Is there an interesting show on any OTT platform that we have not watched yet? I don’t think so. For more than one year now, we have consumed content available on every streaming platform left, right, and centre. From reality series to cringe dramas, we have seen it all, but honestly, we are still not done. NGL, a few months ago I started re-watching the shows that I had watched already because there was nothing else available. And frankly, what was available wasn’t interesting at all.
Until I decided to ditch American TV shows. Yes, for real! All I had to do was keep all the Indian web series and the English language shows aside for a while. And then, focus on the gems that the television industries of different countries have to offer. Fam, I’m not kidding, there’s a treasure of content out there and I wish I knew about it earlier. These foreign language TV series are culturally diverse, intense, and will transfer you to a different world.
I mean, there’s a reason why Bollywood has been remaking (read blatantly copying) foreign language movies for a while now. ‘Coz they’re brilliant. And, so are their TV shows. Intrigued? Then keep reading!
9 Foreign Language TV Shows To Sort Your Weekend Binge
Popcorn? Check. Wine? Check. Now, all you gotta do is get on your comfy bed and binge-watch these international shows over the weekend. But make sure you get away from your screen to thank the delivery guy for bringing your fave food.
P.S. Watch these shows in their original language along with subtitles. You don’t want its original essence to be lost in translation.
Dark (German)
IMO, it is for the best that you binge-watch this show over the weekend because it requires a lot of patience. It needs you to focus, pay attention to minute details, and not jump in excitement every time a twist is revealed. Because if you do, you’d be on your feet every two seconds—it’s that thrilling.
So, if you, your mom, and your grandmom are in a room, then how many people are there in that room? Ideally, three. But in the world of Dark, just one. This time-travel drama is unlike anything you have ever seen before. Honestly, it has been months since I completed its entire three seasons, but I still get thoughts about it late at night.
Where to watch: Netflix
Also Read: Most Underrated Bollywood Movies
Occupied (Norwegian)
Think what would happen if you merge the show, House Of Cards with the action movie, Olympus Has Fallen. You would get something like Occupied. Taking our resources for granted and exhausting them have political repercussions and this fictional show tells us exactly that. In this intense thriller, Russia has occupied Norway to restore its oil and gas production. You can also learn a lot about their history and even if you’re not so keen on that, the suspense will keep you going.
Where to watch: Netflix
Elite (Spanish)
When Riverdale meets Gossip Girl, Elite happens. A bunch of rich kids are making their way through high school and trying to figure out a complicated thing called life. This addictive show has all the ingredients that could possibly make a teenage drama a massive hit. It’s glamm, has interesting love angles, betrayals, twists, and some beautiful friendships. It also shows the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in different parts of Spain.
Where to watch: Netflix
Rita (Danish)
If you loved Fleabag (who doesn’t love it?) then you will enjoy Rita as well. If you have a thing for dark comedy and flawed (read real) characters, then you have to watch this show. It’s about a teacher whose life is messy, unorganised, and complicated. But, it’s still going to bring a smile to your face because it’s quite relatable as well.
Where to watch: Netflix
Vincenzo (Korean)
Stop whatever you are doing and go watch Vincenzo. It’s what every K-drama lover is talking about and trust us, they’re right to do so. This thriller is ah-mazing! For starters, the show has Song Joong-ki in its lead (from Descendants of the Sun—another Korean drama that you cannot miss) along with Jeon Yeo-been.
The show is about Vincenzo Cassano, an Italian lawyer who’s part of a mafia family. After a series of attacks, he has to establish his power in his family and get back his business. To do so, he needs access to a building. And to get that access, he needs to team up with a tenacious tenant who’s as strong-headed as Vincenzo himself. It’s thrilling, intriguing, full of action and has an angsty love story. No wonder it is one of the highest-rated K-dramas ever!
Where to watch: Netflix
Les Revenants (French)
You must have heard about its American remake—The Returned. Obviously, the OG show is far better and more addictive. A bunch of people who had died earlier, start coming back to life. Nope, they are not zombies or spirits. But, they have returned from the dead and something is terribly wrong with them.
Where to watch: Netflix
3% (Brazilian)
Earlier, my fave sci-fi drama was Black Mirror. But then, I watched 3%. And, I doubt that anything would ever come close to this. The show is set in a fictional world where only 3% of the population get to live in luxury on a distant island. They have to pass several tests to prove that they’re the best. The rest 97% of the population? You don’t want to be a part of them.
But TBH, you don’t want to be a part of the 3% either.
Where to watch: Netflix
Las Aparicio (Mexico)
This one will hook you instantly. The Aparicio family has six members—all women. The matriarch of the household is a widow whose last three husbands died mysteriously. Her daughter’s husband is also dead. And they only give birth to girls. If all this sounds fishy to you, then that’s because it is. And Leonardo, a new guy in town and one of Aparicio daughters’ boyfriend will unravel their secret.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Atiye (Turkish)
Let me tell you something, you have to start watching Turkish shows because they’re amazing. And, you can start with Atiye or The Gift. The character in the show is a painter who has been drawing and dreaming of a strange symbol. Things get a lot stranger when an archaeologist discovers the same symbol buried in one of the oldest temples in the world. But wait, if you think that it’s weird, let us tell you that it’s just the beginning. NGL, the show’s gripping plot will not let you leave your screen even for a sec.
Where to watch: Netflix
So fam, which one are you binge-watching this weekend?
Feature Image: Instagram
