Photo courtesy of Samurai Gourmet / Netflix
“Samurai Gourmet” | Japan
This twelve-part series from Japan will charm your socks off (and make you hungry). “Samurai Gourmet” is based on an essay and manga of the same name and follows the story of retired salary man Takeshi Kasumi as he uses his new wealth of free time to eat what he desires and daydream about his samurai alter ego.
It sounds weird, but it’s quite touching and offers excellent insight into the less obvious nuances of Japanese cuisine.
Season 1 is available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Dark / Netflix
“Dark” | Black Forest, Germany
True to its name, this German series takes viewers on a moody and mesmerizing journey into the Black Forest region of Germany to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a young boy. It’s difficult to say much more about the series without spoiling it, but suffice to say it’s like a darker version of “Stranger Things.”
The acting, cinematography and soundtrack are all superb.
Seasons 1-2 of “Dark” are available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Kingdom / Netflix
“Kingdom” | Korea
Some might say the zombie apocalypse genre has grown a bit tired lately, but those people haven’t seen “Kingdom.” This zombie period piece, the first Netflix original from South Korea, transports viewers to Korea during the Joseon dynasty and appeals to the “Game of Thrones” crowd with its intense (and at times gruesome) storytelling.
Excellent costuming and choreography add to the sense of place.
Seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of The Hook Up Plan / Netflix
“The Hook Up Plan” | Paris, France
This original comedy takes viewers through the City of Love alongside Elsa. She’s a lovelorn young woman hung up on her ex-boyfriend who is set up on a rather unusual date by her friends. It’s a fun and lighthearted watch, both for the onscreen chemistry of the three friends and the lovely shots of Paris.
Seasons 1-2 of “The Hook Up Plan” are available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Selection Day / Netflix
“Selection Day” | Mumbai, India
Not only does “Selection Day” bring the city of Mumbai to our TV screens, it provides fantastic performances from its young stars. The series follows two teenage boys who aspire to become professional cricket players, all while tackling topics ranging from parental pressure and the education system to the sports culture in modern-day India.
Season 1 is available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Merlí / Netflix
“Merlí” | Barcelona, Spain
“Merlí” tells the story of the eponymous main character, a philosophy professor who takes a rather unorthodox approach to his teaching. Think “Dead Poets Society,” but in Spain.
The show takes place in Barcelona, and in addition to offering insight into Catalan culture, it shows off a less touristy side of the city that few visitors get to see, including neighborhoods like Sarrià and Vall d’Hebron.
Season 1 is available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Suburra: Blood on Rome / Netflix
“Suburra: Blood on Rome” | Rome, Italy
If you’re in the mood for a good crime drama with a dash of international appeal, give this Italian series a go. It’s got everything – bribery, politics, sex, violence, corruption – all while offering up some lovely shots of the Italian capital.
Much of the filming took place on location, including an opening shot down the Via della Conciliazione.
Seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Derry Girls / Netflix
“Derry Girls” | Northern Ireland
For those in need of some comedic relief, there’s “Derry Girls.” This British comedy and coming-of-age story follows the antics of five Catholic high school students during the tail end of conflict in Northern Ireland. Not only is it laugh-out-loud funny, it’ll also help you brush up on your witty Irish slang.
Seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Ragnarok / Netflix
“Ragnarok” | Norway
“Ragnorok” takes place in the fictional town of Edda, but it looks an awful lot like the real town of Odda in Norway. This angsty teen fantasy drama borrows heavily from Norse mythology, and its backdrop of Southern Norway (think snowy mountains and glacial lakes) is certainly easy on the eyes.
Season 1 is available on Netflix now.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons in Havana / Netflix
“Four Seasons in Havana” | Cuba
This four-part series, based on the Havana Quartet novels by Leonardo Padura, takes place in Cuba in the 1990s – an evocative backdrop for a crime thriller set amid Cuba’s working class inhabitants. Many of the scenes were filmed in Havana, which allows this limited series to really bring a sense of place to the screen in all its gritty detail.
Season 1 of “Four Seasons in Havana” is available on Netflix now.