Top 10 Self Isolation Boxsets 

In a time where we’re stuck in lockdown and most people are indoors trying to think of things to keep themselves occupied throughout the day, boxsets are an excellent time killer. There is nothing better than grabbing a drink (be that coffee, tea, Coca Cola or even wine), something nice to munch on and snuggling down with a gripping boxset. A show guaranteed to keep you interested in for hours on end and then something you can drive your family and friends insane with when you go on about how good it was and how much they should watch it too. So, here’s a list of 10 TV shows I recommend you should watch to keep yourselves occupied during these strange times…

Criminal Minds - 15 Seasons - Amazon Prime

Main Cast Seasons 2 - 6

An American crime drama based around a team of FBI profilers. This show used to be played on Sky Living (I think?) but now 14 of the 15 seasons are on Amazon Prime (fingers crossed the last one will join soon!). Each episode has a similar concept where the agents will be called in by the police to help solve a crime. They use their genius skills to work out who the ‘un-sub’ is and help the police catch them. It has moments of comedy, family, love, heartbreak and friendship. It can be quite gory and sometimes the deaths can make you feel sick to your stomach. Sometimes there is a story arc going on and you learn more about our favourite profilers’ pasts. But if crime drama is your kind of thing Criminal Minds will always leave you feeling creeped out but interested in the goings on of a killer’s mind.

Broadchurch - 3 Seasons - Britbox

Main Characters Olivia Colman and David Tennant

A British crime drama starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman as detectives. Do I really need to say more? The first season follows the investigation into the death of young, Danny Latimer who is found murdered on the beach. But in a town where everybody knows everybody, secrets can’t stay quiet forever, and anyone could be the killer. The following two seasons deal with other crimes whilst also dealing with the fallout of the death of a young child in a small community. You can’t say too much about this show without spoiling it but it’s emotional and gripping. Starring some of Britain’s best-known actors including David Bradley, Jodie Whittaker and Pauline Quirke (If you don’t recognise the name google the faces you definitely know these people!). Plus, it’s created by current Doctor Who show runner Chris Chibnall, Broadchurch will keep you guessing until the last moment.

Riverdale - 4 Seasons So Far - Netflix

Main Cast Seasons 1 - 3

An American teen drama about a small town that is rocked by the death of a young lad. This show based on a comic book focuses on the victim Jason Blossom’s classmates: Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Veronica Lodge and Archie Andrews. As they try to come to terms with his death whilst also trying to find the killer. Diving deeper into the lives of those around them they discover everybody has secrets that won’t stay buried forever. The following three seasons follow the core four through more mysteries and murders, including a serial killer and a cult leader. Full of murder, suspense, romance and friendship, Riverdale is an addictive TV Show that once you start watching you can’t seem to stop no matter how confusing it can get.

Once Upon A Time - 7 Seasons - Netflix

Main Cast Season 3

When a curse makes every fairy tale character forget who they are it is up to the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, The Saviour, Emma Swan to come to the quiet town of Storybrooke discover her own past, defeat the Evil Queen and bring back all the happy endings. But this show shows you that not everything is as black and white as the fairy tales you grew up with. Villains do have reasons for their bad behaviour and not every good guy is actually a hero. A show that turns every fairy tale on its head, brings you extremely complex characters and makes you rethink the stories you were once told. Once Upon A Time is a show for the family that reminds you that hope is the most powerful thing in the world and that anybody can be redeemed if believed in by others.

The Alienist - 1 Season - Netflix

Main Characters (Left to Right) 

Dakota Fanning, Daniel Bruhl and Luke Evans

This show based on a novel follows a criminal psychologist, a newspaper illustrator and the female secretary of the police commissioner as they try to find the killer of young male prostitutes in 19^th Century New York. This gruesome murder mystery follows criminal psychologist Dr Laszlo Kreizler as he looks into the minds of those classed as insane while trying to find the killer. He is interrupted in his investigations by the Police whose main focus is to protect the reputations of the high society and ignore the working class. An all star cast including Luke Evans and Dakota Fanning. This gory, gruesome murder mystery leaves you wanting more. With a sequel season based on the second novel on its way now is the perfect time to watch this underappreciated period drama.

Torchwood - 4 Seasons - BBC iPlayer

Main Cast Seasons 1 - 2

This spin off series from Doctor Who follows the adventures of companion Captain Jack Harkness working for an undercover gang fighting aliens. This Doctor Who based spin off is for the older audience containing scenes of a sexual nature and some strong language. Its full of laughs and strange aliens whilst also breaking your heart. Set in the heart of Wales, some aliens are clever, some are scary, and some are just plain weird. The episodes of the first two seasons are mostly standalone episodes but each season has an overriding arc. The last two seasons have one focused story spread out over the series. This show is for any Doctor Who fans or sci-fi fans in the mood for a new tv series.

Glee - 6 Seasons - Netflix

Main Cast Seasons 1 - 3

An American musical comedy drama follows a group of school kids who are seen as the biggest losers when they join glee club, The New Directions. Bringing together the popular jocks and cheerleaders with some of the school’s biggest losers they all come together with their love of music. Over the 6 seasons we see them grow as people as they deal with love, heartbreak and the life of young adults. They sing some of the biggest hits and some old favourites and just maybe they can make the school see that popularity isn’t what high school is all about. It’s about building friendship that last a lifetime.

Robin Hood - 3 Seasons - BBC iPlayer

Main Cast Seasons 1 - 2

Based on the old legend of Robin of Sherwood. This show follows Robin and his band of merry men as they try to outwit the sheriff and help the poor. Along the way Robin falls in love with Marian, much loved characters die, Robin and the Merry Men have some brilliant sword fights, there’s betrayal and Guy of Gisborne becomes one of the most complex characters ever! 3 seasons all cumulating in one final big battle between Robin Hood and The Sheriff of Nottingham. This three season retelling of an old legend brings some new life into the story of one man, his friends and a bow and arrow.

Waterloo Road - 10 Seasons - BBC iPlayer

Main Cast Seasons 1 - 2

A tv drama about students in a high school. It follows teen dramas whilst also dealing with the life problems of both the students and the teachers. Each series introduces you to new teachers and students and brings back old favourites. The show deals with large issues, including teen pregnancy, marriage, drugs, knife crime, bullying, cancer, underage drinking and the average problems a teenager will go through: stresses of family, arguments with friends, relationships, exam stress and what to do after school. It’s full of faces you’ll recognise from tv shows you’ve watched over the years. Soap stars, drama actors and the occasional contestant on a reality tv show. Waterloo Road is one for all the family.

Bodyguard - 1 Season - Netflix

Main Characters Richard Madden and Suranne Jones

Richard Madden, his chiselled jawline, his gorgeous eyes and his beautiful face. Do I need to explain anymore? But for just in case I do: this political drama follows Richard Madden as David Budd the War Veteran turned Bodyguard assigned to protect The Home Secretary played by Suranne Jones; an extremely controversial politician. What follows is Budd at battle with his beliefs, his duty to protect and his own psychological scars of War. This series is the shortest on the list with only six episodes, it's a short but intense watch. This political, thriller drama is gripping definitely thrilling, not for the faint hearted but leaves you questioning everybody and everything. 


- Courtney -