From The Deuce to Salt Fat Acid Heat – the box sets to binge on this Betwixmas.

’Tis the season for enforced family festivities. If you are at home for Christmas and in need of an escape hatch, a rock-solid box set should transport you from present circumstances to somewhere much more appealing. The only problem – bar finding Wi-Fi while hiding out in the attic – is what to choose from the overwhelming number of shows on offer. With this in mind, MR PORTER puts forward five of the most addictive, dramatically different series that you may have missed. From foodie escapes to simply indulging in other people’s madness, these shows should keep you in a happy place until the New Year.

If all you want for Christmas is to escape, then may we recommend the latest box set from master of television world building? Mr David Simon, the creator of the novelistic The Wire, has staged a meticulous reimagining of late 1970s New York for _The Deuc_e, his slow burn drama set in the porn industry, which stars Ms Maggie Gyllenhaal and Mr James Franco. No mere historical record, it throbs with contemporary concerns while being immersed in its period, as you will be.

Streaming on Sky Atlantic and Amazon Prime

After Christmas dinner bloat, Iranian American chef and writer Ms Samin Nosrat offers an enticing four course palate cleanser. Salt Fat Acid Heat, based on Ms Nosrat’s cookbook of the same name, sees her use these building blocks as a springboard for travel in search of a cooking philosophy that is accessible, inclusive and a sensory feast. The series hits Japan, Italy, Mexico and the West Coast of the US in search of glorious food; the whole thing is so simply inspiring you’ll pass on the turkey sarnies.

Streaming on Netflix

Forever, which starts out as a wry comedy of manners about marriage and middle age, is a show unafraid to take abrupt turns. Mr Fred Armisen (Portlandia) and Ms Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids) are the comfortably married pair whose lives go off in unexpected directions after an episode one twist. Mr Charlie Kaufman fans can drink in a similar, tonal weirdness; everyone else can spend Christmas indulging in other people’s oddness.

Streaming on Amazon Prime

The story of an Indian cult that lands in mid-1980s rural Oregon and causes unbelievable scenes including murder, mass poisoning and the odd orgy, Wild Wild Country is the most gripping long-form documentary series of the year. A rich, winding and completely OTT story of how the Rajneeshpuram turned up in Antelope, Oregon, and turned a little community building into a national crisis, it is the perfect distraction from your own Christmas madness.

Streaming on Netflix

If the Boxing Day football results are too distressing, indulge in someone else’s footballing misery with this epic eight-part documentary series about Sunderland FC’s 2017-18 season. After relegation the previous year, Sunderland’s team, management, supporters and the local priest pray for a miracle to turn the football club, and the city it belongs to, around. Prepare to shed a tear, and then blame it on the sherry.

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