This article was written for The Telegraph, India, and can be viewed online here 

Master of None

This comedy-drama stars Aziz Ansari as Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor just trying to get by in life, and Eric Wareheim as Dev’s very tall friend, Arnold. The show follows these characters’ romantic and social exploits in an easy-viewing programme that poignantly shines a light on what it means to be a child of first generation immigrants. The show is innovative in its use of different visual effects (such as duller colour palettes, or black and white filters mimicking old film) to signal when Dev is having a flashback, or is imagining how his life could be different to how it actually is.

Girlboss

The show Girlboss is loosely based on a true story, specifically Sophia Amoruso’s autobiography #Girlboss.  Produced by the ice-cool Charlize Theron, and starring Britt Robertson as Sophia, the show follows the daily struggles of a twenty-something American trying to figure out how to be a grown up. Relatable, , much? Sophia’s not always the nicest character, which makes the show unique in its commitment to representing women as they actually are, instead of pretending that we never get angry and lash out at our friends, or ugly cry. The show is centered around Sophia’s emerging online vintage fashion start-up, Nasty Gal, so if you always have to be the best dressed at a party then this is definitely the show for you!

Skins

Set in Bristol, England, this drama documents the lives of a range of fictional British teenagers, from all walks of life. Each episode zooms in on a different person and unravels the difficulties facing that character. The show is well known for tackling controversial themes, including sex, substance abuse, mental illness (including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression), bullying, dysfunctional families and death in a relatable and sensitive manner. That said, it’s probably not one to watch before bed unless you want some weird dreams!

Archer

This animated spy series is the perfect show to watch before bed, however, because it doesn’t require much brainpower or emotional energy. The show revolves around Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), who terms himself the “world’s greatest secret agent”. Watching just one episode of this cartoon show will very quickly reveal that whilst Archer might have the world’s largest ego, his spy skills definitely leave a lot to be desired. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a wise-guy you’ll love Archer’s smarmy repartee with his fellow agents.

Broadchurch

Influenced by Twin Peaks, this British crime-drama stars David Tennant and Olivia Coleman as detectives who are investigating the death of an 11 year-old boy, a horrendous tragedy that has cast a shadow over the local community of Broadchurch. Other stars of the show include Jodie Whitakker, who was recently cast as the thirteenth Doctor in the BBC series, Doctor Who; here she puts on a heart-wrenching performance as grieving mother, Beth Latimer. Expect high emotional stakes and edge-of-your-seat plot-twists in abundance from this gripping whodunnit.