Quelle surprise! Netflix’s “Lupine” hit was an unexpected global sensation.
The French show, which the streaming giant reports has been watched by 70 million homes – hits like “Bridgerton” and “The Queen’s Gambit” – has subtitles for the English-speaking audience.
The plot follows professional thief Assane Diop (Omar Sy), who takes inspiration from the real books about the fictional thief Arsène Lupine to go out and avenge his father, a deceased Senegalese immigrant.
Subtitled series has always been considered a difficult barrier to break – especially with the American audience. But if “Lupine” opened the door and made you curious about other interesting foreign programs, here is your essential guide to the best.
‘Money Heist,’ Netflix
This dramatic Spanish assault is perfect for fans of the “Ocean’s Eleven” franchise. Set in Madrid, there follows a mysterious man nicknamed “The Professor” (Alvaro Morte), who recruits a group of people for an ambitious adventure with billions at stake. With four seasons out (and a fifth and final season coming), it’s perfect for a spree.
‘The Returned,’ Amazon
In the mood for something more mysterious and melancholy, similar to “The Leftovers” on HBO? Look no further, this French drama of supernatural prestige from two seasons. The plot follows the inhabitants of a mountaintop town as they react to the surprising fact that friends and relatives who have died are appearing, alive and apparently normal. As the ex-dead try to resume their lives, strange events start to happen, like power cuts.
For fans of “Stranger Things” and puzzle shows like “Westworld”, this three-season German science fiction series is unforgettable. Set in a German city, the show begins with a missing child case, but soon turns into a time travel conspiracy spanning several decades. The different time periods include up to 2053 in the future and a trip back to 1888.
For fans of “Gossip Girl”, this successful Korean series follows Geum Jan-di (Koo Hye-sun), daughter of a laundry who receives a scholarship to attend a prestigious chic school. There, she gets involved with a group of the most popular and wealthy guys.
‘Beforeigners,’ HBO Max
This Norwegian time travel drama of a fish out of water follows people from various historical eras, such as the Vikings and the Stone Age, as they inexplicably land in modern Oslo and then struggle to integrate into modern society.
This thrilling Israeli spy thriller, which has just been renewed for a second season, follows Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan), an Iranian-born Jew raised in Israel. While operating undercover in her home country, her mission becomes complicated when she reconnects with her roots.
Fans of “The West Wing” flock to this Danish political drama starring Pilou Asbaek (also known as Euron, the villainous “Game of Thrones” pirate). Its characters include politicians and journalists, from Asbaek’s spin-doctor, Kasper Juul, to Denmark’s first female prime minister (Sidse Babett Knudsen).
‘Gomorrah,’ HBO Max
For viewers who miss “The Wire” and “The Sopranos,” this Italian program will scratch the itch. Four seasons are available so far, with a fifth coming out this year. Set in the world of crime syndicates in Naples, Italy, it follows conflicts between crime bosses – as well as older and new generations within rival Camorra clans.
Fans of big-time teen dramas like “Riverdale” and “Never Have I Ever”, meet teenagers from the Spanish program “Elite”. It has had three seasons, with a fourth entry, and follows working-class teenagers Samuel, Nadia and Christian, who receive scholarships at the most exclusive private school in Spain and soon get involved in manipulation, sex and murder.
‘Deutschland 83,’ Hulu
This German drama takes audiences to Berlin from the Cold War era in 1983, before the fall of the Berlin Wall. There are several follow-up series on Hulu, each with different names, depending on the year in which they are defined – for example, “Deutschland 89.”