THE ‘GUILTY PLEASURES’

The Fall (2013 — )

STARRING Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, this cat-and-mouse thriller has caused ongoing outrage for its graphic depictions of sexual murder, stalking and necrophilia. The Mail’s TV critic called it ‘the most repulsive drama ever broadcast’. It didn’t stop 3.5 million tuning in.

Happy Valley (2014 — )

IT’S been criticised for shocking violence against women, including Sarah Lancashire’s character being beaten in a basement and another policewoman repeatedly run over by a car. The second series’ opening episode drew 6.5 million viewers.

Downton Abbey (2010-15)

VIEWERS were shocked when, in 2013, Downton aired a violent rape scene in which maid Anna (Joanne Froggatt) was attacked by a valet (Nigel Harman). ITV faced hundreds of complaints, with some accusing writers of using sexual assault to ‘spice up’ the show. By its close, it was attracting 9.5 million viewers.

Game Of Thrones (2011 — )

VIOLENCE, murder and incest are the mainstays of this medieval fantasy. But in 2016, viewers were horrified by the sadistic rape of Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) on her wedding night — a new low. The storyline was even mentioned in the U.S. Senate. The show has some 18 million viewers per episode.

Luther (2010 — )

CRITICISED for its high female body count, series three of the BBC show was singled out for descending into ‘murder porn’, with superfluous images of trussed-up nudes and voyeuristic killings. Yet 5.8 million tuned into the opening episode.