Since there’s so much great television, it’s always tricky narrowing the list down to six, so feel free to share your top picks in the comment section below.
Happy Valley (2014-16)
Seasons Available: One
Quite possibly the finest cop show on television, this little known drama put’s Netflix’s binge function to excellent use. Unpretentious and matter-of-fact, Happy Valley perfectly captures the meaning of being British. The two-season drama also features what may well be one of the most likeable heroines to grace prime-time television in the form of Sarah Lancashire’s Catherine Cawood. Bonus: James Norton, so appealing as the angelic vicar in period piece Granchester, once again shows his exceptional range as cold-blooded rapist, Tommy Lee Royce.
Billions (2016)
Seasons Available: One
Damien Lewis and Paul Giamatti go head-to-head in this compelling drama that manages to make hedge funds sexy. What Billions lacks in subtlety, it more than makes up for in fun. It’s the ultimate guilty pleasure.
Freaks and Geeks (1999)
Seasons Available: One
One of the greatest shows ever made, this 18-episode-long series introduced viewers to household names such as Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jason Segel. The reason for Freaks and Geeks’ enduring popularity is it’s realism in depicting run-of-the-mill adolescent issues. As Entertainment Weekly’s Ken Tucker notes: “This may be the first TV show since Pee-wee's Playhouse to treasure youth even as it embodies all of its contradictions, craziness, hopes, and fears.”
Arrested Development (2003-2013)
Seasons Available: Four
Arrested Development is one of those rare shows that make you feel genuinely lucky to be alive. Hand’s down one of the funniest shows ever, it’s beauty lies in the fact that though none of the characters are really trying to be humorous, they somehow manage to be more hysterical than anyone you’ll ever meet.
War and Peace (2016)
Seasons Available: One
Andrew Davies’ take on Tolstoy’s epic saga of the Russian aristocracy seeking its soul is entertaining as hell. Partially shot in St. Petersburg this lavish adaptation features epic battle sequences, vividly drawn character sketches (top honours go to Paul Dano’s heartrending Pierre) and a script that rises to the level of Tolstoy’s words.
London Spy (2015)
This BBC miniseries is one of those shows that only vaguely relates to what you first imagine it might be. Beautifully shot and filled with excellent performances (none more so than a mesmerizing Ben Whishaw) much of London Spy’s appeal lies in staying still while two people talk. Essential watching for those who like to think, it’s a real game-changer for the spy genre.