5 Foreign Bingeable TV Series You Missed The First Time But Mustn't Miss Again

Yes, there are subtitles. Don't even THINK of rolling your eyes at me.

BORGEN (Drama, Danish, 2010)

I like foreign TV shows. It’s traveling without the lines, the luggage, and the TSA gate massage. Art reflects life, and each series is a window into a world I’m not yet familiar with but am vastly curious about. This was especially true of the Danish series, BORGEN, which was originally released in 2010, but is largely unknown to American audiences. LORD, HOW I LOVE THIS SHOW. It passes every known Bechtel Test (which asks the question, does this work of fiction feature two women talking about something other than a man?), is the epitome of female empowerment, and teaches you everything you need to know about Danish politics. Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen plays the Prime Minister, and just this year, Danish Public Broadcaster, DR, is shooting a long belated Season Four. I, for one, am utterly besotted and can’t wait to watch it. Highly recommend.

THE BODYGUARD (Thriller, British, 2016)

Hey, you might not need subtitles with this one! Professional stud muffin Richard Madden of Game of Thrones fame plays a PTSD-addled David Budd, a Protection Services agent assigned to guard a government official whose politics he loathes. This is a nail-biter of a series, tautly plotted and well-acted, with a clear understanding of how to keep raising the stakes until you think your heart is going to explode right out of your chest. If you like thrillers, this one’s your jam.

OCCUPIED (Political thriller, Norwegian, 2015)

In OCCUPIED, which is set in the near future, the Russians are the black hats, and the Norwegians are the white hats, but series creator Jo Nesbø, does a fairly nuanced job of making the bad guys human and the good guys complicated. In fact, sometimes he turns the entire paradigm on its head, and you’re not sure who the heroes and the villains are. If you like thrillers in any language, you’ll love all three seasons of Occupied. Imagine a soft political coup, eco-terrorism, Russians occupying Norway, a Prime Minister turned terrorist … are you getting the picture?

DEUTSCHLAND 83 (Thriller, German, 2015)

I have a decided weakness for films about or by East Germans, mostly because that period in history is so darkly fascinating. Deutschland 83 is about a young East German who is sent to West Germany in 1983 as an undercover spy for the foreign intelligence arm of the Stasi. If you’re looking for thrills, chills, and spills, seek no further. The series has some stellar reviews and was a sleeper hit in all markets except, oddly enough, Germany. I can’t vouch for Deutschland 86 or 89, but this first season is well worth your attention.

EPISODES (Comedy, British-American, 2011)

For laugh-out-loud funny (and no subtitles), prepare to be charmed by this British-American collaboration starring Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig, and Matt LeBlanc in a Golden Globe winning performance. The premise? A British screenwriting couple are invited to L.A. to do a remake of their successful British TV series, only to get railroaded by the very worst kind of Hollywood ratings whore/network bigwig, Merc Lapidus—when he’s not busy cheating on his blind wife. Full disclosure: I’ve watched the entire series three times because I love is that much, and I know you will, too.

Have you seen any of these TV series? If so, I would love to hear your opinion. Please comment below.