Okay, this week’s big TV event was universally acknowledged as Game of Thrones, right? Well, tell that to the Clone Club, the worldwide legion of fans of hit BBC America show Orphan Black.

While the TV world was going into over-hype mode for the return to Westeros, Orphan Black was more modestly preparing for its third season premiere in the US on Saturday.

And as far as the fans are concerned, what Orphan Black lacks in political and sexual intrigue, beheadings and animal cruelty, it more than makes up for with a killer sci-fi plotline, shock twists and a stand-out performance from lead actress Tatiana Maslany.

OB comp
One Tatiana Maslany = multiple characters on Orphan Black (BBC America)

For newbies, Orphan Black tells the story of a group of identical clones who come together to take on the shadowy group of scientists and psychotics who created them. And – thanks to the magic of the small screen – Tatiana plays all of the clones, each with a distinctive voice and performance.

Sarah and Helena have a complex same DNA but different attitudes to violence (BBC America)
Sarah and Helena have a complex same DNA but different attitudes to violence (BBC America)

The show upped its audience for season two and expectations are high for season three – it’s even getting the US cinema premieres this weekend that the BBC rolled out for Peter Capaldi’s Doctor Who debut.

So as season three fires up, here are eight spoiler-free reasons why you should join the Clone Club…

1. Tatiana’s show-stealing acting

Playing multiple characters who look identical yet instantly distinguishable is no mean feat. And it leads to neat season summaries like this.

2. The show is really British

Sarah took offence at being told she dressed like a "punk rock whore" in episode one (BBC America)
Sarah took offence at being told she dressed like a “punk rock whore” in episode one (BBC America)

It’s made by BBC America and two of the main characters, Sarah Manning and Felix Dawkins, are British. And Sarah wore a Clash T-shirt in the very first episode. That’s enough to say British, right?

3. Felix (Fee to his friends)

Felix - not sure about the robe, but (BBC America)
Felix has a cool, eclectic wardrobe – not sure about this outfit though (BBC America)

If you’re getting lost amongst all the clones, Jordan Gavaris brings some welcome relief as Sarah’s foster brother Felix. Laid back Fee takes all the clone stuff in his stride and helps keep the identikit sisters on track – but he must wonder which oddball is going to knock at his door next.

4. Clone Alison’s suburban world

Suburban life doesn’t have to be dull. Whether it’s boozing, assault with a golf club, adultery, a disaster-written-all-over-it intervention or time in rehab, Alison knows how to keep family life interesting.

5. The eight-year-old girl who seems to be cleverer than everyone

Kira - just an ordinary little girl? We think not (BBC America)
Kira – just an ordinary little girl? We think not (BBC America)

Kira is Sarah’s daughter and she’s a special girl. Not only can she spot a clone a mile off but she seems unphased by even the most scary and bizarre goings on. Oh, and without giving it away, she seems to have a few unusual traits. Even Tatiana must worry about young star Skyler Wexler stealing the moment.

6. It’s ideal inspiration for a whole new breed of cosplay with your friends

Now you can go to that convention or party dressed as the same person (almost) as all of your friends.

And the fans’ enormous creativity get some love in return from the show’s star.

7. The show is ideal for a guilt-free box set binge

It’s a critically acclaimed show that you probably missed when it hit BBC Three in the UK. So it’s quite easy to justify most of Saturday on the couch with a box set to find out what all the fuss is about. As if you needed an excuse.

8. Errr… did we mention that Tatiana plays, well, almost everyone?

Frankly it’s worth repeating. Tatiana has portrayed 12 clone characters, most of which are still alive and kicking, and who knows what lies around the corner? She’s doing one hell of a job to even remember who she’s playing from one scene to the next.