FEELING BOXED IN? THE BEST HOLIDAY BOX SETS TO GET COSY WITH
WRITTEN BY SARA MACAULEY
After the festivities are over and we’ve eaten more turkey than we thought possible, for a brief period of a few days before work beckons us back, there’s little else to do than stretch out in front of the television. But what to watch? If you’re anything like us, we bet you’ve had your fill of Christmas films and comedy specials, so we’ve compiled a list of the best box sets to binge instead. Sit back, relax and get stuck in.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Amazon Prime
One of Amazon Prime’s most successful pilots ever, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel has racked up a total of three seasons so far. Set in 1958 in New York, the storyline follows Midge Maisel – a Jewish housewife with a strict family life and a newfound obsession with stand-up comedy. Not exactly the norm for a woman of her standing, Midge has to battle the conflict that ensues while she follows her passion. Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino of Gilmore Girls fame, this is a feel-good series which focuses on female empowerment and real emotion.
Power – Netflix
A gritty crime drama, Power follows the life of a successful nightclub owner who moonlights as a drug dealer to New York City’s A-list users. James St Patrick (also known as Ghost) attempts to balance his life of crime and business while avoiding police capture, keeping his crumbling marriage afloat and dealing with the changing economic alliances in the city. There’s a whopping six seasons available, so lots of potential for an ongoing love affair in the evenings when you inevitably have to go back to work.
Game of Thrones – HBO
An obvious choice, yes, but it wouldn’t be right to create a box set write-up without mentioning this cult series. Based on the books penned by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones had the world hooked with its massive eight season offering. GoT boasts a stellar cast, fantastic cinematic moments and twists and turns at every junction. Following the lives of nine noble families who live within Westeros in their battle for the iron throne, this show has a hugely complex (but satisfying) plot that’ll keep your mind agile.
Peaky Blinders – BBC
This is a BBC drama which centres around the life of the fictional Birmingham-based gangsters known as the Peaky Blinders (after the razor blades hidden in their peaked caps). Set in 1919, the show’s family-run mob is headed up by Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his crew of motley friends and siblings. We follow the narrative as the Shelby family run into trouble with everyone from the local police, to rival gangs and even Winston Churchill. Unexpected alliances, stylish ensembles and a lot of violence entail – it’s a fantastic watch.