7 Foreign TV Shows Americans Love, Even With Subtitles

When the South Korean thriller "Parasite" was named 2019's Best Foreign Language Picture at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards, director Bong Joon Ho gave some free advice in his acceptance speech. "Once you overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles," he said, "you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."

The same goes for TV shows.

Foreign and foreign-language productions are now sweeping the nation; they're doing huge business on just about every major streaming service, from Amazon Prime to HBO Max. Here are seven hit series that all deserve a spot on your "must-see" list.

1. "Lupin" (France): A heist thriller about Assane Diop, inspired by the classic "Arsène Lupin" books, using clever tricks to avenge his father.

2. "Squid Game" (South Korea): A high-stakes survival drama where contestants play deadly childhood games for a massive prize.

3. "Money Heist" (Spain): Focuses on a group of robbers executing a meticulously planned heist on Spain’s Royal Mint.

4. "Gomorrah" (Italy): An intense series exploring the underworld of the Italian Mafia in Naples.

5. "Made in Heaven" (India): A show about two wedding planners navigating the clash of tradition and modernity in elite Indian weddings.

6. "El Marginal" (Argentina): A gritty drama set inside a notorious prison, exposing corruption and gang rivalries.

7. "Borgen" (Denmark): A political drama about a woman rising to become Denmark’s first female prime minister.

These shows have captivated global audiences with compelling plots, high production values, and cultural depth.