From Game of Thrones to Poldark, the TV shows that will boost your sets life
Research shows binge-watching is killing Brits' sex lives — but why not combine Netflix AND nookie?
“NOT tonight dear, it’s the series finale” is the chilling phrase that is putting the kibosh on the sex lives of millions of couples up and down the country.
According to Professor David Spiegelhalter, Brits have replaced some good old-fashioned hanky-panky with binge-watching the latest box sets.
And the Cambridge University statistician reckons that, if we are not careful, we could end up being a nation of celibates by 2030.
But before you block your direct debits for your favourite streaming service, we have the perfect solution – why not combine nookie AND Netflix?
Sex and relationship expert Kate Taylor says there is no need to ban box sets from the bedroom as some of the sauciest programmes on TV can actually ramp up our raunchiness.
Here, Kate tells Lynsey Clarke which shows can best improve our sex lives – from upping the romance to spicing up a stale relationship – and gives the shows a raunchiness rating out of five.
GAME OF THRONES
Best for spicing up sex
THIS gripping fantasy saga about warring noble families in the land of Westeros is guaranteed to pep up any long-term relationship, thanks to its relentless romping and bare bodies.
At points it can feel like you are watching nudists cop off in Ikea’s sheepskin department, but the show is erotic thanks to the way it weaves in sex with strong character development.
You can also learn a thing or two from scenes in series 1, episode 2, where Daenerys, played by Emilia Clarke, gets a lesson in seduction from her handmaiden.
Or, if your other half needs gentle direction, show him Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) lusty waterfall scene with wildling (and boy, is she) Ygritte in series 3, episode 5.
RAUNCH FACTOR: 5
MASTERS OF SEX
Best for experimental sex
IF you and your partner have stuck with the missionary position for years, Masters Of Sex may help you open up about what you really desire.
This is a biography of real-life researchers Dr William Masters and his assistant Virginia Johnson, played by Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan.
Although series one is slightly awkward and clinical, by series two the romantic tension between the pair has, ahem, mounted.
They slowly expose their vulnerabilities through “sexperiments” which would add a bit of zing to any relationship.
RAUNCH FACTOR: 4.5
POLDARK
Best for romantic sex
WATCHING this gentle period drama with your bloke will inject romance into your relationship – as long as you can hold back lustful whimpers every time Ross Poldark rips off his shirt.
The plot gallops along at a cracking pace as Poldark (Aidan Turner) and his flame-haired servant Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) try to contain their passion.
When she catches him skinny-dipping, all bets are off. In episode 3, he shouts at her after catching her in a dress she found in a trunk.
The pair end up in a passionate kiss and soon Poldark is having his wicked way. Stirring stuff.
RAUNCH FACTOR: 2.5
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TRUE BLOOD
Best for a quickie
THIS quirky US drama shows what happens when really hot vampires become legal citizens and co-exist with humans.
Naturally, they have loads of steamy, rough-and-ready sex – and why not?
If you need reminding how that goes, this is the show for you. You will never wait for bedtime again.
Vampire sex can happen anywhere . . . in a truck, against a wall, in a forest, up a tree – or in a graveyard.
In series 1, episode 8, Sookie, played by Anna Paquin, and her vampire boyfriend Bill make love on top of a muddy grave Bill has just crawled out from.
RAUNCH FACTOR: 4.5
MAD MEN
Best for make-up sex
COUPLES stuck in a rut should check out this hit US drama set in the advertising world.
Its Sixties spin on life is so dated it will give us a million different ideas to bring into the bedroom.
Take series 5, episode 1, in which Don Draper and his new wife Megan fall out.
Rather than having a frank airing of views, Megan (Jessica Pare) cleans the house in lacy lingerie – forcing Don (Jon Hamm) to watch.
They soon see eye-to-eye again and end up having a passionate romp on the carpet.
DO try this at home!
RAUNCH FACTOR: 4
THE AFFAIR
Best for a new relationship
YOU could easily suggest watching this type of show with a new partner without looking like a nympho – but it is full of sexual tension.
It’s no slow burn, either. By series 1, episode 4 Noah, played by Dominic West, and Alison (Ruth Wilson) have embarked on a passionate, full-blown affair.
Noah has Alison bare-chested against the flowery wallpaper in a hotel in Block Island, off the coast of New England.
By this time, your “Netflix and chill” date will be looking at you with new eyes – the perfect time to mention that you get better reception upstairs.
RAUNCH FACTOR: 3