The must binge TV shows to see out winter

With five long weeks of winter still to endure after this week’s Big Little Lie’s finale, there is no time like the present for catching up on all those other bingeworthy shows you’ve been meaning to watch — and some of those you don’t even know about yet.

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With five long weeks of winter still to endure after this week’s Big Little Lie’s finale, there is no time like the present for catching up on all those other bingeworthy shows you’ve been meaning to watch — and some of those you don’t even know about yet.

SATIRE

Succession

Foxtel’s Fox Showcase and on demand

Seasons: One (10 episodes), with a second to come

Brian Cox in a scene from Succession.

This brilliant HBO series flew under the radar last year but with a second season dropping on August 12, now is the time to catch up on the machinations of the Roy media dynasty. Patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox) has just turned 80, and while his four children and assorted hangers-on are jostling to see who will take control of his empire, the old lion is not finished yet. It’s populated by thoroughly unlikable characters so well written you can’t help but love them. Standouts are Australia’s Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin and a cringe-worthy Matthew Macfadyen.

LIFESTYLE

Grand Designs Australia

Foxtel’s LifeStyle Channel and on demand

Seasons: Eight (episodes 75)

Grand Designs Australia.

A must-watch for design buffs, the latest season of this longrunning Australian observational series has an underground eco-bunker, a modern character cottage complete with car stacker, a Sydney beach house on an eye-wateringly steep site and a tiny jewel of a home inspired by the small house movement. And the seven previous seasons are equally intriguing. While it can sometimes be tempting to fast-forward to the big reveal at the end of the episode, the journey from ground works to moving-in day is always rewarding. One to dip in and out of when you need a break from all the dramas on your binge list.

COMEDY

Schitt’s Creek

Netflix

Seasons: Five (episodes 66), with a sixth and final season to come

The cast of Schitt's Creek, streaming on Netflix.

Imagine the Kardashians lost all their money. Schitt’s Creek hooked us with the title then reeled us in with a cast that puts plenty of heart into this comedy about a fish-out-of-water family forced to live in a small town motel after losing their fortune. Father and son actors Eugene and Daniel Levy developed the concept and also star as patriarch Johhny Rose and his gay son David. Catherine O’Hara as the ageing soapie star mum Moira, and Annie Murphy as spoilt daughter Alexis Rose, steal the show whenever they appear.

SPY THRILLER

Killing Eve

ABC stream

Seasons: Two (16 episodes), with a third to come

Jodie Comer in a scene from Killing Eve. Picture: Gareth Gatrell/BBCAmerica via AP

Jodie Comer has perfected the psychopath. She’s mesmerising as the ruthless assassin Villanelle in this thriller. Her pairing with Sandra Oh, who plays intelligence analyst Eve Polastri, is genius. With Fleabag creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge season one’s head writer, it’s safe to say there are some hilarious moments in this British spy series. Oh and Comer have both added 2019 Emmy nominations to the show’s numerous accolades.

DARK COMEDY

After Life

Netflix

Seasons: One (six episodes), with another in the works

Ricky Gervais and Penelope Wilton in After Life.

Ricky Gervais at his best. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll make strange noises doing both at the same time while watching this dark comedy. Beautifully written, Gervais plays Tony, a small town journalist who has lost his wife and is on the verge of ending it all without the love of his life. The quality cast includes Ashley Jensen (Extras), David Bradley (Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, and Walder Frey in Game Of Thrones), Penelope Wilton (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Anti, the most gorgeous dog you will see on TV this year.

DARK COMEDY

Barry

Foxtel on demand

Seasons: Two (16 episodes), with a third to come

Bill Hader in Barry.

Barry (Bill Hader) is a former marine turned hitman who joins an acting class with hopes of forging a new career in the arts. There is an eternally positive Chechen mafia boss who isn’t a big fan of violence, a never-quite-made-it acting instructor (Henry Winkler) and a new girlfriend oblivious to her partner’s real job. Barry is dark but hilarious and a worthy binge ahead of a third season.

TEEN DRAMA

Euphoria

Foxtel’s Fox Showcase and on demand

Seasons: One (six episodes), with a second to come

Zendaya in a scene from Euphoria.

Leonardo DiCaprio called this graphic teen drama “amazing” — what more do you need? Zendaya, who can’t seem to put a foot wrong as she continues her rise in Hollywood, stars as Rue, a 17-year-old addict straight out of rehab, in this compelling look at a group of high school students dealing with sex, drugs, sexuality and the constant and immediate judgment of social media.

TRUE CRIME

The Act

Foxtel’s Fox Showcase and on demand

Seasons: One (eight episodes)

Patricia Arquette and Joey King in a scene from The Act. Picture: Brownie Harris/Hulu

Based on the bizarre and horrifying true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who murdered her mum Dee Dee after years of being abused in a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Gypsy spent much of her early life confined to a wheelchair and believing she had cancer until she uncovered the truth, which led to her arranging for her mum to be murdered. Both Joey King and Patricia Arquette have been nominated for Emmys for their portrayals of Gypsy and Dee Dee.