With meteorological autumn underway and the weather turning, many are looking forward to cosy nights in front of the TV. BBC iPlayer offers a wide range of series across genres, from drama and comedy to documentaries and entertainment, making it easier to find a show to suit the mood.
Cosy drama picks
Fans of Pride and Prejudice may enjoy The Other Bennet Sister, a 2026 series starring Ella Bruccoleri as the overlooked middle sister Mary Bennet. The 10 episodes, each lasting 30 minutes, follow Mary as she navigates societal pressure in Regency England. A three-part special is confirmed to air over Christmas this year.
Another drama option is Film Club, a rom-com starring Aimee Lou Wood and Nabhaan Rizwan. It follows two best friends questioning their feelings for each other when a job offer threatens to separate them. Other easy-watch shows on iPlayer include Father Brown, Beyond Paradise, The Hairdresser Mysteries, and various Agatha Christie titles.
Comedy for a laugh
Ann Droid is a new comedy series spanning six short episodes, telling the story of the unlikely friendship between Sue, played by Sue Johnston, and social humanoid robot Linda, portrayed by Diane Morgan. Linda, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health, often calls out Sue when she is bluffing, leading to hilarious situations.
For a Scottish comedy, Only Child stars Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh as a squabbling father and son duo. Filmed in Forres, the show currently has two seasons on iPlayer. Fans of history-based comedy can watch Ghosts, which is set for a big screen release later this year, while all six seasons of Schitt's Creek are also available.
Documentaries and entertainment
David Attenborough documentaries offer a peaceful setting for a cosy night in. The 90-minute special David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth, filmed at the Royal Albert Hall, celebrates his career. Charlie Cooper's Myth Country explores British folklore, from crop circles to demon dogs.
For entertainment, Iain Stirling's Race Against the Tide sees sand sculptors compete on a beach in St Andrews before the waves arrive. Amanda and Alan's Greek Job follows the pair renovating a property on the Ionian island of Corfu. Strictly Come Dancing is set to return with new celebrities and professionals, while Claudia Winkleman will host the second season of Celebrity Traitors in the Scottish Highlands.
All these shows are available on BBC iPlayer.
