Sky Atlantic

OK, I know that we're not supposed to be fans of anything News International at the moment. But I am a sucker for an expensive, glossy TV Drama. Which has been furnished in abundance by Sky Atlantic since its launch on 1st February 2011.

The perfect TV Drama needs an excellent script, lavish costuming, sets and locations and quality actors, preferably Hollywood calibre, slumming it on TV. Sky Atlantic has not disappointed.

First we had Boardwalk Empire, a prohibition era drama in 1920s/30s Atlantic City, New Jersey. It stars Steve Buscemi in the main role of the Machiavellian Enoch Thompson, and Kelly Macdonald as the 'plucky Irish widow' who becomes his mistress. Why did we like it? The posh frocks, the illicit champagne and the evocation of the Depression era. What did we enjoy less? The extreme violence which interspersed those features. It was a bit slow-going, but enjoyable and escapist nonetheless.

Next came Game of Thrones, a sprawling epic fantasy series set in a pseudo Medieval never-never land. It is adapted from one of the seven novels in the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. It has one of the best theme tunes and opening sequences I've *ever* seen!

What we loved about this were the well developed characters and the development of multiple narratvies all slowly and inexorably moving towards the coming of the Long Winter. Mysterious creatures prowl an area beyond a vast ice wall. A battle for the throne rages among several undeserving clans. The daughter of a previous king becomes a dragon. What's not to like!??!! The soft-porny bits I suppose. And the fact that the big name actor, Sean Bean, won't be reprising his role as Ned Stark in Season 2, for reasons which will be obvious to viewers of Season 1. But there's enough danger and excitement to keep us tuning in to Season 2. It's being filmed at the moment in Belfast and also partly in one of our most favourite places on earth, Mdina in Malta.

Finally, a series which hasn't finished yet, Mildred Pierce. This stars Kate Winslet eponymously as a mother in the Depression era. Caitlin Moran wrote a brilliant piece reviewing this mini series (5 parter) which I cannot hope to better. Alas, I cannot provide you with a link since it's on the Times' premium pages. Again, the period detail is superb and the producers' care over this should be praised. Fans of Neighbours back in the day should also note that the love interest is Guy Pierce.

Alongside these brilliant series, Sky Atlantic also shows stuff like ER from the beginning and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

And we're more excited about forthcoming Renaissance blockbuster The Borgias than we can say...