Stuck indoors and climbing the walls? Prepare to be rescued by all this binge-tastic telly!
By Laura Rutkowski, Staff Writer
Whether it’s an absorbing drama, a rib-tickling comedy or something to make you think, there are plenty of brilliant Box Sets to get stuck into across Virgin TV. Here are 50 fab picks to get the ball rolling…
1. Friends
Find seasons 1-10 on Netflix
Binge because: Apparently the reason why we all find Friends so satisfying is because each episode delivers a problem that is solved before the credits roll. We’re pleased with the outcome and left on a happy note. Could we BE any more excited to watch it all over again?
2. Stranger Things
Find seasons 1-3 on Netflix
Binge because: These are strange times we’re living in, but at least we don’t have the Mind Flayer to contend with. With season 4 on the horizon, take a trip to Hawkins, where you can immerse yourself in some seriously retro songs and style.
3. Breaking Bad
Find seasons 1-5 on Netflix
Binge because: Now’s the perfect time for you to find out why people can’t stop raving about the hit show and quoting “I am the danger” and “I am the one who knocks.” Also, what chicken shop Los Pollos Hermanos has to do with making crystal meth.
4. Better Call Saul
Find seasons 1-5 on Netflix
Binge because: Once you’ve wrapped up Breaking Bad, turn to its spin-off series, which focuses on one of the best characters, crooked lawyer Saul Goodman, before he was Saul Goodman.
5. South Park
Find seasons 1-22 in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Binge because: Respect our authority on this, and as Eric Cartman says, “Don’t you ever, ever compare me to Family Guy.”
6. Futurama
Find seasons 1-10 in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Binge because: It feels like we’ve woken up 1,000 years in the future, so we might as well laugh while we’re here.
7. The Big Bang Theory
Find seasons 1-12 on Netflix
Binge because: It’s a scientific fact that this is a feel-good watch, and there are a lot of seasons to get through, so it should keep you going. Switch off for a while and ignore any knocks at the door.
Read our A-Z of the hit sitcom here.
8. Peep Show
Find series 1-9 on Netflix
Binge because: Mark Corrigan (David Mitchell) is still probably more neurotic than how you’re feeling right now, and for some reason, that does feel reassuring.
9. The Office UK
Find series 1 & 2 on Netflix
Binge because: It’s the inferior of the two Offices (yeah, we said it) but it’s still pretty good. Ricky Gervais’ David Brent is the cringe-worthy cousin to Steve Carell’s excitable Michael Scott.
10. The Office US
Find seasons 1-9 in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Binge because: The more times you watch it, the better it gets. You won’t be able to make it through the first few episodes without classic Michael Scott catchphrase “That’s what she said.”
11. How I Met Your Mother
Find seasons 1-9 on Netflix
Binge because: You don’t know how Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) met the mother of his children. (Or even if you do.)
12. Queer Eye
Find seasons 1-4 & Special on Netflix
Binge because: As one of our team puts it: “It’s the televisual balm I didn’t know I needed.” Trust us, you need this feel-good makeover show! Yas, queens!
13. Love Is Blind
Find season 1 on Netflix
Binge because: BINGEING IS WHAT THIS SHOW WAS MADE FOR! You are in for the wildest ride of your life, as couples connect in “pods” where they can’t see each other, only hear each other. Hey, it sounds kind of like our working from home set-up. Then they propose, THEN they get to meet, then they go on holiday before finally walking down the aisle… some of them at least.
14. Ab Fab
Find series 1-5 & Specials in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Come on, darlings, crack open some Bolli and this oldie but goodie.
15. RuPaul’s Drag Race
Find seasons 1-12 & Special on Netflix
Binge because: It’s fun, it’s fabulous and it’s full of feathers and cat fights as drag queens compete to become the Drag Race Superstar. You better werk on whatever stuff you have to do at home, because once you start watching, you’re not gonna want to stop!
Read our 10 reasons to watch here.
16. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Find series 1 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: The UK was thrilled to receive its own version of the popular show and the queens served up their own, very British, brand of humour, style and sass. They did us proud, and series 2 is already in the works!
Read our interview with the contestants and judge Michelle Visage here.
17. Gilmore Girls
Find seasons 1-8 on Netflix
Binge because: Our Content Editor confessed that last time he worked from home, he “GOT INTO THIS HARD!” Time to follow suit!
18. GLOW
Find seasons 1-3 on Netflix
Binge because: Who doesn’t want to watch kick-ass women kick ass? What’s even better is that the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling were a real group in the 80s, making the rounds on the professional wrestling circuit.
19. Cheer
Find season 1 on Netflix
Binge because: This is all anyone in our office could talk about, recommending it to anyone who would listen. It puts to bed the whole “Is cheerleading a sport?” debate. HELL YEAH IT IS.
20. Next In Fashion
Find season 1 on Netflix
Binge because: Tan France and Alexa Chung host this competition, where designers from around the world are in with the chance of winning $250,000. When you look good, you feel good!
21. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Find seasons 1-6 on Netflix
Binge because: Everybody now: “In west Philadelphia born and raised…” You know the lyrics, you know the lines, you know the gags – comfort viewing at its finest.
22. Sex Education
Find seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix
Binge because: Let’s talk about sex, baby. But, only talk about it. Sorry folks, there are some rules that come with this self-isolation business.
23. This Country
Find series 1-3 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Hey, it could be worse – you could be stuck in the Cotswolds, although “Kurtan” and Kerry Mucklowe (Charlie and Daisy May Cooper) would make it worth your while.
Read our interview with stars Charlie and Daisy Mae Cooper here.
24. Friday Night Dinner
Find seasons 1-6 in Catch Up > Channels > All 4
Binge because: Brothers Adam (Simon Bird) and Jonny (Tom Rosenthal) return home every week to their larger-than-life Jewish family, but mealtime never goes quite as planned. Make yourself at home!
Read our interview with the stars of the show here.
25. Line Of Duty
Find series 1-5 in Catch Up > Channels> BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Line Of Duty has become known for its lengthy interrogation scenes, but they actually make the time fly by because they’re so engrossing. Jed Mercurio’s series about “catching bent coppers” came before he created the world-famous Bodyguard so, basically, he’s always been brilliant.
Read our recap of series 1-5 here.
26. Parks And Recreation
Find seasons 1-7 in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Binge because: You’re a fan of The Office and know the words off by heart already – most people gravitate towards Parks And Recreation next. Amy Poehler stars as Leslie Knope, who works in the Parks Department of Pawnee, a fictional town in Indiana. The colourful characters are lovingly created by stand-out acting from Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Rob Lowe, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones and more.
27. Gavin & Stacey
Find series 1-3 + Christmas Special in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: It’s the love story of Essex boy Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Essex girl Stacey (Joanna Page), who met online. In 2007, that wasn’t as commonplace as it is today! Also starring James Corden and Ruth Jones.
Read our preview of the Christmas Special here.
28. BoJack Horseman
Find seasons 1-6 on Netflix
Binge because: This animated comedy drama series is actually incredibly existential. So maybe avoid it if you’re feeling a bit teary, but if you do feel like you need a good cry and want to feel less alone in the world, BoJack is just the tonic.
29. Years & Years
Find series 1 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: It’s more of a documentary now, but oh well, we might as well accept our fate!
30. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Find seasons 1-5 on Netflix
Binge because: It’s won multiple Golden Globes and is chortle levels of funny. The “Nine-Nine” has always got your back.
31. You
Find seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix
Binge because: Joe (Penn Badgley) is a ridiculously likeable psychopathic stalker with a big heart and strict moral code – kind of like Dexter, but funnier (and sexier). The insane plot is entertaining and this show is the definition of binge-worthy. Plus, a third season is on the way.
32. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Find seasons 1-14 on Netflix
Binge because: It’s an absolute (rough) gem of a show. Don’t be fooled by the name – it’s ironic – and the characters are despicable, but you’ll love ’em anyway.
33. Derry Girls
Find series 1 & 2 in On Demand > All 4
Binge because: When times are hard during the Troubles in 1990s Northern Ireland, it’s important to keep spirits high, and Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) and her friends certainly know how to do that.
Read our interview with the stars of the show here.
34. The IT Crowd
Find series 1-4 in Catch Up > Channels > All 4
Binge because: If all else fails, just try turning your computer off and on again.
35. Two Doors Down
Find series 1-4 & Christmas Special in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: This show will remind you how grateful you are that you have a genuine excuse not to deal with difficult people right now – from flatmates always hogging the kitchen when you want to be in there, to neighbours shouting through paper-thin walls, to family members wondering when they’re getting a grandchild (newsflash: never).
36. Still Game
Find series 1-7 on Netflix
Find series 7-9 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: This Scottish comedy about OAPs Jack (Ford Kiernan) and Victor (Greg Hemphill) coming to terms with modern technology and culture is something you’ll dirty laugh to.
37. Gogglebox
Find series 7-12 in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Find series 15 in Catch Up > Channels > All 4
Binge because: When you’re stuck at home watching TV, why not watch other people watching TV too? If you haven’t given this a try yet, it’s a lot funnier than you would think.
38. Jonathan Creek
Find series 1-5 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: There’s something strangely comforting about getting a satisfying conclusion and seeing a culprit in cuffs in each 60-minute episode.
39. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Find seasons 1-4 on Netflix
Binge because: The title and the series pokes fun at outdated and flawed stereotypes about women and empowers them in the process, without being patronising. Follow Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) in this musical comedy as she stumbles towards happiness on a journey of discovery.
40. Lovesick
Find seasons 1-3 on Netflix
Binge because: It was formerly known as Scrotal Recall and any show that has the balls (excuse the pun) to do that is one worth your time. It’s sweeter than it sounds.
41. Horrible Histories
Find series 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 & Specials in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Who says TV can’t teach you something?
42. The Great Pottery Throw Down
Find series 1 in Catch Up > Channels > All 4
Binge because: You might not think it, but this is a captivating watch. There’s no room for Ghost silliness here – it’s all about the skills. If you’re looking for something similar but different to The Great British Bake Off, this should scratch that itch.
43. Fireplace For Your Home
Find season 1 on Netflix
Binge because: With three one-hour variations to choose from, treat yourself to this creation from George Ford (whoever you are, wherever you are, we thank you, sir), which lets you literally watch a crackling log fire, with or without music. There’s also a Birchwood edition. Be still our beating hearts.
44. State Of The Union
Find series 1 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: When you need a break while you’re working from home, these 10-minute episodes work a treat, and are incredibly insightful and charming in a rough-around-the-edges, real kind of way.
45. Catchpoint
Find it in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Paddy McGuinness juggles many balls in this game show. Just watch it…
46. Race Across The World
Find series 1 & 2 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: This is exactly what we all need right now. When you can’t leave the country yourself, watch as five pairs of travellers participate in a race across countries. The catch is they can’t use airplanes, credit cards, smartphones or the internet. They start out with limited cash, and if they run out, it’s time to go job-hunting!
47. Seven Worlds, One Planet
Find series 1 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Anything even remotely involving David Attenborough makes the list. Check out his entire back catalogue for soothing commentary and an uplifting message that animals and humans need to work together to co-exist in harmony. Also, CUTE ANIMALS!
Read our profile of Sir David Attenborough here.
48. MasterChef
Find series 16 in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Binge because: Amateur cooks battle it out for the title of MasterChef, with John Torode and Gregg Wallace hosting. It’s a gentle reminder to remember to eat good food while you’re working from home… not just biscuits and crisps.
49. Fresh Meat
Find series 1-4 in Catch Up > Channels > All 4
Binge because: The creators of Peep Show allow you to live vicariously through six friends embarking on the best years of their life at university.
50. Mock The Week
Find series 8-12 on Netflix
Binge because: If we don’t laugh, we’ll probably start crying, so let’s turn to satire during these difficult times.
How to watch Netflix with Virgin TV
If you have a TiVo® box or Virgin TV V6 box, powered by TiVo®:
Press home on your remote
Select Apps & Games
Select All Apps
Select Netflix
If you’re already a Netflix subscriber, you can also access the app through Search & Discover or by pressing Red on channel 204. Just sign in with your existing login and start watching. And you’ll only have to log in the first time you use it.
If you’re new to Netflix, then you’ll need to subscribe to use the app. The easiest way to do this is by going to netflix.com/virginmedia. You can also subscribe using the Netflix app in Apps & Games.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video with Virgin TV
Prime Video is available to all Virgin TV customers with a V6 box, powered by TiVo®. Simply sign up to Amazon Prime Video via their website, and you can log in on the box. And because Prime Video is fully integrated into TiVo®, you can search without even going into the app. Just select Search & Discover from the Home menu and type in the name of the show or movie you’re after.
TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.
HD: HD TV set, V HD Box, TiVo box or Virgin TV V6 connected with HDMI cables required for HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.
Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.
On Demand: Content available to view depends on TV package. Time limits apply for viewing chargeable On Demand content – see virginmedia.com. Once purchased, all chargeable On Demand content must be viewed within 48 hours. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.
Netflix: Netflix subscription required at extra cost.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime subscription required at extra cost. 18+. Click here for T&Cs.
Image credits: Gavin And Stacey © Baby Cow
Horrible Histories © Lion TV – Photographer: Laura Rawlinson