How to Discover Underrated Series from Different Countries

In a world where popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu offer an overwhelming selection of content, it's easy to fall into the trap of watching mainstream shows from dominant Western countries. While these platforms promote high-budget American series and the occasional British gem, many remarkable shows from other parts of the world often go unnoticed. Discovering underrated series from different countries is a rewarding pursuit for any TV enthusiast. These hidden gems not only broaden your cultural horizon but also introduce fresh perspectives, diverse storytelling styles, and rich narratives.

This article explores practical strategies and tools to help you discover underrated series from different countries. From exploring international streaming platforms to understanding local trends, there are countless ways to uncover unique and intriguing television series that might not yet be on your radar.

The Appeal of Underrated International Series

Before diving into how to discover these gems, it's essential to understand why they are worth seeking out. There are several factors that make international series---especially the underrated ones---appealing:

1. Cultural Exposure: Watching TV shows from different countries allows you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Whether it's a French crime drama or a Japanese family saga, these shows offer an authentic glimpse into the customs, values, and social issues of their respective societies.
2. Innovative Storytelling: Many underrated international series break free from the conventional tropes found in Western entertainment. Shows from countries like South Korea, Turkey, and Argentina often experiment with unconventional narrative structures and plot twists, making them refreshingly original.
3. Better Pacing and Depth: International series are often more experimental in terms of pacing and character development. Instead of focusing on fast-paced, high-intensity plots, they may delve deeper into character motivations and interpersonal relationships, offering a slower but more rewarding experience.
4. Lesser-Known Talent: Underrated international shows often feature rising stars who haven't yet hit the global spotlight. Watching these shows allows you to discover talented actors, directors, and writers before they become well-known outside their countries.
5. Diverse Genres: International series cover a vast range of genres that may not be as common in Western media. From the psychological thrillers of Scandinavia to the dark comedies of Italy, there's something for everyone.

Use International Streaming Platforms

The first step in discovering underrated series from other countries is leveraging the international streaming platforms that host them. While Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others have expanded their global libraries, many platforms cater specifically to particular regions. Here are some options to explore:

a) BBC iPlayer (UK)

If you're interested in British shows, BBC iPlayer is a goldmine. It offers a variety of critically acclaimed dramas, documentaries, and comedies that may not have made it to global streaming platforms. Additionally, the UK's independent broadcasters, such as Channel 4 and ITV, produce many underrated but exceptional shows. Some of these are available on streaming services like All4 and BritBox.

Examples to look for:

• The End of the F *ing World: A quirky British dark comedy about two teenagers on the run.
• Fleabag: A critically acclaimed British comedy-drama that offers a raw and hilarious perspective on life.

b) SBS On Demand (Australia)

Australia has a thriving TV industry, and SBS On Demand provides access to a wealth of Australian dramas, documentaries, and foreign-language shows. While there are a few big-name series, this platform also features smaller, lesser-known Australian gems, often focusing on indigenous cultures or social issues.

Examples to look for:

• The Heights: A gritty Australian drama about the lives of residents in a high-rise apartment block.
• Redfern Now: A powerful anthology series exploring the lives of Indigenous Australians.

c) Viki (Korea, China, Japan)

For those interested in Asian dramas, Viki is an essential platform. This streaming service features thousands of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese dramas, many of which have built a loyal but niche following. While K-dramas are widely popular, lesser-known dramas often go unnoticed outside of their home countries.

Examples to look for:

• My Mister: A slow-burning Korean drama that explores the complexities of relationships.
• The Disguiser: A Chinese espionage drama set in the 1930s, with intricate plots and compelling characters.

d) ARTE (France, Germany)

For European drama, ARTE is a treasure trove of underrated French and German series. The platform is known for offering intelligent and thought-provoking content, with a focus on history, politics, and the human condition. Shows here often get overlooked because they lack the widespread recognition of Hollywood productions.

Examples to look for:

• The Restaurant: A Swedish drama about the intricacies of family-run businesses.
• Crimes of the Century: A French crime drama that blends historical events with fictionalized storytelling.

e) MUBI (Worldwide)

Though primarily known for its film offerings, MUBI also streams critically acclaimed international series. This platform emphasizes quality over quantity, curating a selection of films and series that often fly under the radar in mainstream media. Many of the shows are from smaller, indie studios, making them perfect for those searching for something new.

Examples to look for:

• Top of the Lake: A psychological thriller set in New Zealand, blending mystery with a deep dive into societal issues.

Explore Genre-Specific Communities

In addition to streaming platforms, niche communities online can help you discover underrated international series. These communities often have a deep understanding of certain genres or regions, and their recommendations are invaluable when you're looking for hidden gems.

a) Reddit Communities

Reddit is home to numerous genre-specific communities that discuss and recommend international TV series. Subreddits like r/Television, r/InternationalTV, and r/Kdramas are great starting points for recommendations.

You can also look for country-specific subreddits like r/FilipinoTV or r/SpanishTV, where users share their thoughts on series from their respective countries.

b) Letterboxd

While Letterboxd is mostly used for film recommendations, it's also a great resource for discovering international TV series. Users often create lists such as "Underrated Foreign TV Shows" or "Hidden Gems from South America," which can lead you to obscure yet incredible content.

c) Online Film & TV Forums

Specialized forums dedicated to international cinema and television, such as The Movie Database (TMDb) or International Movie Database (IMDb), allow users to rank and recommend series from various countries. These platforms give users access to reviews, ratings, and discussions on international TV shows that aren't always in the mainstream.

Follow Global TV Awards and Festivals

One of the best ways to find underrated international series is to track global TV awards and festivals. Many international series that win awards at smaller festivals or are nominated for prestigious awards remain hidden from wider audiences.

a) The International Emmy Awards

The International Emmy Awards celebrate television from around the world, recognizing shows that often don't get the exposure they deserve. Past winners have included series from countries such as Argentina, Israel, and Turkey. Exploring the nominees and winners of the International Emmy Awards can provide a curated selection of exceptional series from around the globe.

b) Series Mania (France)

Series Mania is an annual festival in France that showcases the best international TV series. The festival focuses on fresh, innovative content from countries as diverse as Finland, South Korea, and Brazil. Many of the shows featured here are innovative and underappreciated, offering a perfect starting point for those looking to expand their TV horizons.

c) Berlinale (Germany)

Though traditionally known for films, the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) also features television series, particularly in its "Berlinale Series" section. The festival offers a mix of dramas, documentaries, and experimental shows from all over the world, many of which go on to become critically acclaimed but still fly under the radar for wider audiences.

Discover Lesser-Known Film and TV Critic Websites

Several lesser-known websites are dedicated to covering international television, and they often provide in-depth reviews of series that might not make it to mainstream platforms. These sites can help you discover hidden gems that are too niche for mass popularity.

a) IndieWire

IndieWire is a film and television news website with an emphasis on indie and international productions. Their "TV" section often highlights international series that are worth watching, making it a valuable resource for discovering underrated shows.

b) Screen Rant & Collider

Though primarily known for mainstream entertainment news, both Screen Rant and Collider frequently write articles that spotlight international series, particularly those that have flown under the radar in the West.

c) The Guardian and BBC Culture

The Guardian and BBC Culture are excellent sources for international TV reviews. Their critics often spotlight shows that are well-regarded in their respective countries but haven't made their way to global recognition.

Ask Locals or Cultural Experts

Another effective way to uncover underrated series from different countries is to engage with locals or cultural experts. Whether you're traveling or communicating online, asking for recommendations from someone who lives in a particular region will give you insight into what people in that country are watching. Often, these recommendations are off the beaten path and offer a glimpse into the lesser-known cultural gems of a region.

Track Trending Shows by Region

If you're eager to stay on top of trends in specific regions, consider using websites and social media platforms that track local TV trends. In many countries, there are apps or websites that rank the top series based on their viewership. These rankings often reveal hidden gems before they are picked up by global streaming platforms.

a) JustWatch

JustWatch is a popular platform that helps you discover where to stream your favorite shows, but it also provides rankings and trending lists by country. You can filter by region to find out what series are popular in places like Spain, Sweden, or Brazil.

b) Film and TV News in Local Languages

If you speak another language or are willing to rely on translation tools, following film and TV news websites in the local language of the country can reveal the latest series gaining traction among locals. From Spanish-language entertainment news sites to French, Korean, or Japanese ones, these platforms often highlight shows that may not have international distribution yet.

Discovering underrated international series is more than just watching a foreign show---it's an immersive experience that connects you with different cultures, narrative styles, and storytelling traditions. By exploring niche streaming platforms, engaging with genre-specific communities, following international TV festivals, and seeking recommendations from locals or experts, you can unlock an incredible world of television beyond the mainstream.

As the demand for diverse content continues to rise, it's never been easier to step out of the comfort zone and experience a global television landscape that is rich, varied, and full of untapped gems waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you're looking for something new to binge-watch, consider venturing outside the familiar realm of Western television and dive into the vibrant world of international shows.

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