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Spooks – I Spy Apocalypse from 2003

The show kicks off with the intelligence unit locked down as part of a simulation concerning a fictional terrorist event, overseen by two Home Office officials. As the situation develops, it seems an actual attack has occurred and a chemical weapon has been unleashed. The tension ratchets up as incoming communications show a catastrophe taking place outside, and intensifies when the leader seems contaminated, and the government agents endeavor to depart, compelling the character played by Matthew Macfadyen to choose between firing at them or allowing them to leave and potentially infecting the secure MI5 headquarters. This being Spooks, the outcome is expected.

Threads (1984)

The production was inexpensive but one of the most frightening programmes I’ve ever seen because of the stark reality and dismal official figures. Watched it about a month ago following the initial broadcast; I used to visit the pub in Sheffield featured in the show which underscored the actuality and the glib matter-of-fact official information that aired. Still absolutely terrifying decades on.

Severance – The We We Are from 2022

The first season finale of Severance deserves a top spot in terms of gripping installments. I was throughout the episode literally perched nervously, exerting with Dylan to maintain his grip on the controls that allowed the Innies to remain active, while screaming at the Innies to reveal their realities. The final climactic moment – “she is living!” – was like an eruption.

The 2024 Industry episode White Mischief

Episode five of the third series of Industry had my heart racing. I needed to stop and stand and exit the space repeatedly because of the sheer scale of the deliberate ruin I saw. Rishi Ramdani is in deep shit in his job and domestic life – overwhelmed by debt from unscrupulous lenders due to his addictive betting, engaging in dangerous ventures on a wager involving sterling which could lose his company millions. So of course, he goes on a gambling spree, uses copious drugs and alcohol and wins, loses, wins, is brutally attacked. Each instance you believe it can’t get any worse, it does. There is a chance for salvation as the installment closes yet he wastes the chance, leading to terrible outcomes during the season’s final episode. Absolutely had to relax following that!

The 2007 Peep Show episode Holiday

Peep Show itself isn’t necessarily a stressful show. But the episode Holiday includes such amounts of embarrassment that it will make you rise throughout the entire episode, filled with nervousness. The situation intensifies when Jeremy and Mark realize needing to deceive regarding the dog they accidentally run over and later efforts to get rid of it. You then occupy the remainder of the episode doubting if it can actually be more terrible than burning, and it is possible!

The West Wing – The Two Cathedrals from 2001

No other viewing has been as gripping than the first time I watched the concluding episode of The West Wing’s second season. The show opens with the fallout of the passing (in a road incident) of the president’s personal secretary and escalates to a高潮 with a situation in Haiti, and the repercussions of the secrecy about the president’s MS condition, with confirmation of his intention to seek re-election. Superb programming. Never bettered.

Bodyguard – episode one (2018)

The beginning of the UK show Bodyguard, featuring the main character on a train accompanied by his small son, ranks among the most gripping episodes I’ve seen. He observes a woman in Islamic attire entering the restroom and knows something is off. The explosive disposal specialists are summoned, enter the train, and attempt to convince the woman to take off her suicide vest. Suspense rises to a practically unendurable point, until, finally, the vest is neutralized.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Body (2001)

Buffy arrives at her residence to find her mum has passed away due to natural factors, which is the rarest form of demise in this mystical program. The show features no musical score, a gloomy atmosphere, and we view the installment through the lens of Buffy’s dismay upon uncovering her mother.

The Sopranos – Made in America from 2007

The ultimate sequence of the series finale of the show was pants-wettingly tense. And if you viewed it when it first premiered, you – initially – were uncertain of the reason. Tony’s foes, genuine and fictional, were all overcome. This seems similar to the first season’s finale, right? “Recall the minor details.” Yet the atmosphere is strangely foreboding. Approaching Twin Peaks-esque horror. The clan sits in an eatery. Meadow finds a parking spot. Tony gloomily informs Carmela problems are brewing with yet another of his crew cooperating with the officials. Meadow parks the vehicle. Unfamiliar individuals come into the diner. Look at Tony(?) Meadow parks. Tony plays a track on the music machine. Meadow parks. The bell sounds, an individual enters. Can’t be Meadow, she’s still parking. Tony raises his gaze. Continue. It halts. My heart sank around 20 minutes subsequently.

The Walking Dead – The Last Day on Earth from 2016

I remained awake to view this installment at 2am. It was incredibly tense after the buildup of bad guy Negan finding the group, savagely teasing his prey then not knowing who he killed (concluded with a suspenseful moment). The point-of-view shot from the victim and the muted audio – argh! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season