Hidden Gems of Europe: Underrated TV Shows You Shouldn't Miss

Let’s start with Cherif, a six-season long-running mystery series about Captain Kader Cherif. Based in the stunning city of Lyon, France, get to know Cherif, a brilliant and eccentric detective who handles intriguing cases that will keep you guessing. This show consists of a bit of tongue-in-cheek drama with a side of witty humor. Start watching and settle in for the long haul; you’ll be addicted and won’t want this show to end. All episodes are streaming now on MHz Choice.

Finding a solid supernatural thriller is a lot harder than it should be, and we want to spread the word about the hidden gem that is La Porta Rossa. This Italian crime thriller features a Trieste cop who has a vision of the future moments before his death, which forces him to stay on Earth to find his killer. The mystery series consists of 24 episodes divided into two seasons. The unlikely premise has a solid fan base amongst those who love its’ supernatural elements, gripping mysteries, and atmospheric storytelling. Give it a couple of episodes and you’ll see why.

Based in Denmark, The New Nurses takes place in a Danish hospital in the 1950s, but that’s where the story line changes, because the hospital is trying something never done before: training men to be nurses. Over five seasons, you’ll get to know its compelling characters while appreciating the engaging narratives that draw you into the cast and the developing storylines. It’s an insider’s exploration of healthcare in the 1950s and the evolution of gender roles and societal norms within Scandinavia and beyond. If you like a taste of history and a period piece that still feels remotely modern, The New Nurses is another hidden gem to put on your must-watch list.

If you start naming countries that you’ve seen featured in TV shows or movies, Kazakhstan doesn’t normally make the list. The critically acclaimed A Dark, Dark Man will change that and make you wish this underappreciated backdrop got far more attention.

A Dark, Dark Man is defined as a film noir series based on murders that expose deep corruption in a remote and stark Kazakh community. Its setting is appropriately dark yet alluring, but it is the complex characters and thought-provoking storytelling that will draw you in. This miniseries only has four episodes, but it hits hard and fast. There are only so many ways to extend a story line, and some shows know exactly when to quit before the suspense and intrigue wanes. A Dark, Dark Man nails it, all the way to the finish line.

This show is the first show in the German language to make this list, but The Undertaker is most definitely a hidden gem out of a whole slew of other European shows we could tell you about. You may not be able to name too many other shows that take place in this gorgeous country, but this Swiss series is an underground hit full of pure action. The Undertaker is a seven season thrill ride focused on an ex-cop turned undertaker who investigates strange deaths in Switzerland. It has an unconventional protagonist, and its dark humor has acquired a large group of dedicated fans, in addition to the undertaker’s unique approach to investigations. This show is edgy, dark and perfect for a weekend TV marathon.

Ready for a fun ride with a not-so-typical French detective? This series is about Inspector Simon Magellan, an unassuming detective who unravels crimes and mysteries in the fictional town of Saignac, situated in France. What makes Magellan a little different from the normal detective in famous crime shows is that his primary focus is his two daughters; you’ll come along as he solves mysteries while coping with day-to-day parenting struggles. Magellan is charismatic, loving, and appealing; pair his unusual approach to crime solving with the gorgeous landscape of Bordeaux, and maybe a glass of wine, and you’ll be glad there are four seasons worth of time to spend with your new favorite detective.

Arguably the most iconic example of Nordic Noir, The Killing embodies the mood and tone of what people love about Scandinavian crime series. Inspector Sarah Lund, played by the amazing Sofie Gråbøl, puts her retirement plans on hold when a teenage girl’s body is found in a car with ties to a mayoral candidate. Each season follows a different murder case, with each episode covering 24 gripping hours of investigation. All three seasons are available to stream now on MHz Choice in both its original version (Danish with English subtitles) and dubbed in English.