Fifty Shades of Grey may have turned you off Irish actor Jamie Dornan (or maybe that's just me) but check out this thriller from BBC Northern Ireland and you'll understand why he was cast as Christian Grey. Dornan plays a dark, cold, but still uncomfortably sexy serial killer Paul Spector, who is terrorizing Belfast, pursued by Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson).
Watch it on: Netflix Instant.
The concept for this Korean procedural is so good it's a wonder it hasn't been done before. Jeong-hun Yeon stars as a star DA who gets bitten by a vamp and joins the ranks of the undead. Then, like in CW's iZombie, he uses his supernatural powers to solve crimes, while still slacking his thirst for human blood.
Watch it on: Hulu
There are already plans to remake this Twilight Zone anthology-style sci-fi series but check out the U.K. original first, so you can be properly disappointed with the re-boot. Created by political satirist Charlie Brooker, each unconnected episode of Dark Mirror takes a current tech or media obsession (TV talent shows, online privacy, sensationalist news coverage) and take it to its logical, dystopian, conclusion. Horrifying and darkly hilarious in equal measures.
Watch it on: Netflix
For those of you still jonesing for a nasty cop series a-la The Shield, French potboiler Braquo could be just your fix. The Canal Plus series kicks off when a cop commits suicide and his collegues are suspected of being involved. Nasty, brutal and with a gritty European flavor worlds away from the music-video slick of most American police shows.
Watch it on: Hulu
This smart, very funny take on the superhero genre, has a group of British juvenile delinquents who, while doing court-ordered community service, are struck by lightning and begin to develop paranormal abilities. Politically-incorrect hijinks ensue.
Watch it on: Hulu
Dubbed the French answer to The Killing, this dark mystery series has all the elements of Nordic noir – complicated, troubled female detective, brutal small town murder, grey and desolate setting – but Witnesses stands on its own, not least because of the lead performance from Marie Dompnier and Thierry Lhermitte.
Watch it on: Netflix
Forget Fox's shot-for-shot (and since cancelled) remake Gracepoint and return to the source. The ITV original not only features the star David Tennant authentic, irresistible, Scottish accent, his on-screen partnership with actress Olivia Colman sparks and crackles. Get caught up before season 3 premieres next year.
Watch it on: Netflix
Netflix is pitching this Australian women-in-prison series as Oz's answer to Orange is the New Black, but there are few laughs in Wentworth. Instead, this prequel to 80s-cult series Prisoner: Cell Block H, is a grittier, and arguably more authentic, picture of life behind bars. The story follows Bea Smith (New Zealand actress Danielle Cormack) as she transforms from innocent newbie to the prison's top dog.
Where to watch: Netflix
This latest, crazily-addictive Danish drama comes from the makers of The Killing and Borgen. It centers on the death of a family matriarch, a legendary artist but absent mother, whose estranged children come together to fight over her inheritance, only to find out just before she died, their mother signed over everything to the sister they never knew they had.
Watch it on: Amazon
Looking for a dark serial killer drama akin to Hannibal but with a Latin flair? Then check out this Argentine thriller, produced by HBO's Latin American arm, which plumbs the depths of depravity as an unknown murderer goes through a kill list of people involved in a massacre five years previously.
Watch it on: HBO Go
This battle-of-the-sexes sitcom doesn't break any new ground but as a mindless diversion – and a fun look at a skewed version of Latin America machismo – it's worth checking out.
Where to watch: Netflix
Not to be confused with the U.S. remake of the same name, this Aussie mystery series has the same plot line – the murder of a young boy and its aftermath – but is worth checking out even if you know – and love – ABC's version. And with just six episodes in the first season, the Aussie take is tighter, faster, and easily binge-able over a lost weekend.
Watch it on: Netflix
Britain does Nordic noir in this crime thriller, which unites the Danish star of The Killing, Sofie Grabol, with an ensemble cast, including Stanley Tucci, Richard Dormer and Michael Gambon, in an Arctic whodunit set in a remote, crime-free village that is shattered by a brutally violent murder.
Watch it on: HBO Go
No list like this would be complete without a South Korean melodrama (or two). My Love From Another Star ticks all the boxes for K-drama fans, including the ridiculous, just-go-with-it plot (an alien preparing to return to his home planet falls in love with a beautiful actress). Not for everyone but for those who like their treacle sincere and played straight, this is worth a look, before ABC's remake hits the air.
Watch it on: Hulu
‘Peaky Blinders’
Another K-drama worth a look is this slick, fun series focusing on a prosecutor who heads up an anti-corruption unit of the Department of Justice. With its ever-twisting plot, Punch can be a challenge, but its a welcome addition – and antidote – to the melodramatic formula of most Korean TV.
Watch it on: Hulu
A much, much better take on Christos Tsiolkas' best-selling novel than the neutered NBC version, the original Aussie take on The Slap has the sting of recognition for anyone with children or who has every had the desire to smack one (so all of us, really).
Watch it on: Netflix
Bad Teacher, Denmark style. Rita Madsen is a chain-smoking, sexually promiscuous hot mess of a single mum. She also happens to be a gifted teacher and unapologetic feminist rebel. Laugh-out-loud dialog and a refreshingly flawed female lead make Rita a treasure.
Where to watch:Netflix
The live of Modern Orthodox Jews is the focus of this Israeli TV drama, which manages to mix issues of faith with the day-to-day of family tribulations without feeling forced or preachy. A rare look inside a world U.S. viewers rarely see, Srugim is also relatable and, most importantly, entertaining.
Watch it on: Amazon
Imagine you were the living incarnation of a Norse God. But you live in New Zealand. That's the jump off point for this Kiwi fantasy comedy about a group of teens with great powers and no sense of responsibility. A guilty pleasure for all of us who still miss Charmed.
Where to watch: Netflix