If you want romantic drama that respects your intelligence, Howards' Way is available in the UK on Sky Go right now. 6 seasons in, and the quality has not slipped. 11 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. You will have strong feelings about it by the finale. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Sky Go.

There is a reason Howards' Way keeps coming up in conversation. What makes Howards' Way work is that the obstacles feel real, not manufactured for the plot. The BBC's answer to Dynasty, Howards' Way was launched in 1985 with an enormous 1 million pound budget. The main characters in the show were 'best boat designer in the world' Tom Howard, his boutique running wife Jan Howard, 'I'll have a drink' Jack Rolfe and a nasty man called Ken Masters. It starred Maurice Colbourne. Kate O'Mara and Jan Harvey lead a cast that earns the romance rather than assuming it. Across 6 seasons (1985–1990), it never lost the thread that made it worth starting. The relationship at the centre of Howards' Way develops at a pace that feels earned rather than rushed for plot reasons. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Howards' Way is the kind of thing you watch without apology. Fans of Days of Our Lives will recognise the sensibility here immediately. 6 seasons is a lot, but the quality holds all the way through. Kate O'Mara's performance makes the emotional stakes feel real, not manufactured. Worth watching alone or with someone who shares your taste.

Howards' Way wrapped up in 1990, created by Allan Prior and Gerard Glaister — and 6 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.