Best TV shows to binge watch at Christmas when you need to get away from the family

There's enough here to keep you entertained well into 2016

Cillian Murphy as gang boss Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders

Christmas might be the season for spending quality time with the family, but if all the present-wrapping, mince pie-making and younger sibling-entertaining starts to get too much, heading to the sofa for a well-earned binge-watching session can never be a bad idea.

From the Netflix originals with rave reviews to the best of the BBC, here’s our pick of the best box sets to offer you necessary distraction from your relatives this festive period:

Narcos

This gripping Netflix original takes you on the brutal journey of Columbian drug baron Pablo Escobar’s rise to the top. Expect to feel wholly uncomfortable but utterly compelled to watch more.

Orange is the New Black

‘Orange Is the New Black’ is set in the US where uniforms are more common

There are three glorious seasons of this Emmy-winning comedy drama to fill your festive days with joy. Based on Piper Kerman’s experiences in a women’s prison, OITNB features some of Netflix’s best characters and is its most watched series.

Peaky Blinders

Cillian Murphy is unforgettable as the tough-as-nails boss of a 1920s Birmingham gang who sew razors into the peaks of their flat caps. This is an achingly cool BBC triumph, also starring Tom Hardy, Helen McCrory and Paul Anderson. Just to add an even bigger dose of awesome, the theme is Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand”.

The Walking Dead

(AMC)

Zombies galore, and five post-apocalyptic seasons to plough through. Need we say more?

Master of None

Aziz Ansari’s new comedy for Netflix stars himself in the lead as 32-year-old actor Dev, who is struggling to navigate life in the Big Apple. Master of None touches on real, topical issues while providing plenty of quips and a bucketload of refreshing originality.

Jessica Jones

Krysten Ritter shows a thug what she's made of in Jessica Jones (Netflix)

David Tennant is unexpectedly terrifying as The Purple Man alongside Krysten Ritter’s mysterious Jessica Jones in this noirish team-up between Netflix and Marvel. It’s dark, touching on topics from rape to PTSD, but if you want something quality to watch this Christmas, this is it.

Better Call Saul

Saul Goodman has broken bad in his own right in this hit spin-off about Walter White’s lawyer. Don’t write it off for seemingly just mooching off Breaking Bad’s success. This one’s well worth a watch with some mince pies.

Luther

Idris Elba, pictured here as John Luther in the BBC crime drama, is a perfect fit for 007 (BBC)

Idris Elba challenges moral codes as a gruff but often dangerously passionate Detective Chief Inspector, in one of the most acclaimed British crime thrillers in ages. Prepare to find yourself glued to every episode.

The Killing

If you’re yet to jump on the ‘Nordic noir’ bandwagon, now’s your chance. Sofie Grabol has her work cut out trying to hunt down a young woman’s killer and there are so many twists you’ll be gasping roughly every fifteen minutes.

Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch with Martin Freeman as John Watson (BBC)

Sherlock is going back to its traditional Victorian setting for a New Year’s Day special, so if you’re not fully acquainted with Benedict Cumberbatch’s Holmes, make sure you catch up with the three miniseries since 2010. Bitesize, but beautiful.

Sons of Anarchy

Just us who reguarly entertains the idea of jumping on a motorbike and becoming a raving outlaw? It might get a bit silly at times but this hugely popular crime drama stars Charlie Hunnam as the intriguing Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller, which is surely reason enough to give it a go

House of Cards

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in Netflix original series House of Cards (Nathaniel Bell)

Barack Obama loves it and little wonder, for Kevin Spacey is excellent as ruthless US politician Frank Underwood who will do anything for more power, helped by his cool and calculating wife Claire (a brilliant Robin Wright). Bring yourself bang up to date before the fourth series hits Netflix.