The best box sets to watch right now for the ultimate TV binge

Sex and the City never failed to get down to the nitty gritty. It put the many nuances of modern love, friendship and (of course) sex under the microscope and became one of the most defining sitcoms of the 90s as a result. Obviously, there was comedy too – Samantha's one-liners still get us every time. While we'll never quite understand how Carrie was supposed to have made a living off just one column a week, we're willing to overlook it for her fabulous wardrobe.
Available on: Sky Box Sets

Welcome to the Upper East Side, where gossip is rife. This is the pinnacle of teen drama, following the lives some of New York's most privileged teenagers; Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Chuck Bass and co. You'll be hooked on trying to work out Gossip Girl's identity as the gang's biggest secrets are published on her site. xoxo...
Available on: Netflix

The brainchild of Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Killing Eve follows an MI5 officer, Eve, and trained assassin slash psychopathic killer, Villanelle, in an obsessive game of cat and mouse that spans the globe. Prepare to be obsessed yourself.
Available on: BBC iPlayer

Awkward teen Otis might not seem the kind of kid who's an expert on sex but, as his mum (Gillian Anderson) is a sex therapist, he is. In a bid to impress his classmates, Otis sets up a secret sex clinic with cool girl Maeve to address their classmates problems. It's nothing short of hilarious.
Available on: Netflix

Following the staff of the fictional 99th precinct of New York as they solve crimes across the city, Brookyln Nine Nine stars the hilarious Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher and Melissa Fumero in snappy episodes you'll blitz through in no time. Who knew police work could be so funny?

Over the course of six emotional seasons, Downton Abbey had us corset-hooked on the lives of the Crawley family and their staff. Weaving together 1920s and 30s history, family drama and a couple of pretty traumatic storylines, Downton is as good as period dramas get. Plus, it's scored Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and is beloved Stateside – proof that if you haven't seen it already, you need to catch up now. Especially as there's now a movie, too...
Available on: Now TV, Sky Box Sets

A dramatic five-part retelling of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the events that followed, this was probably the must-watch of last year. It's chilling.
Available on: Now TV, Sky Box Sets

The one where you watch it again and again and it never gets old. Friends is a simple premise – the lives of six friends living in New York – and that was the secret to its success. Its effects on popular culture have lasted 10+ years after its finale aired – it's probably the most quoted show in television history – and you'll laugh at the jokes time and time again. Available on: Netflix

Inspired by one of the most norotious gangs in UK history, Peaky Blinders follows Tommy Shelby and his infamous family as they work their way to the top of the crime world. It's undoubtedly violent, and you'll find yourself in the strange position of rooting for criminals, but you'll be hooked. Available on:Netfilx, BBC iPlayer

Based on a group of geeky physicist friends and their attractive neighbour, The Big Bang Theory is perfect easy viewing when you're tired after work. That doesn't mean it's not good though; the series has some of the most memorable characters on TV (who doesn't secretly love Sheldon?) and its popularity is undeniable. Available on: Netflix

There have been loads of Sherlock Holmes adaptations over the years, but this one starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as our favourite Baker Street boys has to be the best. Sure, there's only ever a few episodes per season, but the clever mix of the traditional tales with a modern setting make it worth the painfully long waits between each series.
Available on: Netflix, BBC iPlayer

Following the lives of a close-knit group of suburban families on Wisteria Lane, Desperate Housewives is scandal, mystery and dirty laundry aplenty. The series begins with the shock suicide of one of the housewives, with viewers drip-fed details of a wider mystery each season. If this much drama happened on one street IRL, nobody would live here, but it's great TV.

Following the fate of a New York advertising agency during the fifties and sixties, Mad Men is more like art than TV. Exceptional acting, unreal costumes and one of the most thought-provoking scripts on television make it loved by small-screen aficionados and discerning viewers alike.
Available on: Netflix

Ten years of Edina and Patsy's outrageous behaviour wasn't enough to satisfy fans, so they made a comeback with a movie in 2016. So, what better excuse to rewatch the Ab Fab back catalogue? The cult series follows the self-obsessed BFFs drinking, snorting and blagging their way through their fashion careers, watched over by Eddie's ever-disapproving daughter Saffron.
Available on: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Now TV

A sitcom set in a hospital, Scrubs follows the lives of intern J.D. (John Dorian) and his friend and co-workers as they their lives inside and out of Sacred Heart Hospital. As well as funny storylines and some tear-jerking moments, you'll enjoy J.D.'s endless daydreams throughout the show. It's nothing short of hilarious.
Available on: Amazon Prime (to rent and buy)

Dexter Morgan is living something of a double life. By day, he works as a forensic technician for the Miami Metro Police Department. By night, he's a serial killer who bumps off perpetrators who have slipped through the justice system, using his skills to cover up his crimes. What could possibly go wrong? Available on: Now TV

From Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio comes equally on-the-edge-of-your-seat viewing in Bodyguard. After a heroic display during a public incident, troubled war veteran David Budd is assigned as the Home Secretary's protection officer. Torn between his beliefs and his duty, you'll be asking 'what's going on here?' until the very last episode.

Categorically one of the most heartwarming, hilarious series to date, this is perfect hangover TV. Hunker on down under a duvet and travel to the Stars Hollow - a fictional sleepy town on the east coast of America - and follow the lives and loves of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory. As a heads up, you'll want to stock up on junk food before starting this – there's a lot of eating involved. When you're done you can also catch the reboot, A Year In The Life on Netflix, to see where your favourite characters are years later.
Available on: Netflix

Following CIA agent Carrie Mathison as she attempts to uncover a series of terror plots against the United States, this series is more nuanced than it sounds. Confronting PTSD, post-natal depression and mental health issues at the same time as a few (OK, a lot) of terrorist take-downs, it?s fast-paced, exciting and emotional.
Available on: Netflix

The most unflappable person in PR, Olivia Pope knows how to make any scandal disappear. Which is probably why she's employed by the White House. With her team of 'white hats' on hand to help her get to the bottom of every bit of dodgy dealing in Washington (and a collection of beautiful long-stemmed wine glasses to help her when she goes home), she's exactly who we want to be when we grow up.
Available on: Amazon Prime (to rent and buy)

When Eleanor Shellstrop dies, due to an administrative error she ends up in the elite 'Good Place' despite living a morally questionable life. Starring Kristen Bell and Jameela Jamil, the show follows Eleanor's afterlife as she tries to keep everyone else from finding out her past.
Available on: Netflix

When crushes get creepy; You follows bookstore assistant Joe as he develops a thing for college student Beck. Except, things get pretty sinister when his feelings turn to stalker-y obsession. Another one it's best not to watch alone if you're easily freaked.
Available on: Netflix

Adapted from the best selling book by Liane Moriarty, Big Little Lies follows a group of women in glamorous Monterey, California after a murder is committed. What led to the murder, who died and whodunnit? You'll have to watch to find out...
Available on: Sky Box Sets, Now TV

Controversial to some, but the US version of The Office is also brilliant. Beautifully awkward and incredibly heart-warming, it's laugh-out-loud hilarious - and you'll be quoting it for years to come.
Available on: Amazon Prime

Idris Elba plays Luther, a supercharged detective with the brain of Sherlock Holmes and the ruthlessness of – ach, we might as well admit it, there's nobody else quite like him. Determined to hunt down murderers in London, Luther pushes himself to the limit in order to catch them ? tracking them down and using all kinds of psychological torture to make them crack. And, if you haven't guessed, it's pretty intense. Available on: BBC iPlayer, Netflix

After witnessing the suicide of a woman who looks like her, Sarah assumes her identity (as well as her money and boyfriend) in a bid to improve her and her daughter's life. But it turns out this woman killed herself for a reason – and it's about to catch up with Sarah. Trust us, you'll be on the edge of your seat.
Available on: Netflix

Our protagonist, Ted Mosby, is telling his children the long old tale of how he met their mother – so long, in fact, that it spans nine seasons. We get to watch the whole story for ourselves, as each episode is a look back on his life with friends Marshall, Lily, Robin and Barney. It's hilarious (and yes, you do eventually discover the mother's identity).
Available on: Netflix

In 1950s Upper West Side New York, Miriam Maisel aka Midge has the perfect life – husband, two kids, fabulous apartment. Then she discovers an untapped talent for stand up comedy, which turns her world upside down... Created by the woman behind Gilmore Girls, prepare to be charmed.
Available on: Amazon Prime

Another Shonda Rhimes great, Viola Davis plays legal professor Annalise Keating, who has chosen five first-year law students for internships at her firm. Suddenly, they all find themselves involved in a murder plot that'll impact their lives forever. Suspense by the bucket load.
Available on: Netflix

After Michael Scofield's brother is convicted of a crime he didn't commit and put on death row, he decides the only way to get him out is to get in himself. After holding up a bank in a bid to get locked up alongside his sibling, so begins the most extreme attempt at escaping prison you'll ever see...
Available on: Netflix

After going through a rough break-up, kooky Jess (a.k.a Zooey Deschanel) moves in with three single guys who together form a kind of dysfunctional family. Think of it like Friends for millennials, but with a modern-day Phoebe as the main character. Sold? We were.
Available on: Amazon Prime

The story begins with Jack and Rebecca, who are expecting triplets – when one of their babies is stillborn at birth, they decide to adopt an abandoned newborn baby brought to the hospital that same day. The story flits between the past and present day – when the three babies, Kate, Kevin and Randall, are adults with their own struggles. It's an emotional rollecoaster.
Available on: Amazon Prime

Set in the 80s, the the era of lycra, out-of-work actress actress Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie) makes a foray into the world of women's wrestling in a comedy by the writers of Orange is the New Black. Along with a crew of 'misfits', she becomes one of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling – aka, GLOW.
Available on: Netflix

One Tree Hill meets creepy murder mystery, a group of high school students slowly unravel the secrets of this seemingly harmless town, and work out what happened to a classmate who died. All is not what it seems here...
Available on: Netflix

Sabrina got a grown up, live action makeover in 2018 with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – although it's spookier and darker than you remember. Don't let that put you off, though; it's good fun and an entertaining watch.
Available on: Netflix

A well-known, wealthy and successful family lose everything when their patriach is convicted for fraud. Michael, the new head of the family, is now in charge of managing his spoilt and dysfunctional relatives as they adjust to their new normal.

Another Margaret Attwood adaptation, Alias Grace is the story of an Irish immigrant accused of murdering her former employer and his housekeeper in 1840s Canada. She is sentenced to life in prison, and we are drip-fed her story (and what actually happened) in a mixture of flashbacks and the present. If you like The Handmaid's Tale, you'll love this. Available on: Netflix

Grace and Frankie have been rivals for, well, forever. Then their husbands fall in love – with each other – and announce they want to get married. As life as they know it slowly unravels, they realise the only person who can help them navigate this unique situation is the other.
Available on: Netflix