This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.

When I think back on some of my most enjoyable TV moments, certain memories and genres stand out for the way they brought me joy, excitement, or just the comfort of spending time with loved ones. Whether it’s following a gripping crime drama storyline, watching Christmas day films on TV with the family or cheering on our favourite racing car team at home on a race weekend, each of these shows contributes to me being able to be the best version of myself for my family. 

Gripped by Crime Dramas  

There’s something addictive about a well-made crime drama. I’ll never forget the times I spent lost in the suspenseful episodes of Happy Valley. With Sarah Lancashire’s incredible portrayal of Yorkshire-born and bred Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood, each episode plunged me deeper into the gritty, gripping world of crime investigation. The beauty of a crime drama is the way it pulls you into its world and holds your attention episode after episode, making binge-watching almost inevitable. Shows like Happy Valley are perfect for immersing yourself in, especially on an evening after a busy day at work, when you can just curl up on the sofa, mug of tea in hand, and let the story unfold.

Another unforgettable crime drama I’ve enjoyed is TIME, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. Its intense portrayal of prison life and the human struggles within that system left a lasting impact. Binge-watching TIME was a powerful, emotional journey; one that reminded me of how television can provide a window into worlds that are far from our everyday lives but have resonated deeply.

Enjoying Live Sports with the Family

Few TV experiences bring people together quite like live sports. I have wonderful memories of gathering with my family to watch the football, cricket matches, or even the Olympics. There’s a unique energy that comes with watching sports in real-time. From the cheers to the tense moments to the communal celebrations, every game feels like an event. I remember watching the London 2012 Olympic Games and celebrating every time Great Britain added another gold medal to their tally. I was pregnant with my eldest child during the games, and I cried for the whole two weeks, celebrating their achievements and seeing our athletes collecting their medals. It was so emotional. 

Beyond these mainstream sports, my family and I have also shared a passion for watching the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). It’s less mainstream than the Premier League or the Olympics but watching BTCC races has always been an exhilarating experience even if you can’t get trackside. The sound of the engines, the thrill of the competition, and the chance to see our favourite drivers take podium positions each race is something we look forward to. It’s these shared moments, where everyone is invested and engaged, that help strengthen our family bond and enjoy each time together on a weekend. 

Globetrotting from the Sofa  

I’ve always loved travel, but sometimes the best journeys happen from the comfort of home. The TV show Race Across the World is perfect for anyone with a passion for adventure. Watching teams navigate different cultures, languages, and landscapes while racing across continents without buying a plane ticket is a unique way to experience the world through others’ eyes.

This show does more than just satisfy wanderlust; it offers an authentic look at each location’s challenges, beauty, and diversity. Every episode is an opportunity to explore cities and countries I may never get to visit in person. From the bustling markets of South America to the serene landscapes of rural Asia, Race Across the World captures the excitement of travel in a way that few other shows do. For me, each series has inspired its dreams and ideas of places I might like to see one day with Canada at the top of my bucket list. 

Inspiration at Home  

Something is comforting and inspiring about home improvement shows. Homes Under the Hammer is one of my all-time go-to favourites, particularly when I’m looking for something to watch or just want to unwind and not think too much. It’s fascinating to see how seemingly run-down properties can be transformed into beautiful, functional homes. The show highlights the creativity and vision people bring to each project, often on limited budgets, which makes it feel realistic and accessible. 

Another favourite is Sort Your Life Out, where Stacey Solomon helps families declutter and reorganise their lives. It’s such a simple concept but is so motivating and satisfying to watch. I often find myself itching to clean out my cupboards or reorganise my spaces after an episode. There’s a sense of joy and relief that comes with creating order from chaos, and Sort Your Life Out captures that perfectly.

TV shows offer more than just entertainment; they become part of our memories and experiences. Each genre has its way of drawing us in, making us feel, and helping us connect with others. From crime dramas and travel adventures to the thrills of live sports and the motivation of home improvement shows, television can provide a unique form of companionship, inspiration, rest and joy.

Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of live TV. It covers you for:

• All TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave and international channels – but you don’t need a licence if you only watch non-BBC channels on demand
• Pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT – but these are platforms that could have both live and on-demand services
• Live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
• Everything on BBC iPlayer.

This includes recording and downloading.