The readers of the UK’s entertainment site RadioTimes were recently asked, “What is the best TV drama of the 21st Century?” A daunting question to be sure. The poll was split into six categories: Best period drama, Best US drama, Best contemporary drama, Best foreign language drama, Best crime drama and Best sci-fi & fantasy. We’re lovers of all genres of drama but obviously, the category that piqued our interest was “Best foreign language drama”. MHz Choice fans shouldn’t be too surprised that 4 of the 5 foreign language finalists are available right now on MHz Choice. The Danish/Swedish critical favorite The Bridge came out on top with some impressive runner-ups: Borgen, Spiral, Detective Montalbano and The Killing.
Scroll down the page to find out more about these great finalists!
Voting is now open to select an overall winner and the champion will be crowned at the BFI Radio Times Festival on Sunday April 9th. Make your voice heard and vote now!
The Bridge
CRIME DRAMA | DENMARK/SWEDEN | DANISH & SWEDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
A woman is found murdered in the middle of the Oresund Bridge, on the border between Sweden and Denmark. Police from both countries are called to the scene and what looks like one murder, turns out to be two.
Why You Should Watch:
Critics and fans agree that The Bridge is one of the best dramas produced — ever. Season 3 comes out on DVD April 25th exclusively from MHz Choice. Sign up here to receive an email alert when the DVD becomes available.
You’ll Also Like: Wallander
*This series is only available for purchase and is not available to stream with an MHz Choice subscription.
Borgen
DRAMA | DENMARK | DANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-MA
As Denmark’s first female prime minister, Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen from HBO’s Westworld) wants to bring progressive legislation to her country, but finds there’s a high personal price to be paid.
Why You Should Watch:
It’s one of the finest programs of its kind and has been hailed by NPR as “The West Wing…but better”.
You’ll Also Like: The Weissensee Saga
*This series is only available for purchase and is not available to stream with an MHz Choice subscription.
Detective Montalbano
MYSTERY | ITALY | ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
Murder, betrayal, office politics, temptation… it’s all in a day’s work for Detective Salvo Montalbano. Filmed in the ancient, sun-washed Sicilian city of Ragusa Ibla, the series is based on the international best-selling mystery novels by Andrea Camilleri and stars Luca Zingaretti.
Why You Should Watch:
MHz Choice is home to the entire Detective Montalbano collection – all 28 episodes! New episodes coming later in 2017! Check out our Montalbano website here.
You’ll Also Like: The Young Montalbano, Fog and Crimes
Spiral
CRIME DRAMA | FRANCE | FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-MA
Spiral is about the men and women who work at the heart of the French judicial system. This Parisian cop thriller is about the lawyers, judges, prosecutors and detectives who cross paths on cases that reveal the dregs of humanity. As reality spirals out of control for each character, the boundaries between private and professional life become blurred. With its suspense and constant tension, Spiral is a furiously-paced crime series.
Why You Should Watch:
Winner of the 2015 International Emmy® for best Drama Series (Season 5).
Also, season 6 coming in 2017! Read our post here!
You’ll Also Like: Arne Dahl, Blood on the Docks
