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Outlander is a historical drama that is based on the Outlander novels by Diana Gabaldon. Aside from a gripping story and excellent acting, the show is also regularly praised for its inclusion of Scottish Gaelic - an endangered language of Scotland that novel writer Diana Gabaldon has featured prominently in order to support its survival.Outlander is a historical drama that is based on the Outlander novels by Diana Gabaldon. Aside from a gripping story and excellent acting, the show is also regularly praised for its inclusion of Scottish Gaelic - an endangered language of Scotland that novel writer Diana Gabaldon has featured prominently in order to support its survival.
Outlander is a historical drama that is based on the Outlander novels by Diana Gabaldon. Aside from a gripping story and excellent acting, the show is also regularly praised for its inclusion of Scottish Gaelic - an endangered language of Scotland that novel writer Diana Gabaldon has featured prominently in order to support its survival.

Best Scottish TV of all time: 24 of Scotland’s best TV shows according to our Scotsman readers

Scotland has been producing hit TV shows for the best part of a century, but which ones are the most fondly remembered?
Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay
Published 28th Dec 2022, 12:34 GMT
Updated 4th Jul 2023, 14:33 GMT
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After a passionate response to our ‘What’s the best Scottish film of all time’ poll, our minds began wandering to other forms of Scottish entertainment like TV. From satirical comedies to soap operas and so-called ‘Tartan Noir’ dramas, Scotland has produced some exemplary television over the last seventy years.

When we asked you, our Scotsman readers, ‘What’s the best Scottish TV show’ you responded with a wealth of absolute crackers that could make any Scots TV enthusiast well up with nostalgia or laughter.

Here are 24 of Scotland’s best TV shows according to Scotsman readers – did we miss any?

Here are 24 of Scotland’s best TV shows according to Scotsman readers – did we miss any?

A classic Scottish soap that follows the local residents of Glendarroch village as they wrestle with all kinds of issues from crop failure, to parochial politics and infidelity. It’s not surprising that this TV show was mentioned often as it ran successfully for over 20 years.

5. Take the High Road (1980)

A classic Scottish soap that follows the local residents of Glendarroch village as they wrestle with all kinds of issues from crop failure, to parochial politics and infidelity. It’s not surprising that this TV show was mentioned often as it ran successfully for over 20 years. Photo: High Road to Glendarroch Wiki | Fandom

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Two Doors Down was a show all about what it’s like to live side-by-side with neighbours in a typical Glasgow Suburb. When asked about his series, creator Simon Carlyle said: "Two Doors Down is about crazy neighbours. We've all got them. They seem ok, but when you scratch the surface they're a bit nuts."

6. Two Doors Down (2013)

Two Doors Down was a show all about what it’s like to live side-by-side with neighbours in a typical Glasgow Suburb. When asked about his series, creator Simon Carlyle said: "Two Doors Down is about crazy neighbours. We've all got them. They seem ok, but when you scratch the surface they're a bit nuts." Photo: Submitted

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Brian Cox stars as the ‘Don of Dundee’ himself, Bob Servant, who is a small-time Scottish businessman navigating life in Broughty Ferry, a suburb of Dundee. Described as ‘comedic but funny’ by many, Bob regularly entertains viewers as he regularly overestimates his own importance and skill.

7. Bob Servant (2013)

Brian Cox stars as the ‘Don of Dundee’ himself, Bob Servant, who is a small-time Scottish businessman navigating life in Broughty Ferry, a suburb of Dundee. Described as ‘comedic but funny’ by many, Bob regularly entertains viewers as he regularly overestimates his own importance and skill. Photo: BBC

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This show originated as a one-off pilot for More4 back in 2008 under the title of ‘Gary’s War’ but it went on to see much more success. This Scottish sitcom, written and created by Greg McHugh, ended up becoming a BAFTA award-winning series.

8. Gary: Tank Commander (2009)

This show originated as a one-off pilot for More4 back in 2008 under the title of ‘Gary’s War’ but it went on to see much more success. This Scottish sitcom, written and created by Greg McHugh, ended up becoming a BAFTA award-winning series. Photo: Submitted

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