Much of the reason for that of course is Hugh Laurie, in the title role. As House, he manages to turn himself into the medical Simon Cowell, chucking out outrageously sarcastic asides, while also giving space to the intriguing collection of supporting players. It?s a stunning performance. On top of that is the usual assortment of medical mysteries, including a brilliantly constructed remote diagnosis of a patient stuck in the South Pole.

Even when the audition phase is over, House has plenty to offer, not least a terrific concluding two-parter that continually pulls the proverbial rug. And the ingenuity of the scriptwriters shouldn?t go without praise, continually delivering a series of brilliant medical whodunits for Laurie and his team to solve.