Discover the best foreign TV shows of 2020 that will captivate you with their gripping storylines, exceptional performances, and unique cultural perspectives.
When it comes to finding quality entertainment in the comfort of our own homes, foreign television shows have become an increasingly popular choice. In 2020, a plethora of remarkable international series captivated audiences worldwide, offering a refreshing break from the usual mainstream content. From gripping dramas to mind-bending thrillers, these foreign TV shows proved to be a breath of fresh air, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of creators from around the globe. Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense or heartwarming storytelling, there’s something for everyone in this curated list of the best foreign TV shows of 2020.
The Best Foreign TV Shows of 2020
Television has become a global phenomenon, with captivating and high-quality shows emerging from various countries. As we bid farewell to 2020, it’s time to reflect on some of the best foreign TV shows that graced our screens this year. From thrilling dramas to thought-provoking comedies, here are ten outstanding shows that captivated audiences worldwide.
1. Money Heist (Spain)
One of the most popular international series of recent years, Money Heist (aka La Casa de Papel) continued its gripping story in its fourth season. This Spanish heist crime drama follows a group of robbers who plan and execute intricate heists at the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. With its intense plot twists and well-developed characters, Money Heist kept viewers on the edge of their seats and left them eagerly awaiting the fifth and final season.
2. Dark (Germany)
Considered one of the best sci-fi series ever made, Dark is a German masterpiece that concluded with its third and final season this year. This mind-bending show explores the consequences of time travel and the interconnections between four interconnected families in the small town of Winden. With its complex narrative and stunning cinematography, Dark solidified its place as a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.
3. Borgen (Denmark)
After a long hiatus, the Danish political drama Borgen returned with its much-anticipated fourth season. Following the life of Birgitte Nyborg, a charismatic and determined politician, the show delves into the intricacies of Danish politics and power struggles. With its engrossing storyline and exceptional performances, Borgen continues to be a favorite among fans of political dramas.
4. The Crown (United Kingdom)
Returning for its fourth season, The Crown continued to reign as one of the best historical dramas on television. This British series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring the personal and political challenges she faces throughout her rule. With its stellar cast, lavish production values, and compelling storytelling, The Crown once again captivated audiences around the world.
5. Call My Agent! (France)
Hailed as one of the best French TV shows ever made, Call My Agent! (aka Dix pour cent) returned with its highly anticipated fourth season. This comedy-drama revolves around a Parisian talent agency and the hilarious and chaotic situations its agents find themselves in while dealing with demanding celebrity clients. With its witty writing and outstanding ensemble cast, Call My Agent! continues to delight audiences with its insider look into the entertainment industry.
6. Ramy (United States/Egypt)
Blending American and Egyptian cultures, Ramy offers a unique perspective on identity, religion, and self-discovery. This critically acclaimed comedy-drama follows the life of Ramy Hassan, a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim, as he navigates his spiritual journey and tries to find his place in the world. With its honest portrayal of complex themes, Ramy resonated with audiences and earned multiple accolades for its thought-provoking storytelling.
7. ZeroZeroZero (Italy)
Based on the book by Roberto Saviano, ZeroZeroZero is an Italian crime drama that explores the intricate web of the international cocaine trade. The series takes viewers on a thrilling journey across multiple continents, delving into the lives of various characters involved in the drug trafficking business. With its intense action sequences and compelling narrative, ZeroZeroZero solidified its place as one of the best crime dramas of the year.
8. Valeria (Spain)
Based on the popular novels by Elísabet Benavent, Valeria is a Spanish romantic comedy-drama that follows the life of a struggling writer named Valeria. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery as Valeria navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life. With its relatable characters and lighthearted tone, Valeria became a favorite among fans of feel-good shows.
9. Kingdom (South Korea)
Combining historical drama with the zombie genre, Kingdom became a global sensation with its second season. This South Korean series is set in the Joseon era and follows a crown prince who uncovers a mysterious plague that turns people into bloodthirsty creatures. With its stunning production design and intense storytelling, Kingdom continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
10. Unorthodox (Germany/United States)
Based on the memoir by Deborah Feldman, Unorthodox tells the powerful story of a young woman’s journey toward freedom from an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. This German-American miniseries explores themes of identity, faith, and self-discovery, offering a compelling and emotional narrative. With its superb performances and sensitive storytelling, Unorthodox left a lasting impact on viewers around the world.
These ten foreign TV shows represent the incredible diversity and talent that exists in the television landscape. Whether you enjoy gripping crime dramas, thought-provoking comedies, or captivating historical narratives, there is something for everyone in this year’s selection. As we eagerly await the next wave of international shows, let’s celebrate the power of storytelling that transcends borders and languages.
Best Foreign TV Shows 2020: A Year of Captivating Global Entertainment
As we bid farewell to 2020, it is undeniable that the world of television has witnessed an influx of exceptional foreign shows that have left audiences enthralled and craving for more. From outstanding European dramas to mesmerizing South Korean series, the global television landscape has been enriched with a diverse range of captivating storytelling and exceptional performances. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best foreign TV shows of 2020, categorized by region, and explore the unique perspectives they offer.
Outstanding European Dramas: Pushing Boundaries and Exploring Complex Themes
European dramas have always been known for their rich storytelling and thought-provoking narratives, and 2020 was no exception. Series such as Babylon Berlin and Money Heist captivated audiences worldwide with their gripping storylines and stellar performances. These shows not only pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling but also delved deep into complex themes, offering viewers a fresh perspective on entertainment.
With Babylon Berlin, viewers were transported to the politically charged and decadent world of 1920s Berlin. The show expertly combined crime, politics, and personal dramas, creating a captivating blend that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, Money Heist took the world by storm with its thrilling heist plotline and emotionally charged characters. This Spanish series showcased Europe’s ability to produce globally recognized content that resonates with viewers from all corners of the globe.
Latin American Gems: Showcasing Cultural Heritage and Storytelling Prowess
The Latin American television industry has long been celebrated for its vibrant and diverse storytelling. In 2020, shows such as Narcos and La Casa de las Flores continued to captivate audiences with their gripping crime dramas and heartwarming family sagas. These shows not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region but also highlighted Latin America’s storytelling prowess.
Narcos took viewers on a thrilling journey through the world of drug cartels, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced in the Latin American drug trade. On the other hand, La Casa de las Flores provided a refreshing take on the traditional telenovela format, blending dark comedy with social commentary. These Latin American gems proved that the region is a force to be reckoned with in the international television landscape.
Acclaimed Asian Series: Offering a Fresh Perspective on Entertainment
The expanding landscape of Asian television saw the emergence of some of the best shows in 2020. With their unique storytelling styles and compelling narratives, these series offered a fresh perspective on entertainment. Shows such as Crash Landing on You and Kingdom gained international acclaim for their ability to captivate audiences with their immersive storytelling.
Crash Landing on You took viewers on a romantic and emotional rollercoaster, exploring the complexities of love and the division between North and South Korea. Meanwhile, Kingdom combined historical drama with elements of horror, creating a truly unique viewing experience. These acclaimed Asian series demonstrated the region’s ability to produce captivating content that resonates with a global audience.
Intriguing Middle Eastern Productions: Shedding Light on Societal Dynamics and Culture
The world of Middle Eastern TV shows proved to be a treasure trove of captivating stories in 2020. Offering a glimpse into a fascinating culture where ancient traditions and modern influences collide, these productions shed light on the region’s societal dynamics. Series such as Fauda and Al Hayba showcased the Middle East’s ability to produce compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Fauda delved into the complex world of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by both sides. Meanwhile, Al Hayba took viewers on a journey through the world of Lebanese clans, showcasing the region’s unique cultural heritage. These intriguing Middle Eastern productions offered a fresh perspective on the region and its societal dynamics.
African Television Breakthroughs: Challenging Stereotypes and Celebrating Cultural Heritage
The rising wave of African television in 2020 challenged stereotypes and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the continent. With a diverse range of genres and narratives, these shows provided an authentic portrayal of African stories. Series such as Queen Sono and Blood & Water gained international recognition for their exceptional storytelling and representation.
Queen Sono introduced audiences to a badass female spy navigating the world of espionage in South Africa, challenging gender norms and celebrating African talent. Meanwhile, Blood & Water explored the complexities of high school life while tackling issues of identity and class. These African television breakthroughs proved that the continent has a wealth of untapped storytelling potential.
Must-Watch Australian Series: Compelling Narratives Beyond Stereotypes
Australian television ventured beyond the usual stereotypes in 2020, offering viewers a captivating and diverse range of shows. From gripping crime thrillers to emotionally charged dramas, these series gained recognition for their exceptional narratives and performances. Shows such as Mystery Road and The Heights showcased Australia’s prowess in producing quality content.
Mystery Road immersed viewers in the world of outback crime, combining stunning cinematography with compelling storytelling. On the other hand, The Heights explored the lives of residents in a fictional social housing tower, delving into themes of community and diversity. These must-watch Australian series demonstrated the country’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Unforgettable South Korean Dramas: Captivating Audiences Globally
The magic of South Korean TV dramas continued to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide in 2020. With their unique blend of romance, suspense, and emotional depth, these series set new benchmarks in the industry. Shows such as Crash Landing on You and Itaewon Class gained a dedicated following and proved that South Korean storytelling has global appeal.
Crash Landing on You transcended borders and captivated viewers with its heartwarming love story set against the backdrop of North-South Korean relations. Meanwhile, Itaewon Class explored themes of ambition and resilience, resonating with audiences through its compelling characters and relatable storylines. These unforgettable South Korean dramas continue to push boundaries and leave a lasting impact on the global television landscape.
Innovative Scandinavian Productions: Pushing the Boundaries of Conventional Television
The world of Scandinavian television has always been known for its cutting-edge storytelling and high production values. In 2020, shows such as Dark and Ragnarok continued to push the boundaries of conventional television, offering viewers a unique viewing experience. With their gripping crime dramas and supernatural thrillers, these innovative Scandinavian productions showcased the region’s ability to captivate audiences.
Dark took viewers on a mind-bending journey through time, weaving together complex storylines and exploring themes of fate and free will. Meanwhile, Ragnarok reimagined Norse mythology in a modern setting, blending supernatural elements with social commentary. These innovative Scandinavian productions proved that the region is a powerhouse in the global television industry.
Fascinating South American Offerings: Unearthing Hidden Gems
South American television offered a treasure trove of intriguing shows in 2020, unearthing hidden gems from across the continent. With their diverse narratives and compelling characters, these shows provided a fresh perspective on Latin American culture and society. Series such as El Marginal and Narcos: Mexico gained international recognition for their exceptional storytelling and representation.
El Marginal took viewers into the gritty world of Argentine prisons, exploring the complexities of power and survival. Meanwhile, Narcos: Mexico continued to captivate audiences with its gripping portrayal of the Mexican drug trade. These fascinating South American offerings showcased the region’s ability to produce compelling content that resonates with a global audience.
Mesmerizing Canadian TV Shows: Quality Content That Resonates Worldwide
Canadian television networks brought top-class entertainment to life in 2020, showcasing the country’s prowess in producing quality content. From critically acclaimed dramas to hilarious comedies, these shows demonstrated Canada’s ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. Series such as Schitt’s Creek and Cardinal garnered international acclaim for their exceptional storytelling and performances.
Schitt’s Creek captured the hearts of viewers with its heartwarming story of a wealthy family forced to start over in a small town. Meanwhile, Cardinal offered a gripping crime drama that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. These mesmerizing Canadian TV shows proved that the country has a unique voice in the global television landscape.
In conclusion, 2020 was a remarkable year for foreign TV shows, with each region offering a diverse range of captivating storytelling and exceptional performances. From outstanding European dramas to unforgettable South Korean series, these shows pushed boundaries and provided fresh perspectives on global entertainment. As we eagerly await what 2021 has in store for us, let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of foreign television that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Best Foreign TV Shows of 2020: A Professional Perspective
Introduction:
As a professional in the entertainment industry, I have had the pleasure of exploring various foreign TV shows in 2020. This year has undoubtedly been a remarkable one for international television, with numerous captivating series captivating audiences worldwide. In this article, I will share my point of view on the best foreign TV shows of 2020, highlighting their unique qualities and why they stood out among the rest.
1. Dark (Germany):
– This mind-bending sci-fi thriller captured audiences with its intricate plot, time travel elements, and complex characters.
– Dark kept viewers on the edge of their seats, constantly challenging them to solve the mysteries of its interconnected timelines.
– The show’s exceptional writing and attention to detail made it a standout series, solidifying its position as one of the best foreign TV shows of 2020.
2. Money Heist (Spain):
– Money Heist took the world by storm with its intense storyline centered around a group of robbers executing a meticulously planned heist on the Royal Mint of Spain.
– With its well-developed characters and unexpected twists, this Spanish drama kept viewers hooked from start to finish.
– The show’s popularity soared globally, making it one of the most-watched non-English series on Netflix and earning its spot on the list of best foreign TV shows of 2020.
3. Kingdom (South Korea):
– Combining historical drama with zombies, Kingdom delivered a unique and refreshing take on the horror genre.
– Set in Korea’s Joseon era, this South Korean series not only provided thrilling suspense but also explored social and political dynamics.
– With its captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Kingdom stood out as one of the best foreign TV shows of 2020.
4. Unorthodox (Germany/United States):
– Based on a true story, Unorthodox offered a compelling narrative about a young woman’s journey to break free from her ultra-orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn.
– The show’s exceptional performances and emotional depth resonated with viewers, shedding light on a lesser-known world.
– Unorthodox received critical acclaim for its authenticity and became an influential series, securing its place among the best foreign TV shows of 2020.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 2020 was undoubtedly a remarkable year for foreign TV shows, with a plethora of outstanding series captivating audiences worldwide. From the mind-bending Dark to the intense Money Heist, from the unique horror of Kingdom to the captivating drama of Unorthodox, these shows pushed boundaries and showcased the extraordinary talent of international creators. As a professional in the industry, I am excited to see what the future holds for foreign TV shows and eagerly anticipate the next wave of groundbreaking series in 2021.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the best foreign TV shows of 2020. We hope that our recommendations have provided you with a fresh and exciting perspective on television from around the world. As the global entertainment landscape continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important to explore content beyond our own borders.
In this article, we have highlighted some of the most captivating foreign TV shows that have graced our screens in 2020. From gripping dramas to thrilling crime series, these shows have pushed boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. By immersing ourselves in these diverse narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives, ultimately broadening our horizons.
Now more than ever, it is crucial to support and appreciate international television. With the rise of streaming platforms, we have access to a plethora of shows from all corners of the globe. These shows not only entertain and engage us, but they also foster cultural exchange and promote empathy. By actively seeking out foreign TV shows, we contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected global community.
As we bid farewell to 2020, let us remember the incredible foreign TV shows that have transported us to different worlds, challenged our assumptions, and made us feel a range of emotions. In a time when physical travel is limited, these shows have allowed us to embark on virtual journeys and discover new stories. We encourage you to continue exploring the vast array of foreign TV shows available, as you never know what hidden gems you may find.
Thank you once again for visiting our blog and sharing this passion for international television. We look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future. Until then, happy viewing!
People also ask about Best Foreign TV Shows 2020:
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What are the best foreign TV shows to watch in 2020?
Answer: In 2020, there have been several outstanding foreign TV shows that have gained popularity and critical acclaim. Some of the best foreign TV shows to watch in 2020 include:
- Dark (Germany)
- Money Heist (Spain)
- Babylon Berlin (Germany)
- Narcos: Mexico (Mexico)
- The Crown (United Kingdom)
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Which foreign TV show is the most popular in 2020?
Answer: The most popular foreign TV show of 2020 is Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) from Spain. This thrilling crime drama series has gained a massive international following due to its gripping storyline and compelling characters.
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What are some must-watch foreign TV shows in 2020?
Answer: If you’re looking for must-watch foreign TV shows in 2020, consider the following:
- Dark (Germany) – A mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores time travel.
- Money Heist (Spain) – A captivating heist drama filled with twists and turns.
- Babylon Berlin (Germany) – A visually stunning crime series set in 1920s Berlin.
- Narcos: Mexico (Mexico) – An intense crime drama showcasing the drug trade in Mexico.
- The Crown (United Kingdom) – A historical drama that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Are there any foreign TV shows worth watching in 2020?
Answer: Absolutely! There are plenty of foreign TV shows worth watching in 2020. These shows offer unique perspectives, compelling storytelling, and exceptional performances. Some of the notable ones include Dark, Money Heist, Babylon Berlin, Narcos: Mexico, and The Crown.
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Which foreign TV show has received the most critical acclaim in 2020?
Answer: The foreign TV show that has received the most critical acclaim in 2020 is Dark from Germany. This mind-bending sci-fi thriller has been praised for its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. It has garnered a dedicated fan base worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the best TV shows of its genre.
