Streaming has made international television easier to discover, and several foreign shows have built surprisingly large Canadian audiences.
1. Squid Game — South Korea
The Korean survival drama became a worldwide phenomenon after arriving on Netflix.
Its simple premise, unforgettable games, and sharply drawn characters made it accessible to Canadian viewers who had never watched much Korean television before.
2. Money Heist — Spain
Originally produced in Spain, Money Heist became one of Netflix’s biggest international successes.
The red jumpsuits, Salvador Dalí masks, and recurring “Bella Ciao” soundtrack turned the series into a recognizable piece of global pop culture.
3. Lupin — France
French actor Omar Sy became an international star through this modern interpretation of the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin.
The combination of elaborate heists, Paris locations, humor, and mystery helped the series attract Canadian viewers far beyond traditional French-language television audiences.
4. Dark — Germany
The German science-fiction thriller developed a devoted international following despite its complicated storyline and subtitles.
Its time-travel mystery became famous for demanding close attention, with fans creating elaborate charts to keep track of characters and timelines.
5. Pachinko — South Korea
Based on Min Jin Lee’s novel, Pachinko follows generations of a Korean family living through enormous social and political changes.
Its international cast and sweeping story helped introduce Canadian audiences to Korean history and culture through prestige television.
6. The Chestnut Man — Denmark
The Danish crime thriller brought Nordic noir to another generation of international viewers.
Its combination of murder mystery, bleak Scandinavian atmosphere, and intricate investigation helped strengthen Canada’s appetite for crime dramas produced outside the traditional American and British television markets.