Thrillers and dramas to keep your cosy winter nights entertaining!

It's been a minute since I recommended some solid TV choices so here we go...

Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!

If you’re anything like me right now you’re probably nesting down, staying warm and in search of good telly shows to capture your attention. Especially with it being Christmas silly season (and for dealing with hangys OR sickness like I’ve recently had).

All I’ve wanted to do is be indoors, eating nice cosy food and keeping myself quiet. I’ve loved this winter so far.

So here’s what I’ve been watching to keep me entertained.

Let me know what you’re watching if you get a moment too - love a recommendation.

BTW - these are dramas, thrillers and generally a little dark. That’s how I like them. I don’t recommend duds. What’s the point in that? Nada.

Man on the Inside starring the wonderful Ted Danson provided an entire day is binging for me. On Netflix, this show reminded me a little of Only Murders in the Building (on Disney) and left me with lots to think about regarding ageing and care homes too. It’s a sensitive yet entertaining crime caper series. I hope there’s going to be more.

I missed Industry (iPlayer) first time round. So I spent a week catching up on this show. Sure, I didn’t know exactly what was happening with all the business chit chat at times….but I loved the drama, the storylines and the cast are just magic. And it’s refreshing to see something so real. I’d love to see a show about the tabloid world on this vibe.

Paris Has Fallen on Amazon is cheesy. No doubt about it. But I binged this in one stormy day and loved it. Particularly loved Ritu Arya in the lead role of Zara Taylor. She’s the real deal. Also, quite nice to have a series that isn’t full of big name stars and all about the production. I’d recommend this for some easy going boy-style action.

I’ve recommended Shrinking before. But couldn’t resist the second season. It’s warm, fuzzy and cuddly with great characters, storylines and thought provoking scenes. I love it. Shorter episodes too - which is good for the pre-bedtime watch. On Apple.

Cross is a show that ought to come with an anxiety warning. In fact, it’s very dark. I love some murder/killer/thriller drama and this really delivers. I tend to score my gritty crime dramas on one level - do I need to check my back door is locked before bed. I did this twice with this one. Watch it on Amazon now.

An obvious choice - but Rivals is so darn good. I was thrilled this week when they announced the second series is going ahead. Yippee. It’s naughty, fun and really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the past when everybody smoked, the pubs smelled of lager-sodden carpets and nobody was politically correct.

Disclaimer is a really great watch on Apple. Great cast and the story had me gripped. I actually got to the point where I had to stop watching weekly until all episodes were up and I could binge it in one go. Sign of a good show.

D.I. Ray was an enjoyable binge. It’s not rocket science but I loved the twists and turns that each episode seemed to present. Parminder Nagra plays a blinder as Ray and there are three seasons of the show on ITVx now for you to lock the doors, lower the blinds and enjoy.

The Penguin really is quite something. Colin Farrell is in the lead role and if you’re a fan of Batman of recent years then you’ll lap this up. I mean, they’re LONG episodes but it had me gripped. It doesn’t feel too self indulgent. Great for the winter nights with a glass of red. I LOVE all the footage showing Gotham City too - must be amazing to be a cinematographer on this one. Watch this on Sky Atlantic in the UK.

This one was a goodie. Until I Kill You is based on a true story and to be frank that makes it all the more creepy. Expertly lead by Anna Maxwell Martin and a storyline spanning decades, this one left a lasting impression on me. Dark AF and 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I’m not sure it’s 100% from me. But it’s great all the same. Another brilliant ITV drama.

This one’s a goodie too. How nice to see Keira Knightley having a bit of fun with a project. Teaming her together with Ben Whishaw for Black Doves was a stroke of genius. And we get to see Sarah Lancashire shine again as per usual. The whitest of scripts and I could watch Wishaw all day long. On Netflix for those dark winter nights.

The Day of the Jackal is a corker. On Sky Atlantic in the UK. Eddie Redmayne leads the cast playing the Jackal with Lashana Lynch playing Bianca Pullman - the special agent hunting the Jackal across the globe as he takes out his targets. It’s edge of your seat stuff and no surprise they’re bringing it back for a second series. I cannot wait.

Until next time, Kids. Leave your comments for other shows I ought to check out below…