10 Foreign Shows You Definitely Need to Check Out

In 2016, TV has never been better. So many shows are now available to us on so many different platforms just from the USA.

Right now, though, we’re going to highlight 10 shows that are made outside of the USA — from as varied places as our neighbor of the north, Canada to the land down under, Australia.

1. Club de Cuervos

This first-ever Spanish language Netflix original series, Club de Cuervos focuses on the soccer team Cuervos FC after the death of their long-time owner.

This comedy drama shows us the power struggle for control of the team between brother Chava and sister Isabel and how their decisions affect everyone involved with the team. Club de Cuervos does a great job of mixing in funny moments with emotional character arcs and is definitely worth checking out.

2. Doctor Who

This classic BBC show is very popular over here in the states, but here’s a quick refresher. Doctor Who is about a timelord who can regenerate multiple times (current version is played by Peter Capaldi) who travels through time and space with a human companion.

All 9 seasons of the current run of the show are available on Amazon Prime, and are well worth investing your time in before the new season starts next year with a new companion, Bill (played by newcomer Pearl Mackie)

3. Wentworth

Debuting in 2013, Wentworth is thought of by some as the Australian version of Orange is the New Black.

While it does have many similarities with the show, Wentworth sets itself apart with taking an even gritty version of prison life through the eyes of main character Sue Jenkins. Critics have also praised Wentworth, available now on Netflix, for its strong but humane female characters and its treatment of LGBT story arcs.

4. Orphan Black

A Canadian export, Orphan Black is a long-running sci-fi thriller show is popular here in the states. Tatiana Maslany stars as Sarah, who tries to uncover a conspiracy revolving around the Dyad Institute , the Proletheans, and clones.

The best part of the show is Tatiana’s performances. Plural as she plays not only Sarah but other clones as well:

• Cosima – A medical student who falls for one of the scientists at the Dyad Institute Delphine
• Alison – A type-A Soccer Mom who bonds with Sarah’s foster brother Felix
• Helena – Mentally unstable she was originally an enemy of Sarah’s and the group who later becomes a part of the family group
• Rachel – Raised by the Prolethans, imagine a female Lex Luthor…. only even more evil

Also, this doesn’t include the many other clones Tatiana plays that we see in later seasons. This is one of the most exciting shows out there, and we’re five seasons in.

5. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

A favorite from Australia, this murder-mystery show follows Ellie Davis’s Miss Phryne Fisher as the private detective helps the police solve murders in the roaring 1920’s each episode.

While the show has wonderful cases, the hook to this show includes two things. First, is the charm of Miss Fisher as she is able to solve crimes in the most stylish and witty way possible.

Second, is the blazing hot chemistry between Miss Fisher and Detective Jack Robinson.  Almost every episode sees these two working together, and the sexual tension between the two for over 3 seasons will have you screaming at the TV in the best way possible.

6. Deutschland 83

This German show can be described like this: Imagine The Americans, but instead of being set in the USA in the 80s, it’s West Germany.

A young border patrol guard for East Germany is recruited to infiltrate West Germany undercover in 1983. I love spy thrillers, and this show has the feel of movies like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as you worry if he’ll be found out the more he enters into the life he has taken over.

7. Dramaworld 

A South Korean/American co-production, this comedy tells the story of Claire Duncan whose love for Korean Dramas helps her out when she is sucked into the world of one!

Dramaworld will remind you of Pleasantville in many ways, but it stands out on its own two feet thanks to the wonderful performance of Liv Hewson who’s spunk makes you root for her to get out of there and get her dreams come true as well. Now on Netflix, its perfect for a binge-watch as the ten episodes of season 1 are only 7-15 minutes in length.

8. Poldark

I fell in love with this show within minutes of watching. A wonderful adaptation of the Winston Graham book series, Ross Poldark returns from war to find that his father has passed away and old sweetheart Elizabeth has married. Ross tries to rebuild his life by trying to get the coal mine working at his estate and finds love again with the lovely Demelza.

If you’re a fan of Olicity on Arrow and the romance/ beauty of Outlander, Poldark is for you. Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson bring such red-hot passion to Ross and Demelza’s relationship that you might need a fan to cool off the TV afterward. At its core, Poldark is a show of romance while hitting on many social issues of the time.

9. Please Like Me

This Australian-based comedy drama series has been highlighted for its portrayal of gay characters on the show and its ability to take on many different tough topics without losing the heart and gentleness of the show.

The premise of Please Like Me is the lead character Josh gets dumped by his girlfriend as she tells him that it is because he is gay. As the show continues, it highlights Josh’s coming to terms with who he is sexually and what he wants out of life as his friends and family asks the same questions.

10. Peaky Blinders

One part gangster drama, one part period epic, and one part family drama, Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby family in the late 1910’s after the first World War. Cillian Murphy gives a career performance as the leader of the family, Thomas Shelby who has to maintain the business while avoiding trouble from many different directions.

Wonderful performances from Helen McCrory, Annabelle Wallis, and Tom Hardy to name a few help add to the high quality of the show’s atmosphere.  If you are a fan of mob/gangster films, this show is right up your alley.

These are just 10 of so many shows out there right now outside the USA that are getting buzz and critical appeal. If you need something to do during the remaining hot days of summer, checking out one of these shows would be a great idea!

Which of these is your favorite? Have one to add to the list? Share with us in the comments below!

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