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Movies & TV

01st Mar 2017

10 of the best box sets that you really should be watching

JOE

Brought to you by Sky Box Sets

“Just one more episode…”

We all love a good box set binge but there’s nothing worse than the crash when you finish a great show. Suddenly, you don’t know what to do with yourself and your evenings have no meaning.

If you’re looking for your next entertainment fix, Sky Box Sets has over 350 box sets to choose from. We took a look at what’s on offer and came up with our list of the 10 best box sets to watch on Sky.

1. The Sopranos

Starring: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli.

What is it: It’s The Sopranos – do you really need to ask!?

Why you’ll like it: The Sopranos is the daddy of all box sets. Its story of a mob boss who’s struggling with self-doubt has become a high-water mark for every TV show that followed.

This is a world of two families, where domestic drama unfolds alongside casual wiseguy brutality.Tony Soprano (Galdolfini) is the personification of this world, a charismatic and likeable father/husband who is also a coldblooded killer when he needs to protect his Mafia family or himself.

You’ll like this if you like: The Wire, Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire.

2. The Young Pope

Starring: Jude Law, Diane Keating, James Cromwell.

What is it: A young American cardinal is elected pope but there’s more to the new pope than meets the eye.

Why you’ll like it: Jude Law is terrific as a pope who is, for lack of a better description, a bit of a dick. It easily shift gears between surreal sequences, chilling confrontations and tense power plays as the papal renegade tears up the Vatican rule book.

You’ll like this if you like: The Crown, Twin Peaks, Of Kings and Prophets.

3. Boardwalk Empire

Starring: Steve Buscemi, Kelly McDonald, Michael Shannon.

What is it: A bootlegger from Atlantic City tries to stay ahead of the authorities, his rivals and his allies during the Prohibition Era.

Why you’ll like it: Boardwalk Empire really captures the essence the Roaring 20s with its stylish take on an era of broads, booze and bullets. Steve Buscemi is surprisingly sympathetic as a crooked antihero and it combines sweeping storylines with a cast of intriguing characters.

You’ll like this if you like: The Sopranos, House of Cards, Billions.

4. Girls

Starring: Lena Dunham, Alison Williams, Jemima Kirke.

What is it: Four 20-something girls work out life and love in New York.

Why you’ll like it: Girls combines wit and creativity to make a comedy series that can make anyone laugh. Lena Dunham’s writing is sharp, honest, self-aware and very, very funny.

You’ll like this if you like: Broad City, Louie, The Inbetweeners.

5. The Walking Dead

Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira.

What is it: The survivors of a zombie apocalypse have to navigate the dangers posed by the undead, the living and the people they call friends.

Why you’ll like it: This isn’t just a zombie show. It’s a look at what happens to humanity when the mask of civilisation slips. It’s notorious for its scares, thrills and plot twists – not to mention killing off everyone’s favourite characters without a second thought!

You’ll like this if you like: Game of Thrones, The Leftovers, The Strain.

6. Vinyl

Starring: Bobby Cannavale, Ray Romano, Olivia Wilde.

What is it: A rock’n’roll story from Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Terence Winter that focuses on a New York record label boss.

Why you’ll like it: The big name producers assembled a star-studded cast for their pet project and Scorsese even directed the two-hour pilot. Vinyl is a big, ballsy show that follows a self-destructive record industry mogul (Bobby Cannavale) in 70s New York. It’s steeped in the time and watching it takes you on a trip through the excess, music and hedonism of the era.

You’ll like this if you like: Empire, Billions, Mad Men.

7. Elementary

Starring: Johnny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn.

What is it: This US adaptation of Sherlock stars Johnny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr Watson. Although fans of the show could probably have worked that out.

Why you’ll like it: Anyone suffering withdrawal after the last Sherlock series can tune into Elementary for a quick hit of cerebral crime-solving. Living up to the original was always going to be a tough ask. Still, Elementary isn’t afraid to offer its own unique twist on the Holmes mythology.

You’ll like this if you like: Sherlock, Lie to Me, House.

8. Lost

Starring: Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway.

What is it: Plane crash survivors find themselves stuck on a strange Pacific island but things aren’t quite what they seem.

Why you’ll like it: Lost was a cultural phenomenon when it came out, baffling and delighting critics and audiences in equal measure. This iconic show has all the style, adventure and suspense you’d expect from a JJ Abrams creation but it consistently defies your expectations.

You’ll like this if you like: Stranger Things, The Leftovers, Prison Break.

9. Modern Family

Starring: Ed O’Neill, Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell.

What is it: Modern Family became one of the biggest comedy shows on television by reinventing the rules and creating a smart and original alternative to the traditional family sitcom.

Why you’ll like it: This prime-time comedy about what constitutes a modern family is one of the best sitcoms going. It’s clever, well-casted and it has plenty of warmth behind the wit. But most importantly, it’s packed with great jokes and situational humour.

You’ll like this if you like: Parks and Recreation, Peep Show, the US Office.

10. House of Lies

Starring: Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell, Ben Schwartz.

What is it: A pitch black comedy about a management consultant who will do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Why you’ll like it: House of Lies is a bitingly cynical comedy that pulls no punches in its search for laughs. Its team of antiheroes aren’t particularly likeable but they’re pretty damn funny!

You’ll like this if you like: Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Better Call Saul.

Missed that show everyone’s talking about? Sky Box Sets have a huge selection of shows to choose from, whether you like comedy, drama or entertainment.

With over 350 box sets to choose from, Sky Box Sets have something for everyone. 

Brought to you by Sky Box Sets

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