This spin-off of the cult Doctor Who series explores the darker, sexier side of the Doctor’s universe, albeit in rather un-Who fashion – there’s no time travel or heroes disappearing in a blue box after the case is solved. Staged just after the Cybermen’s invasion of Earth and the destruction of the Torchwood London offices, we learn that there are offices set up all over the world to capture alien technology and repel alien invasions. This series – given a faster, actionpacked treatment – deals mainly with the activities of the Cardiff branch of the fictional Torchwood institute and the issues it encounters: murders, life in futuristic slums, daring sexcapades and homosexuality. The first episode features the team hunting down an alien addicted to orgasmic energy. Yup, this is not one for the kids; this is Doctor Who Mark II for grown-ups.

BBC Entertainment, Channel 76