Cuddle up to binge box sets for Valentine’s Day viewing
If you’re looking for some TV romance to settle down and watch this Valentine’s season, you’re in luck, as there’s plenty of viewing to be had with box sets. So prepare for some escapism, arm yourself with chocolates, a glass or mug of something nice, and take your choice.
If you’ve not seen it yet, Bridgerton is an American streaming television alternate history racy period drama series. It is set in the competitive world of Regency era London during “the season” when debutantes are presented at court, with a view to them finding a husband during a whirlwind of balls and other social events.
With a firm focus on the Bridgerton family and the romancing of one of its daughters by the handsome Duke, the series has been renewed for a second season on Netflix.
Or how about some political passion? Scandal keeps you guessing with its focus on a steamy affair between the president of the US and a female political fixer. There’s oodles of action to entertain between the smoochy bits. On Sky Living.
True Blood is an x-rated long-running drama starring real life couple Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. Basically, a vampire falls in love with a psychic waitress. Be warned that it includes a good smattering of nakedness, werewolves, vampires and much debauchery. Catch up with it all on Sky.
Virgin River on Netflix has romance at its core as it follows the fortunes of a nurse who goes to live in a remote Northern California town, after losing her husband in a car crash she blames herself for.
It makes for relaxed viewing with interesting characters and enough going on to keep you hooked over 20 episodes.
In Grey’s Anatomy we meet hopeless romantics Meredith and Derek, and it all follows on from when Meredith discovers her one night stand Derek is actually her new boss, Doctor Shepherd. See it on Sky Living.
British actors Dominic West and Ruth Wilson star in The Affair. Each gets whisked off their feet and they can barely keep their hands off each other. But they are both married! Watch the first series, with the second to be on Sky later this year.
More blood stuff with the Vampire Diaries, as Elena Gilbert struggles with her feelings for two brothers, one of whom is a vampire, and yet another equally good-looking vampire. With seven series, you can forgivably become engrossed.
Pride and Prejudice, classic romance with inimitable Jane Austen style, sees Mr Darcy (Colin Firth) famously stride from his lake swim and finally realise his feelings for the irrepressible Elizabeth Bennett, played by Jennifer Ehle. If you’ve not seen this version, you must.
Sex and the City is a cult series that spins around its main characters and their erratic romantic lives. With six series and two movies, there’s plenty to go at.
Or for something a bit different, Dating Around is a reality series in which one love-seeking individual is set up on multiple dates.
Bunched together, they demonstrate the highs and lows, and the many pitfalls that can befall those searching for the perfect romance, and love.
Tune in to the 2015 series of Poldark for a blast of Cornish romance set within a backdrop of intrigue and the most beautiful coastal scenery. With Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson as the stunning lead characters Poldark and Demelza.
Or travel back in time on Amazon with Outlander, and follow Claire as the centuries melt away and she finds she has to marry hunky highlander Jamie, but there’s definitely an attraction.