Pfft... I couldn't even work out who shot Mr Burns

Kalle Rantaaho
Also, the book being originally created by one person during many years makes the fundamental structures fluent and solid compared to modern TV-writing which usually means a group of writers.
This has created a strong tradition which gives new writers good ground to bounce from.

This is, in many cases, why British TV is so different from American TV. There are more shows which have a single writer at the helm as opposed to most US shows which have a team of writers churning them out. And that's also why UK seasons are relatively short at between 6 and 12 episodes whereas US seasons often run as high as 24 episodes or more.

It's not necessarily better, just different. I like both styles for different reasons. Take a show like Black Books for instance, or Ricky Gervais' "Extras." Both very quirky, original shows bursting with personality and charm. But you could watch the whole of them in an evening or two since there were only about 12 episodes of each. Contrast that with something like Fraiser with probably more than 250 episodes. And it was consistently funny too, although in a much more generic way. Large team of writers.

I have found that the BBC programs seem to have more depth and texture. THe characters are not all great looking former models, they're very real people with flaws and depth of character. It's also great to see actors that have been in huge feature films show up in small TV roles. King of the elves shows up in Glasgow to clean out a public housing unit as a janitor. 
 
And don't get me started on the comedy. Since the Goons they've been leading the way.

Hi,
 
A couple of good ones that were enjoyable ... but since I do not have a TV for the past 10 years, I have not kept up much.
 
"Cracker" was great fun.
 
And watching Helen Mirren in the other one, was damn good. 

There's always The Professionals. 
 
Which was basically The Dukes Of Hazard without the moonshine or hot pants. 

One I'd strongly recommend is 'Hinterland' - a crime drama made in Wales. Absolutely excellent and IIRC on its third series. Has it's own style and atmosphere and is very absorbing.
 
I'm fed up with those shows where the 'crim' is always sat in a room with two chairs and a table, the (obvious) hidden mirror/window, a cop with his/her hands on their hips, badge displayed on their belt (subtle - NOT), and speaking in a roughie-toughie voice - and the crim 'coughs' (as in tells all) and/or confesses immediately.

Just finished watching Bloodline Excellent US drama. Full marks 10/10 Great tension and atmosphere. Loved it. Sort of cop show but very good story.  Our Aussie actor Ben Mendelsohn was excellent.

It's been cancelled. Too intelligent for the market.

It's not a crime drama, but Black Mirror is the best television i've seen in years.  Basically a technology-based version of the Twilight Zone.  And British.

Slugbaby
It's not a crime drama, but Black Mirror is the best television i've seen in years.  Basically a technology-based version of the Twilight Zone.  And British.

I must watch that, written by Charlie Brooker I think. He also does some great satirical shows 'How TV Ruined Your Life', 'Screenwipe' etc.