The ultimate British TV quiz questions and answers

Screen OD staff

British television holds a unique and illustrious position in global TV. British programming, famed for its groundbreaking formats, riveting storytelling, sharp wit, and resplendent production quality, has long held audiences captive both within the rain-kissed borders of the British Isles and across the expansive shores of the global viewing public. From the gritty drama of “EastEnders” in Walford to the intellectual rigour of “University Challenge,” the sublime eccentricity of “Doctor Who,” and the biting humour of “The Office,” British television has etched itself deeply into the cultural psyche of audiences worldwide.

Whether you are a devoted aficionado of British TV, your knowledge honed through countless hours absorbing the best of the nation’s airwaves, or a more casual viewer, lured by the unmistakable allure of British programming, this quiz is the ultimate test of your expertise and recollection. This is not merely a compilation of questions—it is a journey through the annals of British television, a nostalgic return to beloved characters and unforgettable moments, and a challenge designed to test even the most devoted television buffs.

So, prepare yourself. Let your mind journey back across the decades of ground-breaking drama, uproarious comedy, intriguing science fiction, and heart-stopping reality TV. Draw upon those countless moments spent, captivated, before the glow of the screen. And step forward to take on the ultimate challenge: the ultimate British TV quiz.

Will you triumph, your knowledge of British TV earning you the coveted title of the sovereign of the small screen? Or will your memory falter, the vast vaults of televisual trivia proving too vast to fully recall? The stage is set, and the questions are ready—how well do you really know British TV?

So, with your cup of tea steaming gently on the coffee table, and your favourite biscuit poised for the perfect dunk, let’s delve into the fascinating world of British television, as we test your knowledge of the shows that have shaped, and continue to shape, our viewing lives.

British TV quiz questions and answers

Questions

  1. Who wrote the BBC series “Sherlock”?
  2. What was the first year “Doctor Who” aired?
  3. What does the acronym ‘TARDIS’ stand for in “Doctor Who”?
  4. Who played the main character in “Mr. Bean”?
  5. In which British city is “Peaky Blinders” predominantly set?
  6. What channel is the soap opera “Emmerdale” broadcast?
  7. What year was “Coronation Street” first broadcast?
  8. In “Downton Abbey,” what is the name of the family’s dog?
  9. Who plays Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of “The Crown”?
  10. Which Little Britain star presented “The Great British Bake Off” alongside Noel Fielding?
  11. What is the profession of Benedict Cumberbatch’s character in “Sherlock”?
  12. In which British reality TV show do contestants compete for a modelling contract?
  13. How many series of “Fawlty Towers” were made?
  14. What is the name of the pub in “EastEnders”?
  15. Who were the three original hosts of “Top Gear” when it rebooted in 2002?
  16. What British children’s TV show features a dinosaur-loving character called ‘George’?
  17. “The Office” (UK) was written by which duo?
  18. In the series “Black Mirror,” each episode is standalone, but what common theme ties them together?
  19. Who plays the title role in the series “Luther”?
  20. What is the annual cost of a TV licence in 2023?
  21. Who will become the Fifteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who” in 2023?
  22. Who is the longest-serving female “Blue Peter” presenter?
  23. In “Line of Duty,” AC-12 investigates what type of crimes?
  24. Who was the first presenter of TV gameshow “Blankety Blank”?
  25. In “Gavin & Stacey,” what are the names of Smithy’s best friends?

Answers

  1. “Sherlock” was written by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat.
  2. “Doctor Who” first aired in 1963.
  3. In “Doctor Who,” the acronym ‘TARDIS’ stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space.
  4. The main character in “Mr. Bean” was played by Rowan Atkinson.
  5. “Peaky Blinders” is predominantly set in Birmingham.
  6. “Emmerdale” is on ITV
  7. “Coronation Street” was first broadcast in 1960.
  8. The name of the family’s dog in “Downton Abbey” is Isis.
  9. Queen Elizabeth II is played by Claire Foy in the first two seasons of “The Crown”.
  10. The Little Britain star who presented “The Great British Bake Off” alongside Noel Fielding is Matt Lucas.
  11. Benedict Cumberbatch’s character in “Sherlock” is a consulting detective.
  12. In “Britain’s Next Top Model,” contestants compete for a modelling contract.
  13. There were two series of “Fawlty Towers” made.
  14. The name of the pub in “EastEnders” is The Queen Vic (Victoria).
  15. The three original hosts of “Top Gear” when it rebooted in 2002 were Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe.
  16. “Peppa Pig” is the British children’s TV show that features a character named ‘George’.
  17. “The Office” (UK) was written by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais.
  18. In the series “Black Mirror,” each episode is standalone, but the common theme tying them together is the dark side of life and technology.
  19. The title role in the series “Luther” is played by Idris Elba.
  20. A TV licence in 2023 costs £159 a year
  21. The Fifteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who” will be played by Ncuti Gatwa.
  22. The longest-serving female “Blue Peter” presenter is Konnie Huq.
  23. In “Line of Duty,” AC-12 investigates police corruption.
  24. Terry Wogan was the first presenter of gameshow “Blankety Blank”
  25. In “Gavin & Stacey,” Smithy’s best friends are named Gavin and Stacey.

Love quizzes? You're in luck!

Try all of our other fantastic Screen OD quizzes now: