This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.
As a family, our week is always pretty hectic, with after-school clubs, homework, playdates and everything else in between to keep us on our toes. So, when it comes to Friday night, we all like to settle down on the sofa and see if there are any films on TV or maybe a new series to enjoy together.
Coming together in this way allows us to unwind but also to share an experience as a whole. TV just has this amazing ability to bring a group together, doesn’t it?
As part of the BBC TV Licensing Rest & Connect Campaign, I’d like to share some of our favourite shows that we have been enjoying together lately. Hopefully to inspire you to take a break from your busy life and enjoy some great moments too.
TV for Self-Care and Quality Time
For me, watching a good show can be a simple but effective form of self-care. There’s something so comforting about curling up on the sofa and getting lost in a brilliant drama or a feel-good comedy. It’s a chance to switch off from the chaos of the day and just breathe.
But beyond being a bit of ‘me time,’ TV is also a great way to bring the family together. With everyone rushing about with their own schedules, sitting down to watch something as a family is a rare moment where we’re all in the same place, enjoying the same thing. We laugh together, debate plot twists, and sometimes even shed a tear (usually me!). It’s a lovely way to connect without the pressure of constantly making conversation – just being together is enough.
Whether it’s for a bit of escapism, a much-needed laugh, or a way to bring us all together, I truly believe that watching TV can be just as valuable as any other form of self-care – and sometimes, exactly what we need.
TV to Enjoy as a Family
Pompeii: The New Dig
We went to Italy last year and visited Pompei as part of a day trip. What a place! You may not be able to visit in person, but this show is the next best thing – the history is amazing and the work they are doing to preserve and unearth more from that time is incredible.
Gardeners’ World
Ok, this isn’t one that the children enjoy but I cannot get enough. I am well and truly in my gardening era, and I watch each episode live each Friday, so I know my ‘jobs for the weekend’. If you need to relax then this is the show for you. Plus, you can then spend time in the garden over the weekend to relax even more!
Gogglebox
This is a guilty pleasure of mine. I am not sure what it is about this show, but it has me in stitches. The kids love the kid version too. Weirdly addictive.
The Apprentice
We catch up with The Apprentice on iPlayer over the weekend and we love it. Laughing at the mistakes the teams make, gasping when there is a surprise firing – we enjoy it every year without fail.
Gladiators
I grew up watching the original and the kids are absolutely loving the new series. We all sit and enjoy this each Saturday night with a bowl of popcorn and shout at the TV as the Gladiators do their thing. Fury is my favourite – she is a fantastic example to children.
Sunday Brunch
We have watched Sunday Brunch every Sunday for about 20 years. It’s just a staple background programme to have on while we enjoy a lazy Sunday morning, having breakfast and being together as a family.
Making Time to Pause and Connect
Life can feel like it’s constantly moving at full speed, but sometimes, the best moments are the ones where we simply slow down, switch on the TV, and enjoy a great show with the people we love. Whether it’s learning something new, having a laugh, or getting lost in a gripping storyline, TV has a way of bringing us together in a way that’s effortless and enjoyable.
So, if you’ve had a busy week, why not carve out a little time to rest and connect? Grab a blanket, pick a show, and make the most of those simple, special moments – because sometimes, they’re the ones that matter the most.
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. On any device.