 DVD

Life of Riley – 2009 to 2011 – When a newly blended family comes together, dysfunction reigns. Includes Caroline Quentin and Neil Dudgeon. DVD

One of Us / Retribution – 2016 – In this miniseries, two rural Scottish families are thrown into upheaval after a local murder.  Netflix | DVD

Doctor Finlay – 1993 to 1996 – Set in post-WWII Scotland, this period drama follows Dr. Finlay as he returns to practice at Arden House in the fictional town of Tannochbrae. As the country prepares for the creation of the NHS, Finlay navigates changing medical practices, local politics, and the personal lives of his patients and colleagues. The series stars David Rintoul as Dr. Finlay, with Ian Bannen and Annette Crosbie.. Streaming

Lovesick /  Scrotal Recall – 2016 to 2018 – After learning he has an STD, a young Glaswegian man must contact all his former lovers. Netflix | Streaming

Dr. Finlay's Casebook – 1962 to 1971 – In the late 1920s, Dr. Finlay practices medicine in a small Scottish town. s1 DVD | S2 DVD | S3-4 DVD | S5-7 DVD | S1-8 Complete Collection DVD

The Vital Spark – 1965 to 1974 – This classic Scottish comedy takes place on a tugboat that travels up and down the Argyll coast, and offers a great opportunity to see some of the canals before they became what they are today. Most episodes have been lost in the archives, but a handful have been released on DVD. DVD

Guilt – 2019 to 2023 – After two brothers accidentally kill an elderly man in a hit-and-run, they scramble to cover it up—setting off a chain of lies, blackmail, and unexpected consequences. Set in Edinburgh, this darkly comic thriller stars Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives as siblings whose uneasy bond is tested as the truth threatens to unravel. Streaming

Only An Excuse? – 1995 to present – This Scottish comedy is shown once yearly on New Year's Eve. 2007 Ultimate Collection DVD | 2017 Best of DVD

The Omega Factor – 1979 – A secret branch of British intelligence investigates the supernatural. DVD

Stonemouth – 2015 – This two-part miniseries is based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name. When a man returns to his home village for the funeral of a friend, he's drawn into a number of old conflicts, along with new information that there might be more to his friend's suicide. Streaming | DVD

Tutti Frutti – 1987 – Robbie Coltrane stars as an aging rock and roll star, Scotland's “Kings of Rock”.  DVD

Scot Squad – 2014 to present – This mockumentary follows Glasgow police officers as they encounter a variety of interesting scenarios. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Looking After Jojo – 1998 – Robert Carlyle starred as an Edinburgh drug dealer on a council estate in the 1980s. DVD

Trust Me – 2017 – Jodie Whittaker stars as a nurse and single mother who loses her job after whistle blowing. When she uses fake credentials to start over in Scotland, life gets complicated quickly. DVD

Rosamunde Pilcher's Shades of Love – 2013 – Long-kept family secrets start to come out, disturbing the otherwise peaceful existence of a Scottish laird. Streaming

The Crow Road – 1996 – This BAFTA-nominated Scottish miniseries is based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name, and focuses on events in the life of a young history student. Includes Peter Capaldi. DVD

High Times – 2004 to 2008 – This Scottish dramedy followed the lives of two flatmates and their neighbours in a Glasgow tower block that's soon to be closed for renovation. The episodes interlink the lives of various people within the building. DVD

The Steamie – 1988 – This dramedy is about 1950s Glasgow women who wash their clothing at the same wash house. DVD

Rockface – 2002 to 2003 – This Scottish drama revolves around the lives and work of a Highlands mountain rescue team. DVD

The Book Group – 2002 to 2003 – When an American woman moves to Glasgow, she starts a book group to help get to know people. Streaming

Roughnecks – 1994 to 1995 – This drama focuses on the lives of the crew on an oil rig in the North Sea. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Vigil – 2021 to present – When a crew member dies aboard a Royal Navy submarine during a covert mission, a police detective is sent below the surface to investigate. As she navigates the claustrophobic tensions of life at sea, a wider conspiracy begins to emerge on land. Set between the submarine and Scotland’s coast, this political thriller stars Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie. Streaming

City Lights – 1986 to 1991 – In this Scottish comedy, a Glasgow bank teller with dreams of writing finds himself constantly held back by the people in his life. Billy Connolly makes a guest appearance in one episode. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US other than some old DVDs you can find floating around on eBay and Amazon.

Badults – 2013 to 2014 – In a shared flat in Glasgow, young adults fail to transition into proper adults. DVD

Monarch of the Glen – 2000 to 2005 – This classic Scottish drama takes us inside the MacDonald family after son Archie comes back to help the failing family estate. Comedy standout Richard Briers is incredible in this, one of his final roles. Complete Collection DVD | Streaming

The Replacement – 2017 – This three-part miniseries was filmed in Glasgow. A woman selects another female architect to cover her while she's on maternity leave, only to find her replacement taking over more and more of her life. DVD

Mountain Goats – 2014 to 2015 – Filmed around Glencoe, this one's worth a watch for the scenery alone. This delightful comedy follows a group of mountain rescue volunteers who spend much of their time in a pub called The Old Goat. DVD

Brond – 1987 – This three-part crime drama is based on Scottish author Frederic Lindsay's thriller novel of the same name. The story is set in Glasgow, where Stratford Johns plays Brond, the leader of the Scottish Liberation Army. John Hannah stars as Robert, a student who witnesses Brond murdering a young boy on a bridge before he's drawn into a series of dangerous events. DVD

Sea of Souls – 2004 to 2007 – At a Glasgow university, Dr. Douglas Monaghan leads studies on the paranormal. Includes Dawn Steele (Lexi from Monarch of the Glen). S1 DVD | S2 DVD

Terri McIntyre – 2003 to 2004 – This Scottish comedy stars Simon Carlyle as the cross-dressing Terri McIntyre, owner of a Glasgow tanning salon. Series 2 includes David Tennant. A YouTube user mentions having permission from the BBC to post Series 1, but not Series 2. You can find them here.

Hope Springs – 2009 – Four English thieves hope to get out of the country, but instead end up in a small Scottish town. DVD

Tinsel Town – 2000 to 2001 – Dawn Steele (Monarch of the Glen) appears in this BBC drama that takes place in the Glasgow club scene. Complete Series Set

Strathblair – 1992 to 1993 – This 1950s-based period drama follows a couple of newlyweds who start their lives together on a rundown farm in the Scottish countryside. If you pay very close attention during the episode “Sheep Don't Safely Graze”, you'll see David Tennant in one of his earliest roles as “Archie the hiker”. Stream it HERE

Bob Servant Independent – 2013 – When a highly unqualified and self-absorbed man wins a local political election, the area doesn't know what hit it. His inability to think before speaking causes all sorts of interesting trouble. DVD

Payback – 2023 – Morven Christie stars in this Edinburgh-set crime thriller as Lexie Noble, a woman whose quiet life is upended when her husband is murdered. As police investigate his secret ties to a powerful crime syndicate, Lexie is drawn into a dangerous world of financial crime and deception. With the authorities pressuring her to cooperate, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her family. Streaming

Legit – 2006 to 2007 – Two Scottish men sell illegally pirated DVDs and computer games in a Glasgow market. DVD

The Victim – 2019 – Years after a woman's son is killed, the man she believes to be his killer is released from a juvenile detention centre. Before too long, someone has posted the man's new identity online, leading to a brutal attack that nearly takes his life. The still-grieving mother is arrested for attempted murder and everything gets quite complicated from there. Streaming 

The Rig – 2021/2022 – This character-driven thriller was the first Amazon Original Series filmed entirely in Scotland, and it follows the crew of the Kishorn Bravo oil rig in the dangerous North Sea. When the crew is due to return to the mainland, a strange fog comes through and cuts them off from all communication with the rest of the world. Streaming

The Scotts – 2021/2022 – This series will follow a pilot episode that aired in 2020 with the tagline, “Blood is thicker than water, and no one is thicker than the Scotts.” Burnistoun creators Robert Florence and Iain Connell star as two foul-mouthed brothers with a love-hate relationship. Not currently available to stream in the US.

Karen Pirie – 2021 to present – Based on Val McDermid’s cold case novels, this crime drama follows young detective Karen Pirie after her promotion to Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. Set in the picturesque university town of St. Andrews, the series begins with Karen reopening the 25-year-old murder of a barmaid—a case recently thrust back into the spotlight by a popular true crime podcast. As she digs deeper, Karen uncovers flaws in the original investigation and clashes with the officers who first handled the case. Lauren Lyle stars. Streaming

 

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