Entertainment

Don't Freak Out, Netflix Is Keeping Its BBC Shows

Chocolate chip cookies, fuzzy blankets, and Netflix — there are just some things you can always rely on for comfort. But for fans of BBC shows like Doctor Who, that safety net was temporarily threatened when news broke that Netflix and BBC couldn't negotiate a deal to renew streaming agreements, and rumors began surfacing that these British shows would be removed from the streaming service at the end of Janaury. Naturally, people freaked out. (There was even a petition with nearly 37,000 signatures to save Doctor Who!) The panic was warranted — what if you hadn't had a chance to watch the original version of The Office yet? Or what if you just began season 2 of Luther? Fear not, I've got good news: Netflix announced most BBC shows aren't going anywhere.

Clearing up how the situation had been exaggerated, a Netflix spokeswoman (or patron saint, you decide!) explained to Variety that those shows would be renewed and still available for streaming. Here's the full list of shows that will remain:

  • Classic Doctor Who
  • Doctor Who seasons 1 through 7
  • Copper seasons 1 and 2
  • House of Cards trilogy
  • Keeping Up Appearances season 1
  • Luther seasons 1 through 3
  • Monarch of the Glen seasons 1 through 6
  • North & South
  • Robin Hood seasons 1 through 3
  • The Buccaneers
  • The Office U.K. seasons 1 and 2
  • Top Gear seasons 17 though 20
  • Torchwood seasons 1 through 4
  • Wallander seasons 1 through 3

Unfortunately, a few BBC shows didn't make the cut: Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, MI-5, and Red Dwarf. That means you have approximately two weeks (or until Jan. 31) to squeeze in those series. If you're a committed binge-watcher, I think you can do it!

Sure, there are some casualties, but overall this is great news. Your shows are safe! Now rejoice accordingly.

Image: Giphy