Growing up in a family with roots in the Hare Krishna cult (more on this later, I promise), my childhood was characterized by perpetual motion. Raised by a Portuguese mother and an American father, our family's travels took us to diverse places around the globe, including the United States, Portugal, India, and Thailand.
Not surprisingly, this upbringing instilled in me an abiding passion for travel and exploration (which might also explain why I became an actor). However, the realities of trying to succeed at adulting demands a certain level of stability that can definitely be challenging to reconcile with my wanderlust.
Thankfully, in the age of streaming platforms, I have found a way to indulge my constant thirst for new experiences through foreign television. Each new series is an opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture or perspective, to expand my horizons from the comfort of my home or wherever I happen to be, thanks to my iPhone.
As I work towards achieving my goals, these shows serve as a reminder of the vast and varied world that awaits beyond the confines of my daily routine. And what's more, they're not even new! With one to two seasons each, these shows offer plenty to binge.
To me, they are The Best From Abroad.
VIDA PERFECTA
“Vida Perfecta" is a Spanish-language comedy-drama created by actress Leticia Dolera, who also co-directs many of the episodes. The series follows Maria, played by Dolera, a 30-something woman whose perfectly planned life falls apart. She, along with her best friend Cristina (played by Celia Freijeiro) and her sister Esther (played by Aixa Villagran), face a life crisis and must accept that the life they had imagined for themselves may not actually exist.
One of the show's standout performances is by David Verdaguer, who portrays Gari, a character with an intellectual disability. Verdaguer's nuanced and authentic portrayal adds depth and empathy to Gari's character, challenging stereotypes and stigma surrounding intellectual disabilities. As someone with a younger brother with Down syndrome, this aspect of the show is particularly personal to me.
"Vida Perfecta" explores themes such as identity, sexuality, and relationships with a humorous and honest approach that will leave you both in tears and in fits of laughter. If you're anything like me, you'll be looking up flights to Spain by the end of the first episode.
MAN LIKE MOBEEN
I have my older brother to thank for introducing me to “Man Like Mobeen”, a British television series that's already three seasons deep on Netflix. Despite its critical acclaim, the show hasn't received the marketing it deserves state side and should have been an award show darling here. Just saying.
Created by the British comedian Guz Khan, "Man Like Mobeen" seamlessly and hilariously blends comedy and drama, following the life of Mobeen (played by Khan), a young Muslim man living in Birmingham who's trying to start anew after leaving his life of petty crime behind. However, his past often catches up with him, and he must navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of the city while staying true to his values.
Throughout the series, Mobeen is supported by his endearing best friend Eight (played by the talented Tez Ilyas), who is maybe “not all there” and often gets them both into trouble. Adding to the dynamic is Mobeen's younger sister Aqsa (played by the magnificent Duaa Karim), who is a central character and often comedically dominates her older brother with her quick wit and sharp tongue. Aqsa offers a refreshing perspective as a young woman trying to assert her own identity while navigating the expectations of her conservative family and community.
"Man Like Mobeen" tackles serious issues such as racism, religion, and cultural identity but does so in an accessible and relatable way. The lead actors give superb performances, with Khan, Ilyas, and Karim bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.
To sum it up, "Man Like Mobeen" offers a unique perspective on life as a young Muslim in contemporary Britain, with humor and heartwarming moments even in the darkest situations. It's a sophisticated and engaging “Must Watch” series that's as humorous as it is thought-provoking.
MYSTERY ROAD
I don't want to give too much away because the mystery is a major part of the show's appeal and it pays off in major ways, but "Mystery Road" is truly exceptional. This Australian television series expertly weaves together elements of crime, drama, and mystery to create an immersive and thrilling viewing experience. Ivan Sen created the series, while Rachel Perkins directed it, and together they have crafted a masterpiece.
Starring the talented Aaron Pedersen as Jay Swan, a complex and brooding detective, and the incomparable Judy Davis as Emma James, a tough and uncompromising police sergeant, "Mystery Road" is set against the stunning yet harsh landscapes of the Australian outback. The series follows Jay Swan as he investigates a series of crimes, uncovering a web of corruption and conspiracy along the way, while also navigating the complex social and cultural dynamics of the communities he encounters and confronting his own demons.
The show is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography that captures the rugged beauty of the Australian wilderness, which almost feels like another character in the story. The performances are exceptional, particularly those of Pedersen and Davis, who demonstrate why they are both revered by their peers in the industry. (Their chemistry is also legit AF and lightens the often heavy mood).
In summary, "Mystery Road" is a gripping and thought-provoking series that shines a light on the darker aspects of Australian society while celebrating the diversity and unique beauty of its landscapes and cultures.
I promise you, you won’t be able to stop watching it after the first 20 minutes.
FRAYED
Oh dear. This one is GOLD, especially if you love dark comedies about dysfunctional families, which I do, given where I come from.
"Frayed" is an Australian television series created by comedian Sarah Kendall. The show follows Sammy Cooper (played by Kendall), a seemingly wealthy London housewife who must return to her hometown in Australia after her husband's sudden death. There, she is forced to confront her past and her dysfunctional family, including her eccentric mother Jean (played by the dynamic Kerry Armstrong) and her estranged brother Jim (played magnificently by Ben Mingay). As she tries to rebuild her life and reconnect with her roots, she discovers dark secrets and shocking revelations about her family and herself. I must also mention Doris Younane, who plays Bev, Jim’s girlfriend, who literally steals every scene she’s in.
The series is inspired by Kendall's own experiences growing up in Newcastle, New South Wales, and the culture clashes she faced when she moved to London.
“Frayed" excels at exploring themes of family and identity with tremendous empathy, while skillfully interweaving humor throughout the story. I can’t tell you how many times I had to pause because my face was aching from laughing so hard. Truly.
Find "Frayed" on HBOMax today - I promise, you won’t regret it.