From a deadly check-in at the luxury hotel of your dreams to a trip back in time to the court of a controlling and volatile king, our fourth volume of box set binge recommendations is packed full of bingable TV treats
1. WOLF HALL
Based on Hilary Mantel’s sumptuous novel, the 2015 BAFTA Award-winning BBC series Wolf Hall was as hypnotic as it was beautiful, as the truly brilliant Mark Rylance guided us through Thomas Cromwell’s rise under the gaze of a fiery, unpredictable King Henry VIII (played by Damian Lewis).
For Cromwell, his rise and his neck are only secure by dealing with the tricky problem of one Anne Boleyn (Claire Foy) while seeking guidance from Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce), a man who knows just how quickly Henry can turn on those he once called a brother. It’s an age-old tale of politics, deception, and power that we are all familiar with. But Wolf Hall handles the historical drama that changed a nation and a monarchy with such humanity and intelligence that it becomes a slice of history where you can feel each emotion and almost smell the candles burning to the wick at Hampton Court Palace.
To put it simply, Wolf Hall is one of the best TV dramas of the past fifty years and one of the most beautiful.
Reuniting the creative team from Wolf Hall, nearly ten years after the first series, The Mirror and the Light, once again directed by seven-time BAFTA award winner Peter Kosminsky and adapted by Peter Straughan, may have been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.
It is 1536, and Anne Boleyn is dead along with five of her coterie, but Thomas Cromwell has emerged from the bloodbath intact, his power only enhanced. Meanwhile, Henry has settled for a short-lived happiness with his third queen, Jane Seymour (Kate Phillips). However, as Cromwell attempts to navigate the moral complexities and swaying loyalties of a power-hungry King, no one is safe.
Eagerly awaited and years in the making, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light traced the final four years of Cromwell’s life, completing his journey from self-made man to the most feared, influential figure of his time. A politician, a fixer, a diplomat and a father, Cromwell was a man who defied and defined his age.
Box Set Binge (Volume 4)
2. THE WHITE LOTUS
Class dynamics, societal inequalities, power, position, lies, and sex comprise the deliciously rich, delightfully enthralling, and downright brilliant The White Lotus, written by Mike White.
Each season—beginning with the Hawaii-set first and continuing with the Sicily-set second uses the idyllic backdrop of an opulent resort to examine the darker undercurrents of its guests’ lives. The show juxtaposes the polished veneer of privilege with the messy, often uncomfortable realities lurking beneath the surface. This duality is reflected in the lives of the wealthy guests and the experiences of the resort staff, whose labour and sacrifices go largely unacknowledged.
At the heart of this HBO delight is the exceptional writing of Mike White, who effortlessly draws the audience into his web of human behaviours through a truly wonderful collection of fully rounded characters, played by an exceptional ensemble cast. From Murray Bartlett’s Armond in season one to Jennifer Coolidge’s eccentric and lonely Tanya and Leo Woodall’s devilish Jack in season two, to name just a few, every character is compelling and rich in detail.
The White Lotus also distinguishes itself through its visual and auditory style. The lush, picturesque settings of each season stand in stark contrast to the interpersonal tensions and ethical dilemmas unfolding among the characters.
The cinematography often frames the characters to highlight their isolation or complicity within the power structures they inhabit. Additionally, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer’s haunting, unconventional score is integral to the show’s atmosphere, blending tribal beats with eerie melodies to underscore the narrative’s simmering tension and unpredictability.
3. SUCCESSION
Premiering on HBO in 2018, Succession deftly explores themes of power, loyalty, and family dysfunction against the backdrop of a global media empire in a manner that would make Shakespeare himself proud.
Through its complex characters, razor-sharp writing, and incisive commentary on wealth and privilege, Succession captivated audiences from the first episode to the last as we followed the Roy family, led by the patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox), a domineering figure whose health and advancing age set the stage for a battle over the company’s future. Often akin to a sharp dissection of the real-life drama at the heart of the Murdoch empire, his children—Kendall, Shiv, Roman, and Connor—vie for their father’s approval while scheming to secure their own positions within the empire.
Each member of the Roy family is deeply flawed yet compelling, oscillating between moments of vulnerability and ruthless ambition. Kendall Roy, played masterfully by Jeremy Strong, embodies the tragic arc of a son desperate to prove himself but repeatedly undone by his own insecurities and addiction struggles. Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) exudes confidence and intelligence but grapples with her own ethical compromises and the glass ceiling within the male-dominated corporate world. Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) offers a mix of sharp wit and emotional immaturity, masking deep-seated insecurities beneath his caustic humour.
Meanwhile, Connor Roy (Alan Ruck), the eldest sibling, exists on the periphery of the power struggle, embodying the absurdities of wealth and privilege.
4. ADOLESCENCE
Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s powerful one-take mini-series, Adolescence, is far more than just a scintillating, devastatingly emotional, and expertly crafted TV show; it’s one of the most urgent dramas of the past twenty years as it lays out before us a new cancer eating away at far too many boys and young men in online forums, video-sharing websites and peer groups. Sites like Kick, TikTok and Instagram have become breeding grounds for young male anger, and a new ideology, often linked to political extremism that seeks to assert that men’s rights are under threat, and women are to blame.
Far too many young boys and men, who are attempting to find their way in a turbulent world where concepts of masculinity and male identity can feel obscure, find themselves virtually recruited by ‘influencers’ whose only wish is to spread their poison. Adolescence isn’t afraid to explore this truth through the story of Jamie Miller, the truly outstanding Owen Cooper.
From opening scenes that see us witness the chaos, pain and trauma of police officers smashing in the doors of a loving family home, only to arrest a fourteen-year-old boy who looks dazed, terrified and vulnerable, to initial police interviews, where a father (Stephen Graham) desperately attempts to protect his son, Adolescence doesn’t ask for your undivided attention, it demands it.
Remarkable in its craft, outstanding in its performances, and captivating in its social drama, Adolescence is a terrifying warning of the hate and misogyny freely running through our streets, schools, and online communities and an urgent wake-up call to us all not to let our boys and young men become victims of this extremist ideology.
Box Set Binge (Volume 4)
5. BABY REINDEER
Now and then, a TV drama emerges that upends expectations and challenges its audience to explore the darkest corners of our shared human experience. Quietly arriving on Netflix without fanfare, Richard Gadd’s adaptation of his one-man play (based on a true story), Baby Reindeer, is one of those rare TV events.
Darkly comic, deeply emotional and utterly compelling, his story of abuse, stalking, mental health, and personal recovery is truly outstanding as it challenges its audience to look beyond simple behaviour labels and explore concepts of cause, effect, empathy and healing that are often uncomfortable. With truly exceptional performances from Gadd and Jessica Gunning, it may be one of the most powerful TV dramas of 2024.
6. SMOKE
Three years ago, crime writer Dennis Lehane and actor Taron Egerton collaborated on the fantastic Apple TV+ crime drama Black Bird. Now, they are back with another true-crime-inspired show that, following a slow-burning opening, quickly ignites into a red-hot, unmissable thriller.
Exploring the world of arson investigation, Smoke introduces us to Dave (Taron Egerton), an arson investigator still troubled by a blaze that nearly consumed him when he was a frontline firefighter. Dave is investigating two serial arsonists, one who stalks “Trolleytown” and targets people in their houses, and another who enjoys burning down supermarkets and shops. Dave doesn’t want a partner and would rather the police stay out of his investigations, so when police detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) is assigned to work with him, he isn’t exactly thrilled by the support. And to be fair, the maverick Calderone would rather not be there either, as her own past haunts every decision she makes and every opportunity she has to build her career.
During the first two episodes, Smoke regularly feels like an average cop drama with a fiery twist. But hold onto your hats because this hot Apple TV+ drama is about to take more than a few sharp turns. By the fourth episode, everything you initially thought was true goes up in smoke as this beautifully crafted, directed, and performed tinderbox ignites.
7. BOILING POINT
Following his 2019 short film of the same name, Philip Barantini’s feature-length one-shot wonder movie featured Stephen Graham as Andy, a head chef and business owner whose restaurant is on the verge of disaster, from a stressed front-of-house team to an under-pressure kitchen led by the tenacious sous-chef, Carly (Vinette Robinson).
Barantini’s fast-paced fly-on-the-wall drama dialled up the heat as you bit your nails to the quick, wondering where the night was heading before leading to tragic results. Now, the TV show continues that story, fleshing out the characters and offering a delicious continuation of Barantini’s delicately crafted tension.
The result is a bold and brilliant cocktail of drama that weaves together the personal journeys of each character into a tapestry of highs, lows, sacrifices and full-on kitchen nightmares.
8. DAISY JONES AND THE SIX
Based on the bestselling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Daisy Jones & The Six feels like an extension of Cameron Crowe’s sublime 2000 film Almost Famous. But here, the coming-of-age themes are replaced by a focus on internal band conflicts, romance and politics. Spanning two timelines, interviews about the band’s collapse are woven into a delightful exploration of the 1970s music scene, featuring sublime original tracks.
With more than a nod to Fleetwood Mac, the performances of Daisy (Riley Keough) and Billy (Sam Claflin) recreate a Nicks and Buckingham-inspired conflict. At the same time, the ensemble of Billy’s brother Graham (Will Harrison), bassist Eddie Roundtree (Josh Whitehouse), drummer Warren Rojas (Sebastian Chacon), keyboardist Karen Sirko (Suki Waterhouse) and Billy’s long-suffering wife (Camila Morrone) is an absolute delight.
Box Set Binge (volume 4)
9. THE OFFER
Sometimes, the making of a film is just as fascinating as the end result. Over the years, many movie productions have sparked public interest, including Apocalypse Now, The Twilight Zone, and The Wizard of Oz. In The Offer, the making of The Godfather takes centre stage, and it’s one hell of a story!
Told from the perspective of producer Albert S. Ruddy (Miles Teller), The Offer aims to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of Francis Ford Coppola’s classic. The Offer is at its most interesting when exploring the studio system’s changing landscape in the early 1970s. Here, the infamous Paramount boss Robert Evans takes centre stage, played brilliantly by Matthew Goode, a man who never followed the rules and saved the crumbling Paramount mountain from sliding into a lake.
10. HUNTERS
Within the first 10 minutes, David Weil’s audacious series set out its stall as a family barbecue turned to slaughter at a lakeside house in the 1970s.
This Tarrantino-inspired show would mix the horror of historical Nazi atrocities with an action-thriller exploring a series of fictional events following world peace in 1945. As a result, Hunters divided public and critical opinion, with many unsure of what to make of its unique comic-book tone and moments of horrific historical darkness.
It trips over its own confidence several times. Still, despite this, it remains one hell of a ride thanks to an absolutely stunning cast led by Logan Lerman and Al Pacino and a fast, energetic direction that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
11. DEUTSCHLAND 83
While proving to be a considerable success abroad, Deutschland 83 and 86 flopped in their home country. However, this is one killer series with its mix of espionage, tongue-in-cheek humour, action and 80s tunes. Here, we see Jonas Nay’s Martin Rauch transformed from a wide-eyed twenty-something into a killer spy against the backdrop of a segregated Germany in the first season.
Meanwhile, the second season, Deutschland 86, picks up the story three years later as the cold winds of change blow south, continuing to hum with all the ingredients that made the first outing a total blast.
12. THE MOSQUITO COAST
Apple TV+ originals have embraced unique, engaging, and different TV journeys over the past few years, and The Mosquito Coast was a part of that trend.
However, due to the pandemic and the gap between seasons one and two, many have forgotten just how great its two-season run was when viewed as a whole. The TV drama would take a different path from the film, as Neil Cross and Paul Theroux combined the classic road-trip thriller with family drama, suspense, and high-octane action. The success of this fresh interpretation lies with an exceptional cast, including Justin Theroux, Melissa George, Logan Polish and Gabriel Bateman.
Some found this reimagining of Paul Theroux’s book problematic, but regardless of one’s views, it’s brave and bold. There is more than a nod to Sidney Lumet’s classic Running on Empty in this taut, energetic, and imaginative road-trip thriller, which is addictive, visually stunning, and utterly enthralling.
13. EUPHORIA
Created by Sam Levinson and lauded for its bold storytelling, striking visuals, and unflinching exploration of complex issues, Euphoria has become a cultural touchstone in contemporary television. The show delves deep into the lives of a group of high school students as they grapple with identity, trauma, addiction, relationships, and the pressures of growing up in the digital age. Through its raw honesty and artistic innovation, Euphoria has helped to redefine the teen drama genre.
Rue (Zendaya) is a recovering teenage drug addict who serves as both the protagonist and narrator of the series, guiding viewers through her tumultuous journey of self-destruction and recovery. Rue’s struggles with addiction, mental health, and identity form the emotional core of the show, offering an unvarnished and deeply empathetic portrayal of substance abuse and its ripple effects on relationships and family. At the same time, each fully-formed character offers a distinct and compelling perspective on the challenges of adolescence, from Jules Vaughn’s (Hunter Schafer) transgender journey to Nate Jacobs’ (Jacob Elordi) toxicity and hyper-masculine destruction.
14. COLUMBO
Television series have long captivated audiences with intriguing storylines and unforgettable characters. One such iconic show that has left an indelible mark on the detective genre is Columbo.
Premiering in 1968, this beloved series, created by Richard Levinson and William Link, featured the unassuming yet astute Lieutenant Columbo, brilliantly portrayed by Peter Falk. With its distinctive formula and a unique protagonist, Columbo has etched its place in television history as one of the most influential and enduring detective series of the 20th Century.
Unlike traditional detective shows, Columbo boldly revealed the murderer’s identity from the start, allowing the viewer to engage in a game of cat and mouse as Columbo slowly but surely outmanoeuvred the killer.
The result is a show that is near-perfection, as you can get, taking us from 1968 to 2003 alongside the masterful Peter Falk and a host of celebrity cameos, including Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Faye Dunaway, Janet Leigh, Vincent Price, and yes, Johnny Cash!
Box Set Binge (volume 4)
15. ZERO ZERO ZERO
Based on the sweeping novel of the same name by Roberto Saviano, Zero Zero Zero is nothing short of epic in its construct. Its dark, brooding, tension-laden story of family, deception, and betrayal shines with nail-biting brilliance, knocking its TV competition out of the park due to its sheer cinematic scale and bravery.
With a cast featuring Andrea Riseborough, Dane DeHaan, Harold Torres, Nika Perrone, Giuseppe De Domenico, and Gabriel Byrne, Zero Zero Zero explores the international drug trade from three perspectives: the suppliers in Mexico, the buyers in Italy, and the New Orleans dealmakers. Here, we are asked a simple question: What happens when a deadly global machine built on cocaine hits the rocks? The answer is found in a series of interlinked episodes and a heart-pounding conclusion.
With the opening episodes directed by Stefano Sollima (Sicario 2: Soldado and Gomorrah), Zero Zero Zero sets out its uncompromising stall from the first scenes as it dissects an illegal drug industry built on pain, death and addiction.
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