International Web Series List: Discover Global Talent

International Web Series List: Discover Global Talent

The explosion of streaming services has democratized content creation and consumption, giving rise to a vibrant international web series scene. Beyond the confines of traditional television networks, creators worldwide are crafting innovative, compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. This list, categorized by genre and country of origin, offers a curated selection of web series showcasing global talent and providing a window into different cultures and perspectives.

Comedy:

• France: Fais pas ci, fais pas ça (Don’t Do This, Don’t Do That). A long-running and beloved French sitcom, this series follows two families with diametrically opposed parenting styles, leading to hilarious clashes and relatable scenarios. Its success spawned multiple seasons and cemented its place as a cultural touchstone in France. The sharp writing and excellent performances make it accessible even to those unfamiliar with French culture. The series explores themes of family, social class, and the challenges of modern parenthood.

  

• Australia: High Maintenance. While initially a Vimeo web series before being picked up by HBO, High Maintenance retains its independent spirit and quirky charm. Each episode revolves around “The Guy,” a cannabis deliveryman, and his encounters with a diverse array of clients in New York City. The series is less about the drug itself and more about the human connections, anxieties, and eccentricities of urban life. The episodic format allows for a wide range of tones and characters, making it a consistently engaging watch.

• Canada: Letterkenny. This Canadian sitcom, set in a fictional rural town, follows the lives of Wayne and Daryl, two friends who spend their days philosophizing and getting into comical situations with the local residents. Letterkenny is known for its fast-paced dialogue, witty wordplay, and uniquely Canadian humor. The show’s success has led to multiple seasons and a dedicated fanbase drawn to its clever writing and memorable characters. The distinct dialect and cultural references add to the show’s authentic Canadian flavor.

• Germany: How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast). Inspired by a true story, this German series follows Moritz, a teenage computer whiz who starts an online drug business to win back his ex-girlfriend. The series blends dark humor with elements of crime and romance, creating a compelling and addictive narrative. How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is notable for its slick production values, strong performances, and exploration of themes such as ambition, morality, and the dangers of the internet.

• Spain: Paquita Salas. This Spanish comedy follows the titular Paquita Salas, a talent agent whose traditional methods are increasingly out of touch with the modern entertainment industry. Paquita Salas is hilarious and heartwarming, offering a satirical look at the world of celebrity and the challenges of adapting to change. The show’s unique blend of humor and pathos has made it a critical and commercial success in Spain and beyond.

Drama:

• Israel: Fauda. This gripping Israeli series follows an undercover unit of the Israel Defense Forces as they track down a Hamas terrorist operative. Fauda is known for its realistic portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its complex characters, and its intense action sequences. The series is filmed in both Hebrew and Arabic, adding to its authenticity. Fauda has garnered international acclaim for its nuanced exploration of a sensitive and complex issue.

• Norway: Skam. This Norwegian teen drama gained international popularity for its realistic portrayal of teenage life, its use of social media, and its focus on important social issues. Each season of Skam focuses on a different main character, exploring their struggles with identity, relationships, and mental health. The series is notable for its authentic dialogue, its relatable characters, and its willingness to tackle difficult topics. The innovative use of real-time updates and social media interactions made it a groundbreaking series.

• Denmark: The Rain. This Danish post-apocalyptic drama follows two siblings who emerge from a bunker six years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Scandinavia. The Rain is a suspenseful and atmospheric series that explores themes of survival, family, and the search for hope in a desolate world. The series is notable for its strong performances, its visually striking cinematography, and its exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity.

• South Korea: Extracurricular. This South Korean drama follows a model student who leads a double life as a protector of sex workers to earn money. Extracurricular is a dark and suspenseful series that explores themes of morality, poverty, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The series is notable for its strong performances, its gripping plot, and its unflinching portrayal of social issues.

• Italy: Gomorrah. This Italian crime drama offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Camorra, a powerful organized crime syndicate based in Naples. Gomorrah is known for its intense violence, its complex characters, and its unflinching depiction of the criminal underworld. The series is filmed in Neapolitan dialect, adding to its authenticity. Gomorrah has garnered international acclaim for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its exploration of the social and economic factors that contribute to its persistence.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy:

• Sweden: Real Humans. This Swedish science fiction drama explores the social and ethical implications of “hubots,” highly realistic humanoid robots that have become commonplace in society. Real Humans is a thought-provoking and engaging series that raises important questions about the nature of humanity, the future of technology, and the potential consequences of artificial intelligence. The series is notable for its complex characters, its compelling plot, and its exploration of timely and relevant themes.

• Mexico: Diablero. This Mexican horror fantasy series follows a priest who teams up with a demon hunter and a supernatural expert to save a young girl who has been possessed by a demon. Diablero is a visually stunning and suspenseful series that blends elements of Mexican folklore with contemporary horror tropes. The series is notable for its strong performances, its atmospheric setting, and its exploration of themes such as faith, good versus evil, and the power of tradition.

• United Kingdom: Misfits. This British science fiction comedy-drama follows a group of young offenders who gain superpowers after being caught in a mysterious electrical storm. Misfits is known for its dark humor, its irreverent tone, and its exploration of themes such as identity, responsibility, and the challenges of being different. The series is notable for its strong performances, its creative storytelling, and its willingness to push boundaries.

• Brazil: 3%. This Brazilian dystopian thriller is set in a future where the majority of the population lives in poverty, while a select few are given the opportunity to join an elite society. 3% is a suspenseful and thought-provoking series that explores themes of social inequality, class conflict, and the struggle for survival. The series is notable for its strong performances, its visually striking cinematography, and its exploration of timely and relevant themes.

• Japan: Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories. While not strictly sci-fi or fantasy, this Japanese series possesses a unique, almost magical realism. Set in a small, late-night diner in Tokyo, each episode focuses on a different customer and their personal story, often connected to a specific dish on the menu. The series is heartwarming and melancholic, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the power of food to connect them. The quiet atmosphere and introspective narratives create a unique and comforting viewing experience.

Thriller/Mystery:

• Argentina: El Jardín de Bronce (The Bronze Garden). This Argentinian crime thriller follows an architect who embarks on a desperate search for his missing daughter. El Jardín de Bronce is a suspenseful and gripping series that explores themes of loss, grief, and the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child. The series is notable for its strong performances, its atmospheric setting, and its intricate plot.

• Spain: La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). This Spanish heist thriller follows a group of criminals who plan and execute a daring robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain. La Casa de Papel is known for its suspenseful plot, its complex characters, and its stylish visuals. The series has gained international popularity for its innovative storytelling and its exploration of themes such as rebellion, social justice, and the power of collective action.

• South Korea: Kingdom. This South Korean historical horror thriller is set during the Joseon dynasty and follows a crown prince who investigates a mysterious plague that is turning people into zombies. Kingdom is a visually stunning and suspenseful series that blends elements of historical drama with zombie horror. The series is notable for its strong performances, its elaborate costumes and sets, and its exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and the resilience of the human spirit.

• Iceland: Trapped. This Icelandic crime drama follows a police chief in a small town who must solve a murder case while the town is cut off from the rest of the world by a snowstorm. Trapped is a suspenseful and atmospheric series that is notable for its stunning Icelandic scenery, its strong performances, and its intricate plot. The series explores themes of isolation, community, and the dark secrets that can lie beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful towns.

• United Kingdom: Bodyguard. This British political thriller follows a war veteran who is assigned to protect a controversial politician. Bodyguard is a suspenseful and gripping series that explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the complexities of political intrigue. The series is notable for its strong performances, its fast-paced plot, and its exploration of timely