Box Sets Make The World Go Round

Dedication is a beautiful thing. I may not show much commitment to learning to drive or keeping my room clean, but I am unfailingly diligent in spending time with my box sets. You should, therefore, be able to trust me when I tell you that if you like your pop culture, you will like at least one of these shows!

LOVE MY WAY

One of those brilliant Aussie dramas that I wish there were more of, Love My Way is the perfect mixture of funny, edgy and heart-wrenchingly sad. The events of the first season will stay with you long after you return the DVD (overdue, no doubt), so be prepared for some heavy viewing. As each character developed I grew to love them more and more, especially the effortlessly cool Frankie Paige (Claudia Karvan). Ben Mendelsohn is brilliant as quirky ex-drug addict Lewis, and I challenge you not to love his angry but caring son Dylan (Sam Parsonson). The extended familythat Frankie has created will become your favourites for their humanity, their flaws, their humour and their guts. Absolutely worth every second.

DAWSON'S CREEK

The nineties was a golden era for pop culture- the Spice Girls, Savage Garden, Britney Spears (the early days) and of course, Dawson's. It might seem a bit dated now, but its story is timeless- girl next door loves boy next door. Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is a dorky, idealistic teenager, an aspiring filmaker, and best friend (or as he would say, soul mate) to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). They've known each other forever, and loved each other for just as long- though Dawson is just starting to realise it. The show was a pioneer in its day- it shocked parents everywhere with its frank discussion of sex and gay storylines- but looking at it 2011, it is endearingly wholesome. It might be a teen show, but you're never too old to start watching it- there'll be something there you can relate to. After all, every Dawson has a Joey, and every Joey has a Dawson.

GILMORE GIRLS

I've saved the best for last. Guaranteed to fix any bad mood, Gilmore Girls is the perfect mix of humour, love, junk food and family. Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is every parent's dream- sweet, innocent, diligent and successful. Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) is every daughter's dream- fun, understanding and stylish enough to lend you her clothes. I once read Gilmore Girls described as a utopia, and I can't think of a better way to put it. The boys are cute and almost always interested, the burgers aren't fattening and the man who cooks the burgers might just be the love of your life. You should hate these women. But you don't, because Gilmore Girls doesn't inspire cynicism or jealousy- it just inspires heart.