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13 boxsets I’d love to watch again for the first time

  • hannahthame
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • 6 min read

I am a boxset junkie. I absolutely love spending a weekend snuggled in my pyjamas watching a new series. Uninterrupted viewing without having to wait a week to find out what is going to happen next. Discovering a new-fangled story and allowing myself to become immersed in the plot. Some of the characters in these television series’ have affected me so much that I sometimes find myself wondering what they are up to now. Then I remember – they're fictional!


Here are a few of my favourite boxsets that I’ve enjoyed over the last 15 years:


My ultimate favourite boxset (however Pretty Little Liars comes close.) It wasn’t designated the "Best. Show. Ever." in April 2008 by New York magazine for no reason. This series is FULL of scandal and mystery. The ‘Gossip Girl’ narrative is inspired. Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick are brilliant.


The first episode will leave you feeling like a ‘Queen Bee’, envious and wanting to live on the ‘Upper East Side’.


XOXO


The 'real-life' boxset is pink and shaped like a shoe box, need I say anymore? It only just misses out on top spot by a stiletto heel width. This romcom sitcom is famous. I spent months getting up an hour earlier before work to watch an episode or two! (I told you I was an addict.) These women set the bar high for boxset seductiveness. It allures you in and before you know it you have changed your whole wardrobe to mirror SJP’s style.


Six seasons, two movies, a spin off show 'The Carrie Diaries' and most recently a sequel tv series 'And just like that' are definitely not enough… I want more. I am sorry, if you haven’t watched this, or have and don’t like it, we can’t be friends.


I think this was my first ever boxset. Great opening titles. Interesting character names. It’s won a shed-load of awards. The series highlighted four now very famous actors and actresses, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, James Van der Beek and Joshua Jackson.


I grew up with the characters in this teen drama series and lovingly felt their pain through school and university. I think we should all have been allowed to live our childhood in Capeside and climb in and out of our best friends’ windows via a ladder!


Branded an American teen drama mystery thriller – you know you’re in for a treat when it takes four adjectives to describe it. The series is based on secrets and of course, you guessed it, lies. One of five girls die, but how is unknown. Each episode you learn more about the girls and get an insight into why and who may be the killer.


You can’t just watch one episode. I got into this at Christmas time after we upgraded Sky and, in our package, we now have Netflix. I was forced (happily) to binge watch season 1 and 2 before they expired on the first of Jan. In the January sales I treated myself to all seven DVDs. The boxset is still wrapped as I am scarred that if I open it no one will see me for months.


I am only three seasons in of seven and it’s still made the list – need I say more. Enter at your own risk…


Sex and the City meets Desperate Housewives – a perfect mixture of naughty and nice. A lawyer, therapist, shop owner and real estate agent all support each other through their journeys of self-discovery. There is affairs and death resulting in scandal and heartbreak.


Watching this series is like having a summer fling. It was certainly my guilty pleasure.


The theme tune to the beginning of these episodes is awesome. In season 8, each episode has a different artist sing the original Gavin DeGraw song. This series has also received many awards and accolades and after one watch I saw why. It’s centred around basketball and romance. You see teens make mistakes and grow into better people as a result. My favourite character Brooke is played by Sophia Bush – she always seems to pick herself up regardless of the situation she experiences.


It is nice to have a boxset where we actually get to see the characters grow right through to the end.


Set in Bluebell, wannabe heart surgeon Zoe finds herself struggling to adjust to life in the small town. A place that has never ending dilemmas. There are lots of laugh out loud moments as Zoe tries to fit in and gather ‘bedside manner’ experience. From southern belles to romcom clichés, this series is best experienced on a Sunday when the weather is wet and cold. I can assure you it’ll make you feel warm and happy.


This show left me wondering how Zoe is getting on now.


This series is different. Whilst it first aired in 2013, I didn’t watch this until 2019. Riley Parks is a woman that is prepared to do anything for her family. She delicately balances two diverse lives - one as a single mother in a conservative town and the other as a savvy businesswoman working with a raucous group of women. I love Jennifer Love Hewitt’s soulful voice, luscious lashes and stunning shoes! Watching her definitely brought back a sense of nostalgia for me as I watched Party of Five growing up.


It’s a shame that they only made two seasons.


I read the Candace Bushnell book first and then picked up the DVDs in a HMV sale! Everyone loves a dramedy, especially when it features three professional women – an editor-in-chief, producer and a fashion designer. It has a feel-good factor as you watch three close friends support each other through the trials and tribulations of life.


Annoying that they only produced two seasons. I think it suffered a ‘wrong place wrong time’ fate due to the writers guild strike in 2007-2008.


10. Girls

It’s not for an easily offended viewer. And if you don’t enjoy watching sex scenes then this one is not for you. That said, it is a real and brilliant comedy-drama starring four women trying to live in and survive New York City. Hannah and Marnie are my favs. When I watch them on-screen, I find myself mesmerised by them. Lena Dunham is controversial – I love her!


A teen and family drama from my childhood, first aired in the 90s. It stars Matthew Fox (before Lost made him famous) as the oldest of five Salinger siblings. Tragedy forces them to grow up without their parents. Over the seasons you see them continuing to run their family restaurant and struggle with relationships, health and addiction.


I am keeping my eye out for a reboot as it looks as if four actors have been cast for it!


You’ve probably noticed that I enjoy a teen drama. The O.C (Orange County) centres around a troubled teen who gets adopted by a rich family and falls for the girl-next-door. The storyline covers the clash between idealistic and money-oriented lives.


This series is packed full of other topical themes from losing your virginity and teen pregnancy to alcohol, drug and gambling addiction and emotional and mental health issues. The mix of light-hearted comedy and heightened operatic drama makes watching moreish.


I especially like the invention of Chrismukkah holiday. (See hannahmade christmas to find out why)


It’s last but it’s definitely not least! This series is a brilliant portrayal of adolescence. Whilst in the previous teen drama series I have mentioned you get to experience fun, romance and happiness with the odd sad storyline, this series focuses on the difficulties of growing up. Throughout the episodes you see teenagers deal with some important social issues including homelessness, adultery and homophobia.


I loved being part of Angela’s journey to find her identity and I too share her ‘crush’ on Jared Leto!


Watch a new television series and get lost in the fictitious lives of teenagers, housewives and mistresses. If you have a series you would like to recommend, ping me an email or DM.

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