Look, there are a lot of TV shows that were filmed in Bristol—everything from Casualty to Doctor Who to Only Fools and Horses. But how many can you name that are actually set in Bristol and, at the very least, embody the city’s spirit? Skins and The Outlaws are the obvious answers, and after that, things get a little hazy, but there are many incredible TV Shows set in Bristol that you must watch!
1. Skins
Where else do you start but maybe Bristol’s most iconic TV show? Skins changed TV forever with its unique blend of comedy and drama focused on the friendships of tearaway teenagers. Across seven seasons and 61 episodes, Skins took great advantage of Bristol’s most iconic locations—utilising everything from Freddie skateboarding down Park Street to Sid and Cassie holding hands on a bench on Brandon Hill.
Numerous locations from all over Bristol pop up throughout. From St Nicholas Market to Nelson Street, Castle Park to Redcliffe Caves, it’s all here. There are even appearances from further afield locations like Tyntesfield House, the M5 Underpass, and Blaise Castle. You can check out all of the Bristol locations featured in Skins (there’s a lot) by heading here.
2. The Outlaws
If there’s one show that can rival Skins, if not beat it, for Bristol-ness, it’s The Outlaws. Stephen Merchant’s crime comedy is his love letter to Bristol, and it is probably the best TV show that reflects the places and people of this city. Following a group of strangers on community payback, it takes us from The Galleries (appearing in the opening shot of series one, episode one) to St Werburghs City Farm (where series three is mostly set) and beyond.
Of course, The Outlaws shows off Bristol’s most iconic sights—Harbourside, College Green, and Park Street all appear—but it doesn’t shy away from lesser-known locations. Like Sea Mills Community Centre (the main setting for series one and two), Shirehampton’s The George Inn—where Christopher Walken’s character sings karaoke—and the high-rise tower blocks on Commercial Road, Francombe House. You can learn more about The Outlaws’ locations here.
3. Teachers
This Channel 4 comedy drama followed the trials and tribulations of teaching staff at the fictional Summerdown Comprehensive. Starring a pre-The Walking Dead Andrew Lincoln, Teachers was filmed in the former Merrywood School in Knowle and then the former Lockleaze School. While it didn’t exactly scream “Bristol”, it was a huge success story at the time (2001-4) and still is one of the strongest TV shows set in Bristol.
4. Being Human
While most Bristol TV shows are known for their grounded setting, Being Human adds a little supernatural twist. It’s a classic flatshare comedy, but the occupants are a ghost, werewolf and vampire struggling to find normality. The first two seasons (starring Lenora Crichlow, Russell Tovey and Aidan Turner) are set in Totterdown, before relocating to Barry in Wales, and it’s widely agreed that the quality starts to drop off from here—so take note, future Bristol productions.
5. The Clifton House Mystery
An oldie but a goodie (you can also watch it for free on YouTube). The Clifton House Mystery is a supernatural, children’s cult drama from 1978. When a family moves into an old house in Bristol, several strange incidents start to occur… It even takes some plot elements from the real-life case of Thomas Brereton, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Dragoons stationed in Bristol during the Bristol riot of 1831.
6. Kiri
A short, but compelling four-part drama about the abduction of a young girl, written by Bristol’s very own Jack Thorne. Starring Sarah Lancashire as the girl’s social worker, Kiri will leave you on the edge of your seat. You may want to avoid Bristol Downs for a while after, though.
7. Ruby Speaking
In the vein of The Outlaws, Ruby Speaking is by Bristolians for Bristolians. Starring none other than Jayde Adams and Joe Sims, it’s inspired by Jayde’s first job experience in a call centre. It’s also all about showing off the often overlooked South Bristol and its vibrancy and colour—which means there’s NO shots of Clifton or the Suspension Bridge!
8. Shoestring
Although never named, the setting of Shoestring is unmistakably Bristol. A sort of proto-Bergerac by the same production team, this BBC crime drama series follows private detective Eddie Shoestring investigating everything from disappearances to unsolved deaths. With two series and 21 episodes, filmed 1979-80, it’s a snapshot of the city in this era and worth watching alone for that.
9. Bliss
Bliss was created by David Cross (better known as Tobias from Arrested Development) and stars Stephen Mangan as a travel writer attempting to balance his time between two families. Heather Graham and Jo Hartley co-star as his wives. The likes of College Green, Cumberland Basin, Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Downs and Hotwells all feature (so nothing you haven’t seen before), but you can also spot the family-run Italian on Frogmore Street, Sergio’s.
10. The Crow Girl
This psychological thriller only aired on Paramount+ in the UK in January 2025, but has already been renewed for a second season. The Crow Girl adapts Erik Axl Sund’s best-selling novel about the hunt for a killer of young men, but switches Stockholm for Bristol—for its “maritime past, historical importance, strong local socio-political identity, and the brilliant aesthetic diversity”.
You’ll easily spot Castle Park, Queens Square, and the Harbourside. But keep an eye out for The Gold Bar on Corn Street, Sunshine Café on Bedminster’s East Street and the Greenbank Cemetery in Easton. Meanwhile, the old Bank of England building on Wine Street was transformed into the ‘Bristol Metropolitan Police’ headquarters.
11. Crazyhead
From the creator of Misfits, Crazyhead was called the “British Buffy” when it was released in 2016. Although it never took off in the same way, this comedy horror is still a fun watch. Notable Bristol locations include M-Shed, Ashton Court, We the Curious, and Avonmeads Retail Park.
12. Afterlife
Not After Life—which oddly has its own bench next to Ashton Court Mansion—afterlife follows a psychic medium (Lesley Sharp) and an skeptic academic (Andrew Lincoln) investigating the paranormal in Bristol.
13. Thirteen
Thirteen is the harrowing drama of a 26-year-old woman, with Jodie Comer in the lead role, imprisoned for 13 years, who finally escapes her captor. From Redland to Lockeaze, and even Purdown BT Tower making a special appearance, this TV show is Bristol at its creepiest.