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Spooks – I Spy Apocalypse (2003)

This installment starts with the MI5 agents restricted as part of a simulation concerning a fictional terrorist event, monitored by two government representatives. As things progress, it seems an actual attack has occurred and a chemical agent deployed. The tension ratchets up as reports reveal a catastrophe taking place outside, and intensifies as the boss appears to be infected, and the two Home Office officials attempt to leave, forcing Matthew Macfadyen’s character to decide between shooting them or letting them go and potentially infecting the secure MI5 headquarters. This being Spooks, the outcome is expected.

The 1984 production Threads

Threads was low budget but arguably the most terrifying series I have viewed owing to its grim authenticity and dismal official figures. Watched it about a month ago following the initial broadcast; I frequently went to the Sheffield pub shown in the series which emphasised the reality and the casual, straightforward government details that were transmitted. Still absolutely terrifying 35 years later.

The 2022 Severance episode The We We Are

The concluding episode of Severance’s debut season deserves a top spot as a tense chapter. I remained for the whole show quite literally on the edge of my seat, exerting with Dylan to hold the switches that kept the Innies on overtime, while yelling at the Innies to get their truths out there. The ultimate peak – “she survives!” – was like an eruption.

Industry – White Mischief from 2024

Episode five of the third series of Industry caused my heart to pound. I had to pause and get up and depart the area multiple times owing to the vast degree of the deliberate ruin I observed. Rishi Ramdani is in deep shit in his job and domestic life – overwhelmed by debt from unscrupulous lenders because of his compulsive gambling, engaging in dangerous ventures with a bet on sterling that might cost his firm millions. So of course, he goes on a gambling spree, consumes excessive substances and alcohol and experiences wins and losses, is brutally attacked. Every time you think it can’t get any worse, it worsens. There is a chance for salvation as the installment closes yet he wastes the chance, resulting in dreadful effects in the season finale. Certainly required a rest afterward!

The 2007 Peep Show episode Holiday

Peep Show itself isn’t necessarily a stressful show. Yet the installment Holiday features such degrees of awkwardness that it’ll have you standing up the whole episode, filled with nervousness. It all ramps up when Jeremy and Mark realize needing to deceive regarding the dog they accidentally run over and later efforts to get rid of it. You subsequently use the rest of the installment doubting if it can actually be more terrible than burning, and it is possible!

The West Wing – The Two Cathedrals from 2001

No other viewing has been as gripping as when I first saw the concluding episode of The West Wing’s second season. The episode starts with the aftermath of the passing (in a road incident) of the president’s personal secretary and escalates to a高潮 with a crisis in Haiti, and the fallout from the non-disclosure regarding the president’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, coupled with verification of his aim to pursue re-election. Superb programming. Unequaled.

Bodyguard – episode one from 2018

The beginning of the UK show Bodyguard, featuring the main character on a train accompanied by his small son, is personally a top tense installment. He spots a Muslim woman heading to the toilet and senses something is wrong. The bomb squad is alerted, board the train, and try to persuade the woman to take off her suicide vest. Tension escalates to an almost unbearable degree, until yes, the vest is diffused.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Body from 2001

Buffy comes into her home to realize her mom has deceased due to natural factors, which is the least common kind of passing in this paranormal series. The show features no musical score, a gloomy atmosphere, and we view the installment through the lens of Buffy’s dismay upon uncovering her mother.

The Sopranos – Made in America (2007)

The final scene of the final episode of the show was pants-wettingly tense. And if you watched it when it originally aired, you – at first – weren’t sure why. Tony’s adversaries, actual and perceived, were all vanquished. Surely this has the feel of the season one ending? “Recall the minor details.” Yet the atmosphere is strangely foreboding. Nearly Twin Peaks-like fear. The family sit in a restaurant. Meadow parks. Tony gloomily informs Carmela problems are brewing with another member of his team working with the government. Meadow parks. Odd persons arrive at the eatery. Look at Tony(?) Meadow is parking. Tony plays a track on the music machine. Meadow finds a spot. The bell rings, someone enters the restaurant. It isn’t Meadow, she remains parking. Tony glances upward. Continue. It ceases. My heart dropped from my mouth roughly 20 minutes after.

The Walking Dead – The Last Day on Earth (2016)

I stayed up to watch this episode at 2am. It was incredibly tense following the introduction of villain Negan locating the survivors, savagely teasing his prey and then leaving the victim unknown (finished with an unresolved situation). The victim’s POV shot and the muffled sounds – argh! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season