Genre: Comedy Creator: Mitchell Hurwitz Cast: Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Michael Cera Cert: 15 Series: 1-5 (2005-2017)

In a nutshell: This cult series is one of the most ingenious comedies ever made, and was practically designed for Netflix with its dense layers of in-jokes which are revealed on multiple viewings. In fact, Seasons 4 and 5 really were made for Netflix, appearing exclusively on the streaming service.

Read our review here.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Genre: Comedy Creator: Rob McElhenney Cast: Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Danny DeVito Cert: 15 Series: 1-13 (2005-2019)

In a nutshell: Child molestation, abortion, racism, homophobia: no topic is considered taboo in this hilariously ribald and subversive US comedy which follows four morally reprehensible friends who run a dingy pub in Philadelphia. Top tip: start watching from season two, when Danny DeVito enters the fray.

Skins

Genre: Drama Creators: Jamie Brittain, Bryan Elsley Cast: Kaya Scodelario, Nicholas Hoult, Hannah Murray Cert: 18 Series: 1-7 (2007-2013)

In a nutshell: The raucous, sexed-up, drug-fuelled antics of a group of Bristolian 17-year-olds was an important landmark in British drama - defiantly non-PC and unafraid to go into very dark territory. It also had a striking visual flair and a talented (generally untrained) young cast who positively lit up the screen.

Read How a Sexed-up Teen Soap became British TV's most Unlikely Star Factory here.

American Horror Story

Genre: Horror / drama Creators: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk Cast: Jessica Lange, Connie Britton, Sarah Paulsen, Dylan McDermott, Zachary Quinto, James Cromwell, Joseph Fiennes Cert: 18 Series: 1-7 (2011-17)

In a nutshell: Glee masterminds Murphy and Falchuk take every horror movie you’ve ever seen – and many you haven’t – and throw them all in a meat grinder. Each season has a different premise and setting – the first a haunted house, the second a Sixties insane asylum – but they share a game cast and a demented, anything- goes approach to storytelling (and gore) that will leave your head reeling.

Occupied

Genre: Drama Creators: Karianne Lund, Jo Nesbø, Erik Skjoldbjaerg Cast: Henrik Mestad, Eldar Skar, Ane Dahl Torp Cert: 15 Series: 1-2 (2015-17)

In a nutshell: Bestselling Norwegian author Jo Nesbø spins a thoughtful yarn on the consequences of pursuing clean energy when other world powers still want your oil. Startlingly prescient in the wake of the Paris Agreement and Russia's recent military excursions, this geopolitical thriller imagines a nation beset by oil-hungry neighbours and a creeping domestic invasion. As the most expensive television series to be produced in Norway, Occupied has a level of sheen well-befitting its grand themes.

Fargo

Genre: Drama Creator: Noah Hawley Cast: Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks Cert: 15 Series: 1-3 (2014-17)

In a nutshell: A black comedy masterpiece, this Emmy award-winner is based on the Coen brothers’ film of the same name. Arriving in a snowy town in Minnesota, the mysterious Lorne Malvo (Thornton) starts to have an effect on the locals, most notably the meek insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman), who is drawn into a series of crimes. You won’t believe how quickly things start to disintegrate.

Luther