Game of Thrones (2011)

I starting Game of Thrones just as the final season was airing. As I heard the negative reaction to those conclusive episodes, I worried I'd thrown myself into something I would come to regret. But honestly, even if Season 8 may be a little bit rushed and narrative decisions are questionable, the whole experience of Game of Thrones is more than worth it. Delving into the lives of the incredible array of characters in Westeros and beyond is breathtaking at times, from brutal deaths to shocking romantic twists and political manoeuvres, this show really does have it all.

Games can get a bit heated at times — just look at all the lives lost to family games of Monopoly — but none are quite as deadly (or addictive) as Game of Thrones. Heralded as one of the all-time greats, George R.R. Martin's medieval fantasy series is a fiery, blood-soaked saga where kings and queens battle it out to reign supreme (and occasionally sleep with other family along the way). No other sword 'n' sorcery epic goes to the lengths Game of Thrones does, which is what made it such compulsive viewing then and now still. Just skip the final season and you're good to go.