Best Scottish TV of all time: 24 of Scotland’s best TV shows according to our Scotsman readers
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?
21. Shetland (2013)
Featuring characters from the award-winning novels written by crime writer Ann Cleeves, Shetland follows DI Jimmy Perez and his team as they investigate a slew of heinous acts. The show also received high praise for its breathtaking scenery that showcased Scotland’s incredible natural beauty. Photo: Submitted
22. Monarch of the Glen (2000)
A popular drama series produced by Ecosse Films which follows the young Archie MacDonald who is a restaurateur trying to restore his childhood home of Glenbogle in the Scottish Highlands to its former glory as he discovers he is the new Laird of the estate. Photo: Submitted
23. Hamish Macbeth (1995)
A popular 90s mystery-comedy series which followed the adventures of Hamish Macbeth, a lackadaisical police officer in the imagined village of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands. It was based on the murder mystery novels created by Marion Beaton. Photo: Submitted
24. Only an Excuse? (1993)
This annual comedy sketch show was broadcast on BBC One Scotland on Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) from 1993 to 2020. It was a very popular show and during its final episode in 2020 the ratings revealed that over 1.1 million people tuned in to enjoy its final run - not a bad turnout! Photo: Submitted