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The joy of staying in: The absolute best shows to watch this time of year

From global assassins and spies to small town Roscommon, Sky Stream has all your viewing needs covered

Now that we’re nearly through the 100 days of January and February is about to hit, it’s time to dig deeper into the couch, commit to getting cosy and experience the joy of staying in. Snuggle down on to the sofa, get your snacks on standby and plan your watch schedule. With Sky Stream you get tons of award-winning shows from Sky & Netflix, so Let Keira, Eddie, Colin, English Colin and the entire cast of Squid Game steer you through those cold days as we wait patiently for a glimmer of spring.

The Day of the Jackal (Watch now) Sky

A cat-and-mouse thriller which follows MI6 agent Bianca Pullman’s pursuit of Eddie Redmayne’s elite assassin “The Jackal” as he takes on what might be his riskiest job yet, The Day of the Jackal has already caused quite a stir since its release late last year. This is definitely one to keep in your crosshairs.

The Penguin (Watch now) Sky

If you haven’t yet seen The Penguin (and why haven’t you?) it’s not too late. Colin Farrell won his third Golden Globe in January for his portrayal of the titular crime kingpin in the DC Comics adaptation which charts Oz Cobb’s rise to power in Gotham City’s grimy criminal underworld. Farrell is practically unrecognisable under layers of prosthetics in what is among the best performances of his career.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Watch now) Sky

Colin Firth fronts the limited series that chronicles the events of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland which killed all 259 people aboard and 11 on the ground. Firth plays Dr Jim Swire whose daughter, Flora, died on the flight, as he pursues truth and justice after what remains the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history.

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Emma Doran
Emma Doran

The White Lotus Season 3 (Available 17th February) Sky

The Mike White-penned tragicomedy returns for a third season, this time with the fictional White Lotus resort planted in Thailand. The new cast includes Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, and the ever-excellent Parker Posey. Catch up on or revisit seasons 1 and 2, set in Hawaii and Sicily, before season 3 premieres in February (episodes streaming weekly).

Small Town, Big Story (Available February) Sky

Chris O’Dowd’s fingerprints are all over Small Town, Big Story. The six-part series, which the Roscommon man wrote and directed, tells the tale of a fictional village in rural Ireland clinging desperately to its secrets as a big budget Hollywood production rolls into town – with much of the series even filmed in O’Dowd’s native Boyle.

Gangs of London Season 3 (Coming soon) Sky

What happens when one of the world’s most populous cities is torn apart by a turbulent power struggle after one of London’s most violent crime lords is assassinated? Quite a lot, as it turns out. One thing is for sure: Gangs of London has claimed its turf at the forefront of the new era of modern crime family dramas. Season 1 and 2 available now.

The Last of Us Season 2 (Available April) Sky

The first season of The Last of Us achieved something of a rarity: a video game adaptation that is actually good and is available to watch now on Sky. The post-apocalyptic drama returns for its sophomore offering later this year and in advance of what is expected to be one of the TV events of 2025, make sure that you’re not the last to get on board.

Squid Game Season 2 (Watch now) Netflix

How far would you go for a bumper pay-day? Three years after it emerged out of nowhere to become 2021’s most talked-about show, the South Korean dystopian survival thriller Squid Game has returned for a second series. This time around, the stakes are even higher for the contestants in the world’s most dangerous game.

Black Doves (Watch now) Netflix

A second season has already been greenlit for the Keira Knightley action-thriller which made its Netflix bow in December. Knightley is outstanding in her role as a spy who learns that her secret identity has been rumbled by London’s underworld.

The Night Agent Season 2 (Watch now) Netflix

One of the most watched series ever on Netflix, the action-thriller returned in January for a second helping after its hugely successful debut in 2023 charting FBI agent Peter Sutherland’s pursuit of a mole in the highest levels of the US government.

Missing You (Watch now) Netflix

While thumbing through a dating app, Detective Kat Donovan stumbles upon a familiar face: her estranged fiance who disappeared without a trace over a decade ago. This five-parter, adapted from the pen of mystery novel veteran Harlan Coben, asks if some mysteries are best left unsolved.

You can enjoy all this, plus even more award-winning shows from Sky and Netflix, without the hassle. No dish, no box, just plug in and you’re ready to stream over wifi.

Right now, you can get Sky Stream, Sky Broadband & Netflix – for the new low price of just €45 per month.

For more information, and terms and conditions see sky.com