Play Hard

5 boxsets to bring you a nostalgia hit

Because the old ones really are the best, By Christopher Kingston

Written by High Life North

Published 27.11.2020

GOSSIP GIRL

Series 1–6, Netflix

The hours we spent watching drama after drama unfold between this group of privileged (and incredibly good-looking) teens living on the Upper East Side of New York probably shouldn’t be divulged, now we look back. Then again, we have zero regrets. And we’re probably going to do the same all over again at the weekend. Oh, well. XOXO.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

Series 1–7, All 4

It’s an oldie but a goodie, created by Joss Whedon (the brain behind The Avengers and Toy Story). More importantly, Buffy was one of the first popular TV shows with a powerful female lead, so it’s a big old yes from us. For those who’ve never seen the show, prepare to fall in love with the Scooby Gang: a loyal group of mates who help one of their own – Buffy, as it happens – when she discovers she isn’t an ordinary teenager but the latest in a line of ‘slayers’, destined to battle the forces of evil.

CALL THE MIDWIFE

Series 1–9, BBC iPlayer

BBC’s 1950s drama about a group of midwives living and working in London’s East End alongside an order of nuns was 2012’s surprise hit. And yet, new seasons and Christmas specials continue to hit our screens, such is the demand. Ok, we realise this might not quite count as a ‘nostalgic’ boxset since Series 10 is scheduled for next March, but it doesn’t mean we don’t want to be transported back to a time of petticoats, rock and roll music and, of course, to the very beginning of our amazing NHS.

GILMORE GIRLS

Series 1–7, Netflix

This quirky comedy drama is not only set against the perpetually-autumnal backdrop of Connecticut, but boasts heart-warming storylines aplenty to keep you feeling cute and cosy as the nights draw in. We begin by meeting fiercely independent single mom Lorelai, who is prepared to do anything to support her gifted daughter Rory into an Ivy League college – even if that means swallowing her pride and asking her wealthy parents for help with tuition fees. Seven series of quick-witted repartee makes Gilmore Girls an easy watch that never gets old.

SEX AND THE CITY

Series 1–6, Amazon Prime

It’s been more than 20 years since its premiere, but we’re still obsessed with the show that revolutionised (and restyled) popular culture. After all, four women talking openly about their sex lives really wasn’t the done thing pre-1998. But they did so with such uber-fashionable aplomb that the plaudits just kept coming in, spawning a dedicated cult following and two spin-off movies since the series finale, (we don’t know why we’re saying this as though you don’t already know). Yes, some of the episodes haven’t aged as well as others and offer up some problematic views on issues we’ve since become way more educated about. But whether it’s for the classic designer outfits, the pun-loving wisecracks or the big female empowerment vibes, pour yourself a Cosmo and get comfy.