Oh, I didn't realise you have that problem in the UK, too. We're a bit farther behind, I think, due to dubbing, but two years seems to be a pretty good rule of thumb. The only exception I know is Vampire Diaries, that is/was only a few months behind the US since they wanted to cash in before the "we have vampires, just like Twilight!" slogan wouldn't work anymore and they would have to, you know, actually advertise the show they ARE broadcasting. But then, that broadcasting company has a track record of messing up the target audiences for ads/actual show.

Watching quality TV shows is certainly a good way to spend the extra time spent at home!