The most rewatchable series ever

These are the shows that you can keep coming back to when you need a dose of reliable entertainment. We may be in the golden era of peak TV, with more to watch than ever before thanks to the rapid expansion of streaming services, but TV time is precious and starting a new series may be a risk you’re just not prepared to take. For maximum reward and the best bang for your viewing buck, it makes sense to go back to a show you know and love.

What makes certain series more rewatchable than others? Here are our criteria – a lot of the Showmax series on this list tick more than one of these boxes.

1. Nostalgia – shows that you remember watching on TV in the 90s or early 00s, before there was such a thing as SVOD, are a good choice for the days when you need the TV equivalent of a cup of hot chocolate and a fluffy blanket. You remember waiting patiently week after week for new episodes, and you probably had them on DVD, too. (Sex and the City.)
2. Long-running – series that ran for six or more seasons are perfect to dip back into every now and then, for so many reasons. Such as the fact that when the series started, the characters were so much younger than they were in later seasons, especially if they were kids or teens when the show first aired. And the fact that there are so many episodes to choose from means you’re unlikely to rewatch the same episodes or even the same seasons too many times. (Game of Thrones.)
3. Complexity – Some series need to be watched more than once for the simple fact that they went totally over your head the first time. And the second time. (Westworld)
4. Fun – Any show you adored the first time round is guaranteed to be a hit the second, third and fourth time, especially if the episodes are short and sweet. (Younger, Fargo.)
5. Comedy – Unless it’s seriously dated, you’re likely to find the same jokes funny for years to come. (Veep.)
6. Tearjerkers – Sometimes you need a good cry, and that’s when a familiar favourite is your BFF. You can’t risk starting a new series that might break your heart when you’re feeling a bit emotional. (A Million Little Things.)

And that’s how we picked these series. They’re all available to stream or download on Showmax.

1. The Sopranos, full boxset

2. The Wire, full boxset

3. Game of Thrones, S1-8

4. Westworld, S1-2

5. True Detective, S1-3

6. A Million Little Things, S1

6. Bosch, S1-5

7. Veep, S1-7

8. Fargo, S1-3

9. The Bold Type, S1-2

10. Big Little Lies, S1-2

11. Younger, S1-6 | Only on Showmax

12. Sex and the City, full boxset

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