I'VE been binge-watching Cold Feet recently, series six was done in two nights on DVD and series seven and eight were polished off on my Sky Q box in the same time-frame.
While I am sad I will now have to wait for a new series, I'm also trying to understand how something which was part of my teenage years can still attract me so much in my mid-30s.
Because the genius of creator Mike Bullen has seen the characters age as we fans have yet somehow the magic which pulled you in in the 90s still has appeal in the '10s.
David is bumbling, Pete still has a kind heart, Adam is still a lothario while Jen is gloriously unpredictable and Karen is somehow the glue attempting to hold not just the gang together but also her soaring career and her family.
Yes the youngsters in the 1990s are now the teenagers and Matthew, Olivia, Ellie, Adam and Chloe all have major roles alongside their parents.
Indeed, the teenage pregnancy and abortion storyline between Matthew and Olivia was so beautifully portrayed I'm amazed it didn't get more attention.
Two young people very much in love find out they will be parents and ultimately decide on an abortion. But instead of it just happening, you're taken into the clinic and see the very raw emotion such a decision is bound to provoke.
It shows such a decision isn't easy, no matter how 'right' it might be for the individuals and huge credit to the actors and writers for bringing it all out on screen.
The same can be said for Jen's breast cancer storyline. I won't spoil the details of episode six as it's beautifully written and performed but if Faye Ripley hasn't won the hearts and given women with breast cancer the ability to fight this awful illness then I don't know what will.
It would be easy to see Cold Feet as a drama but the sheer levels of comedy render that impossible. It's the perfect mix of fine writing, talented actors of all ages and the absolute connection to everyday life.
Watch it for yourself, nothing in the plot is implausible. Death, depression, financial trouble, teenage pregnancy, strain on marriage and illness. All delivered in a down to earth manner.
The famous five could easily be living in your neighbourhood, you could easily work with one of them.
It's that that makes it popular. I know the Adam/Karen relationship is dividing opinion but friends do get together. Let it develop and let's see what series nine brings.
Bravo Mr Bullen, best wishes to all the cast and crew.
