Isn’t technology just wonderful? Back in the day, we had to wait week by week for our favourite TV shows to pan out. Now that isn’t always the case!
While you obviously still get TV shows that play by a weekly basis, a lot of box sets now take themselves to streaming in order to encourage “binge watching”. This is where you sit there for hours and watch episodes of your favourite series, back to back.
This sounds utterly amazing but you should always be aware that sitting yourself in the dark for 6 hours watching the same show isn’t going to have many positive impacts. So don’t over do it.
Having said that, there’s lots of amazing box sets that are now available through streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon TV. Here’s a couple of my personal favourites that you will likely get hooked on if you start them.
Breaking Bad
Airing between 2008 and 2013, Breaking Bad follows Walter White who goes from Chemist teacher, to big shot crystal meth producer. Not just for fun though. Unfortunately, Walter is diagnosed with lung cancer and his medical bills are pretty steep. With his chemical knowledge, he tries to use the meth business to afford it.
Quite dark really, but definitely worth a watch. I found myself quite hooked to this show and ended up blasting through all 5 seasons on Netflix in a few weeks. Definitely worth a watch if you’re after something that has its funny moments but is also quite serious and in sometimes eye opening.
Image: AMC
Vikings
If you’re more into the historical sides of things, maybe Vikings is more your style? Starting out in the year 793, Vikings is inspired by the sagas of legendary norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok, notorious for his scourge of England and France.
Whether you’re in it for the history, or the dark age action scenes and violence, or both, Vikings currently has 5 seasons that can be streamed through Amazon. Just be warned, when you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Image: Screener TV
Game of Thrones
Surely, if you don’t know what Game of Thrones is by now then you must have been living under a rock. Named after the first book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones is 7 seasons strong, now surpassing the books it is based on!
The easiest way I can think to describe it is like a colder version of Lord of the Rings but a lot more gore, nudity and dragons. Fantasy nerds that haven’t ventured into this series yet are seriously missing out, so don’t waste any more time and grab the box sets. Alternatively sky customers can stream it straight away.
Image: HBO
Marvel’s Defenders
Comic book fans will surely be already onto these, but for those that are not, get yourself on Netflix and blast through these! Set in Marvel’s cinematic universe, a series has been dedicated to each of Marvel’s super hero team known as the defenders.
Due to multiple directors they come out fairly often of one another so be sure to check out Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron First before checking out the crossover series. The Punisher has also got his own series going too.
These aren’t shows you’ll be watching with your kids though. Just because it’s Marvel doesn’t make it family friendly! Each defenders show is aimed at a more mature audience and features a lot of graphic violence and bad language. So yeah, stick with the films for your kids for now.
Image: Digital Spy
Stranger Things
Another Netflix’s own, Stranger Things follows a group of american teenagers as they unravel a government secret involving an alternate dimension and the foul inhabitants that reside there. It has a massively retro feel as it’s set in the 80’s and is generally a lot of fun to watch.
There is only two seasons so far but a third will be coming in March 2019, so there’s plenty of time for you to catch up if you’re a sci-fi lover that has someone let this one slip off the radar.
Image: elo7
Rick & Morty
Rick & Morty doesn’t have the best street cred… I have to admit. However, if you ignore the goofballs that constantly throw the same Pickle Rick jokes at you over and over, it’s actually fairly entertaining and funny. Cartoons aren’t just for kids after all.
It’s quite hard to explain the basic premise, but all you need to know really is that Morty’s grandfather, Rick, constantly takes him on crazy adventures using his portal gun and, well, it’s just ridiculous what they get up to.
Seriously, just watch it. I don’t feel that I can do it justice by just telling you.
Image: Digital Spy
The IT Crowd
Possibly one of the funniest shows I’ve seen so far. Every single episode of the IT crowd is available on All 4, and it’s definitely worth watching from start to finish.
Using the classic stereotypical IT nerds as base characters, the IT crowd isn’t just for computer geeks alike, quite literally anybody can enjoy and appreciate it. Especially if you were an avid fan of the likes of Father Ted back in the day, as it’s the same writers.
For some classic modern British comedy, definitely give all 5 seasons of the IT crowd a shot.
Image: British Comedy Guide
The Grand Tour
Top Gear was a worldwide phenomenon. Despite it having its own regional presenters, it turns out the whole entire world preferred to watch Jeremy, Richard and James anyway.
After the slightly hilarious but understandable firing of Jeremy Clarkson from the BBC, Amazon took advantage of this situation and gave the three of them their own show to be streamed. It’s certainly no Top Gear, but The Grand Tour gives us the same stupidity and fun that we watched the show for anyway.
Car enthusiast or not, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care much for cars yet found myself constantly watching for these guys. The Grand Tour I feel has the same effect, and is worth the watch.
Image: Digital Spy
There’s a start for you if you’re a bit of a box set bum, but not sure what to watch. While they are some fairly obvious choices, we will certainly be back with more so watch this space!
Let us know your favourite box sets in the comments below.