Large sporting events such as the World Cup and, later this summer, Wimbledon and the Commonwealth Games, provide the perfect excuse to socialise with mates, especially those with the biggest TV!
But the sudden arrival of a roomful of guests and the need to watch truly great sporting moments live – after all, who wants Twitter to spoil the result for them? – means our regular viewing can easily get interrupted.
Luckily in these days of digital TV recorders, such as Virgin Media’s TiVo, we can easily record our favourite ongoing shows without missing out on the on-pitch and court side action.
And whereas a decade or two ago, viewers used to lament the presence of repeats, these days we tend to welcome them as another chance to enjoy a favourite show without the expensive of a DVD box set!
Here are five of the top programmes we’re always certain to record – be sure to share your own favourites in the comments section below:
Breaking Bad
This is the story of Walter White, a middle-class chemistry teacher with a son afflicted by cerebral palsy and another baby on the way. Despite the fact that he has never smoked, White finds himself dying of lung cancer. With all that is happening around him, his career as a teacher and part-time car wash attendant is not enough to make ends meet.
Out of desperation, he decides to team up with a former student to make drugs, specifically methamphetamine. With his knowledge in chemistry, White cooks the premium quality crystal meth while Pinkman, his ex-student, is given the task of distributing it. Filled with cliff-hanger episode endings, Breaking Bad will leave you restless for the next instalment.
Game of Thrones
Set in fictional Westeros, Game of Thrones revolves around the families of the Seven Kingdoms and their hunger for power. All desire to be the ultimate ruler of the realm as symbolised by the Iron Throne. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones is filled with twists and turns.
If you feel that you are not following the plot at first, rest assured that things will become clearer as the series progresses. Game of Thrones features stunning cinematography and if you are watching it on digital TV, you will feel that you are right there in Westeros with the other characters.
Suits
Set in the heart of New York City at a high-ranking law firm, Suits revolves around Harvey Spector (Gabriel Macht), an egotistical, charismatic and witty Harvard alumnus. Along with his underdog yet genius associate Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), the pair are faced with an array of personal and legal challenges.
The Walking Dead
Set in Atlanta, this post-apocalyptic fantasy series revolves around a group of survivors struggling to stay alive amidst a zombie infestation that has wiped out almost the entire population. Watch each episode in digital TV to better experience the action and terror that Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes and his unlikely group of survivors must face.
Boardwalk Empire
Steve Buscemi’s fantastic portrayal of villainous Atlantic City mayor Nucky Thomson is just one of the highlights of Boardwalk Empire. This prohibition era period gangster drama is set in the 1920s and features outfits that exude swagger in every scene. Nucky Thomson’s brutal bootlegging empire catches the attention of the FBI and it seems there’s no one that Thomson won’t eliminate to continue his lavish lifestyle.