This political drama is of some note in that it stars Robert De Niro in his first major TV appearance. It may be his first presidential role. I’ll have to Google that. De Niro stars as former President George Mullen, who is asked to consult for those in power in the middle of what appears to be a digital terrorist attack. Perhaps he is a scapegoat. Mullen understands this could be his fate. As the world is being destroyed by uncontrollable forces, how can he discover the truth when conspiracy theories abound. As George’s mental abilities are called into question, he feels he can trust no one, not even those closest to him. Interesting viewing that will hold your attention, but only just.

Based on Javier Castillo’s novels, there are two seasons of this engrossing crime drama from Spain. It scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which gives an indication of its worth. The story begins when a child is abducted during a parade, turning a family outing into a nightmare. Troubled trainee journalist Miren takes it upon herself to run a parallel investigation with the police, opening up aspects of her past she would rather forget. Jose Coronado is excellent as Miren’s mentor and friend, Eduardo who helps her with the scrutinization of events surrounding the abduction. One of the best drama series screening on Netflix.

With Season 4 of this excellent urban drama from Spain, there is quite a worthy binge watch in store here. Set in Madrid, the story follows Tirso Abantos, a fed-up war veteran who runs a hardware store. In this season, Tirso is in relentless pursuit of revenge against Romero, the corrupt cop responsible for the tragedy that has engulfed the Abantos family. He navigates his emotional turmoil while trying to obtain justice in the dangerous neighbourhood of Entrevías. The story delves deep into the themes of grief, vengeance, and the struggle to maintain morality in a violent environment.

The Swedes keep giving us excellent crime thrillers and this one is no exception, although reviews have been mixed. The story follows police officer Hanna Ahlander, who has been suspended from her job in Stockholm and dumped by her partner. Hanna moves to her sister’s vacation home in Åre to contemplate her future. When a young woman goes missing on the icy night of Lucia, Hanna can’t help but start investigating the case. With a tough family situation and an understaffed police station, local police officer Daniel Lindskog reluctantly has to accept Hanna’s help. But the big question is whether they can work together or trust each other.

This is a crime drama from Italy, skewed to the teen audience. As an adult watching this one, you may get a bit frustrated with the kids here, especially if you’ve forgotten what it was like to be an awkward, frustrated teenager who just wants to break all the rules. School is out and tourists are beginning to arrive at the beautiful beaches of Sabaudia, when 16 years old Elena, who just want to escape her hometown, mysteriously disappears. Each of Elena’s friends knows something they are not saying, has a secret connection with the girl and may have something to do with her disappearance. It will be the beginning of a journey that, between suspicions and revelations, will lead each of them to come to terms with the truth of their relationships. If you’re a sofa detective, you may work out the perpetrator of the crime within a few episodes. Very annoying.

Based on the Corby poisonings and the subsequent environmental court case, this emotional drama has a stellar British cast attached, including Jodie Whittaker, Robert Carlyle and Brendan Coyle. The film exposes the true story behind the tragic toxic waste case in the East Midlands, as three mothers fight for justice for the rates of upper limb defects in babies born in Corby, which were subsequently found to be three times higher than those of children born elsewhere. In 2010 Corby Borough Council disclosed it had been negligent in the clean-up of the town’s steelworks. Disturbing, to say the least.

The scenery – that’s the star here, as the setting is the stunning Costiera Amalfitana in Italy. I have always been puzzled as to why it is distasteful if an older woman is in a relationship with a younger man, where if in reverse it is acceptable, indeed lauded. Gabriella, a mature, very wealthy woman, has spent her life looking after the needs of her family. When she begins a relationship with a much younger man Gabriella feels alive and loved again. But her three children, for different reasons, are united by a total scepticism towards the man, convinced that he is a fraud. The woman will be forced to choose between love for her children and the pleasures of a new life. I find that the older I get the more my adult children seem to feel I need advice and direction. It’s so frustrating, and I feel for Gabriella in her predicament.

There’s nothing like a bit of MI6 action, Russian spies, betrayal, murder and mayhem and the British do it superbly with, of course, an excellent cast. Adam Lawrence has been trained and groomed by MI6, and his career path seems set, although this viewer didn’t see him as a hardened spy with no scruples. When his past catches up with him in the form of Kara, a Russian spy with whom he shares a complicated past, he is forced to question everything and everyone in his life. A triangular relationship forms between Kara, Adam and his wife, Maddy; three people who are trying to expose each other’s secrets, navigate political and diplomatic relationships, whilst hanging onto their personal lives, and those they love most. The action belts along at a pace and some of the scenarios are a little unbelievable, but it is, after all, only fiction.

The complexity of human nature is always intriguing, and it comes to the fore in documentaries such as this. So many opinions from so many friends and family members, but what goes on between a couple is never really known. Gabby and Brian’s cross-country van journey, documented on social media, ends in tragedy when domestic violence shatters their seemingly perfect life. Their story sparks a nationwide investigation and raises questions about family loyalty.