It is no secret that the U.S. has a booming television industry with a range of genres and shows. After some time, these shows can become repetitive and cliche. If you are getting bored of the typical American rom-coms, you might want to try international television, as it offers more unique storytelling styles and plotlines.
Lupin
“Lupin,’’ the perfect French show is a suspenseful mystery embedded with drama and comedy. The show begins by showcasing protagonist Assane Diop in his heist at the Louvre Museum. Throughout the five episodes of the first season, viewers learn about Assane’s heartbreaking past, making viewers care for and empathize with him. Assane bases his heists on a children’s book of a mastermind thief that his father gave him as a child, keeping his schemes exciting and creative. The creativity in his plans miraculously keeps any suspicion off of him, even in the unforeseen twists and turns along the way as they seem impossible to be authenticated. On top of being a refreshing show with wit and emotion, “Lupin’’ is appealing because of its beautiful language and setting. Set in Paris and with glimpses of other parts of France, watching “Lupin” feels like being in a whole new world and culture.
Fauda
Set in Israel, “Fauda” is an action packed thriller that eerily mirrors important current events. “Fauda” transitions between Hebrew and Arabic, recounting the lives of undercover Israeli operatives in conflicts with Hamas. The series follows the elite Israeli Army unit: the “Mista’arvim.” “Fauda” follows the main character, Doron, and his life and missions along with the personal lives of the fellow members of the Mista’arvim. The show is fast paced, addictive and is widely admired by reviewers for its dual representation of the Palestinian and Israeli side of the conflict in the Middle East. This show is unique as it gives perspective and empathy to both sides. Watching shows like “Fauda” is the perfect way to continue education and cultural immersion outside of the classroom, while enjoying a dramatic series.
Money Heist
The show “Money Heist” is about the burglary of the Royal Mint of Spain and is one of many enticing Spanish shows offered on Netflix. “Money Heist” follows a large cast, each character with their own intricate backstory that the audience learns about throughout the first season. Following the eight robbers and their leader, The Professor, the show offers plotlines with growth, tragedy, drama and romance. The show’s main feature is a woman named Tokyo who is on the run from the police when she is saved by The Professor’s heist offer. Throughout the series, viewers follow the main events of the heist as well as the challenging aftermath of the unexpected twists that make the plan go south. While Netflix offers a dubbed version in English, reviewers say that the translation loses some of the nuanced dialogue and the show can be better appreciated in the authentic Spanish version with English subtitles.
