This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.

I was excited to be involved in this Moments That Connect Us campaign with TV Licensing, I totally get that spending time watching TV is a great way to connect with family and friends.

We look forward to putting the kettle on and getting our snacks ready before “go time”! It’s the perfect way to relax after a stressful day at work. We always find time for our favourite live TV shows regardless of how busy our schedules are.

Whatever you’re watching opens a discussion. For example, in our house, where can I buy those gorgeous, knitted jumpers that Claudia Winkleman rocks up in on Traitors or debating whether one of the dragons will damage another invention on Dragons Den! We still cannot believe Theo Paphitis was heavier than a toddler when he managed to break that sample Trunki’s strap way back in 2006.

Nothing gets in the way of our live TV sessions. My husband and I were so hyped up for the finale of Traitors that we made a special trip to the pet shop just to get some super strong dog chews to make sure our dogs Bella and Summer were suitably entertained and wouldn’t start whining for attention at a key moment.

Below are five of our favourite TV moments that connect us.

The UEFA European Championships

I remember the four of us curled up on the sofa ready to watch Wales play in the UEFA European Championships semi-finals (2016). I don’t normally watch live sport on TV myself. But we had all got caught up in the excitement as Wales had got this far! It was a historic moment.

Even though we then went on to lose to Portugal, we were still proud of our lads and glad we had a chance to support them. Almost eight years later, our boys still talk about watching that match together. Win or lose, those crucial sporting moments can really bring you together.

Traitors

My husband and I both love Traitors. Watching as emotions run high, the gossip and drama of it all! Everyone trying their best to play tactically. But still being rather clueless as to who is a friend and who is a foe! We literally were on tenterhooks each episode, wondering who would get banished and who would get “murdered off”.

I was championing for Jaz to win, and he was so very close. It got quite tense as Mollie kept rubbing off her chosen name… My husband and I are shouting at the screen completely caught up in the moment. Both of us hoping we could somehow influence what name she finally wrote down on the chalkboard!!!

Apprentice

We are heading into the 18^th series of Apprentice, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! We have had so many hilarious moments over the years, when the contestants go in confidently pitching a product that looks like it was designed by a three-year-old or has a logo that has been spelled incorrectly!

Also, my husband and I love the grilling at the interview stage, seeing how the contestants cope with the pressure. Even if it’s hard watching their business plans be picked apart and seeing their deflated little faces.

I also love how the final two contestants always manage to pull it together by the finale of the show and present something incredible that makes it very difficult for Alan Sugar to pick his next business partner. Hats off to them.

It’s a show that my eldest used to watch with us when he was younger. He enjoyed being allowed to stay up that extra hour. We had to sneak him back down so his little brother kept his normal bedtime. I think it helped wise him up to the ways of the Business world, as he did go on to have a good result in his BTEC award in Business! He probably knew how important it was to spell the logo correctly anyway and make his business concept much more appealing and presentable.

Dragons Den

We have been watching Dragons Den since 2005. Some of the dragons have changed over the years but the compelling nature of the show keeps us coming back for more. My husband and I enjoy seeing everyone’s business ideas and inventions, but also how the dragons react. It’s hilarious seeing their eyes light up and watching them clambering over one another to get first dibs on a business that already sounds successful. Equally, we love their cutting remarks, their heavy-handedness with the inventions, and obvious disdain. They really do make the show what it is!

Also, my husband and I cringe over the unprepared pitches that really struggle with their figures or look completely clueless when asked a question. It can be quite entertaining. Surely by now, they should know what format to expect, with so many years of shows you should have some idea of what questions might come up! We sympathise when they feel nervous and get tongue-tied! We always have a good giggle at their inflated business worth too! Many have valuations well into the millions when they have a tiny net worth and social media following.

We tend to look up all the businesses afterward and see how they are faring; we have even ordered a few items off the back of the show.

Detectorists

Sometimes a TV show draws you in so much like Detectorists you then go on to buy a metal detector and an actual hobby is formed! My youngest loved our days on the beach searching for treasure. Even if the treasure was mainly rusty old bottle tops and the odd tent peg! We never made it rich, but that wonderful TV show ended up giving us even more quality time as a family.

Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of live TV. It covers you for:

• All TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave and international channels – but you don’t need a licence if you only watch non BBC channels on-demand
• Pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT – but these are platforms that could have both live and on-demand services
• Live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
• Everything on BBC iPlayer.

This includes recording and downloading. On any device.