Game of Thrones
While many fans were left unsatisfied with the finale, Game of Thrones is nothing short of landmark television. Boasting a budget that would shame many movies, the show follows the fortunes of the Starks, Lannisters and Targaryens as the ruthlessly circle the Iron Throne in Kings Landing. Devilish court intrigue, epic battles, and heart-stopping moments like the infamous Rains of Castamere make it one of the cultural events of the past decade. If you prefer not to buy DVDs or Blu-rays, in the US, GoT is available on HBO. In the UK you can stream it on Sky (it isn’t on Now TV).
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s smash-hit follows a young woman trying to make sense of the world and herself amid the backdrop of London’s nightclubs, bars and bedrooms. Hailed as a modern classic, the show also stars Oscar winner Olivia Coleman and picked up a hatful of awards at the recent Emmys. It’s a BBC show, so you can watch Fleabag on iPlayer in the UK.
The Walking Dead
When this bleak vision of a near-future where the world has been ravaged by a Zombie plague first premiered back in 2010 it seemed like horrific nightmare. Now, as the world spirals out of control and madness reigns, it’s more akin to a documentary. So, if you want to know the survival skills you’ll need to emerge from the coming apocalypse intact, follow Rick Grimes and his crew through the first seven seasons of this brutal but excellent show.
Chernobyl
This gritty dramatisation of the disaster at the Soviet Ukrainian nuclear power plant in 1986 has garnered widespread praise for its atmospheric retelling of the events that led up to the disaster. Starring Emily Watson, Stellen Starsgard, Jared Harris and Paul Ritter, this is historical drama at its most raw and realistic. In the UK, you can also stream Chernobyl on NowTV.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
January 2020 sees the return of Jean-Luc Picard to the TV screens as Sir Patrick Stewart revives his classic character. There’s no better time to prepare for the new series – Picard – than to journey once more through the seven series of Star Trek: The Next Generation in which the Captain sat at the helm of the USS Enterprise. Watch once more as he and his intrepid crew fight the Borg, explore strange new worlds, and deal with the occasional visits of super-being Q. Time to boldly go. If you prefer, you can watch Star Trek: The Next Generation on Netflix.
The Crown
If you want to see the real game of thrones, then The Crown is a fine choice. Claire Foy is excellent in her portrayal of Elizabeth II, aided by Matt Smith of Dr Who fame as Prince Phillip. Winner of the Golden Globe for Best TV Drama, this is a classy and gripping telling of the real events that surrounded Her Majesty’s ascent to the throne and beyond. As a Netflix Original, you can also watch The Crown on Netflix.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve appeared out of nowhere to become one of the TV sensations of recent years. The titular Eve is an MI5 officer tasked with tracking the dangerous assassin Villanelle, which results a thrilling game of cat and mouse with plenty of twists along the way. Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame, this is a tight and tense drama that will keep you guessing. In the UK you can watch Killing Eve on BBC iPlayer. Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
