A Very English Scandal (2018)

BingeNext's take

If you enjoy gripping dramas set against real historical backdrops, A Very English Scandal is a great pick. This three-episode series from 2018 stars Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, bringing to life the tense story of Jeremy Thorpe, a political leader in the late 1960s who is trying to keep a dangerous secret in a time when homosexuality was just becoming legal. The show combines political intrigue with personal drama, making it feel both intense and intimate. It’s perfect for anyone who likes character-driven stories with a strong sense of time and place, similar to shows like The Tudors or Masters of Sex. Watching it feels like stepping into a complicated moment in history, where every conversation and decision carries weight. The performances are thoughtful and the pacing keeps you hooked without rushing, so it’s ideal for a weekend binge when you want something smart and engaging but not overwhelming.

Synopsis

It's the late 1960s, homosexuality has only just been legalised and Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal party, has a secret he's desperate to hide.

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Stream (US)

• Find on Prime Video

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Hugh Grant as Jeremy Thorpe
• Ben Whishaw as Norman Scott
• Alex Jennings as Peter Bessell
• Monica Dolan as Marion Thorpe
• Jonathan Hyde as David Napley
• Jason Watkins as Emlyn Hooson
• Patricia Hodge as Ursula Thorpe
• Naomi Battrick as Diana Stainton
• David Bamber as Lord Arran
• Blake Harrison as Andrew 'Gino' Newton

If you liked A Very English Scandal, try

• Mad Men
• Twin Peaks
• Father Brown
• The Tudors
• The Day of the Jackal
• Masters of Sex
• Fleishman Is in Trouble
• Queer as Folk