YOU’VE probably been having a few sleepless nights of late.

It could be trying to work out how those pesky sparrows got into your roof space once again or which fence panel is creaking when the wind blows.

Okay, so that’s just me. So alternatives may include is Brexit ever going to happen, what is occurring with our politics and who will be in charge?

Or maybe it’s because you’ve been staying up until the wee small hours to watch one of the finest dramas to grace our screens, Game of Thrones.

Yes, if you really want to avoid the spoilers, the first viewing of this epic series is at 2am on a Monday- the same time as it’s broadcast in the States.

There can’t be too many people who haven’t heard or seen an episode of this multi-award winning show.

More money seems to have been spent on the opening credits than other programmes get for their entire series.

It has a proper theme tune, to boot, which I like. It’s visually stunning, well acted and has a cracking storyline. So what’s not to like?

The sex and violence - particularly in the early episodes - is well documented. But if that was all Game of Thrones was about, it wouldn’t be the riveting watch it is.

Underneath it all, if you peel off the layers, it’s about power and politics. The target is the Iron Throne and the path to this prize is strewn with bodies.

Since day one, Game of Thrones has revelled in disposing of its characters, often in extremely grisly circumstances. No one is too big to bump off.

There are not too many good guys and some of the bad ones have been pure evil. It seems that fighting is the first port of call.

But amongst the mayhem, there’s been the thinkers trying to manipulate their way to glory. Again, a number of those conniving have had their comeuppance, while others remain.

Diplomacy and joining forces has also been used to mutual benefit. Overall, brawn has definitely lost out to brain as the series edges towards its denouement.

There is a lot of confusion over who is in power, allegiances and how to reach that ultimate goal.

It is a story set in a mythical past, but its core message remains.

  • Whilst we’re on the subject of dramas, the country’s TV screens have been flooded with excellent home-grown productions over the last few years.

It’s fair to say none have been as lavish as their US counterparts, but compelling storylines, crisp dialogue and fine acting have been the bedrock of the most successful.

Top of the pile of late has been Line of Duty. For those that can remember - Dixon of Dock Green, it ain’t.

Line of Duty looks into police corruption and there are many twists and turns along the way. Indeed, the latest season’s finale on Sunday night drew the highest TV audience of the year so far.

Although nothing like Game of Thrones in terms of body count numbers, it too will see main characters meet an untimely end.

And even if you can work out who is ‘pulling the strings’ behind the scenes, it’s still thoughtful, gripping TV at its very best.

  • So while we’re in the golden age of drama productions, both here and in the US - and yes, there are some riveting series on streaming services - we don’t seem to be hitting the same heights when it comes to comedy. There may be a number of reasons for that, but when the BBC asked a panel of comedy experts to come up with their all time favourite TV sitcoms, there weren’t too many from the current era. Staples such as Only Fools and Horses, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, The Good Life, Dad’s Army, Porridge, Blackadder and Father Ted shone brightly.

It would be nice to think that right now, someone, somewhere, is working on a truly revolutionary script to rival, of course, the current number one, Fawlty Towers.

But I wouldn’t bet on it.