10 most popular international TV shows of 2021

Although the release of many shows has been delayed due to the pandemic, 2021 saw a good turn-out. New series and renewal of old ones became the welcome tonic in these troubled times. Here are 10 international TV shows that have garnered wide acclaim this year.

Squid Game

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The South Korean TV show, "Squid Game" stamped its name in global entertainment. At this point, every social media user knows what the show is about even if they haven't watched it. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk excavates the macabre politics used to doom the lower-class and how it affects their financial independence, interpersonal and social relationships. A bird's eye view of the chasmic divide between capitalism and mercantilism is hidden in the simple childhood games that the participants have to play to win big bucks. Besides being a fiercely entertaining show, "Squid Game" became popular because of these subtle but cut-throat depictions of the capitalist society we live in.

Ted Lasso, Season 2

What started out as NBC Sports Premier League promos is now an Apple TV+ series starring Jason Sudeikis in the role of a U.S. coach who leads England's soccer team. Although the main themes of the show are hardships, fragile masculinity, past traumas, fatherhood and existential crisis, comedic wit is smartly laced within these elements.

Home Town Cha-Cha-Cha

With numerous characters and story arcs, "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" is a feel-good show that blends romance and serenity. In the coastal town of Gongjin, Hye-Jin is a dentist who tries to fit into her new environment and "Chief Hong" Du-Sik helps her get accustomed to it. There are also supporting characters like the retired singer Chun-Jae, resident gossiper Nam-Suk and recently divorced couple Yeong-Guk and Hwa-Jeong who add depth to the overarching narrative.

My Hero Academia, Season 5

Returning for a fifth season, "My Hero Academia" follows the students of UA High School as they're thrown in at the deep end. The stakes are higher as Endeavor recovers after his confrontation with the invincible Nomu. The main protagonist, Deku now has a new way to wield one of his quirk - One for All – and decides to discover the root of his ancestors and any connection to the anti-hero "All for One".

Invincible

The animated superhero series "Invincible" is rife with gory fight scenes and vivid, hand-drawn animation. Voice actors, J K Simmons, Sandra Oh, and Steven Yeun were an ideal match for the material. It infused each episode with more intensity and emotion. The show's success is no surprise as it is the brainchild of industry juggernaut, Robert Kirkman, otherwise known as the writer of "The Walking Dead" comics. 

Wandavision

Out of the six series Marvel released this year, "WandaVision" deeply committed to not only the story, but also the cinematography and costumes. Created by Jac Schaeffer, the limelight is on Wanda Maximoff and Vision, who are usually supporting characters in Marvel movies. They begin a new life in the aftermath of "Avengers: Endgame" but we soon learn that it is not as picturesque as it may seem. The show is an uncanny nod to the 50s but carries Marvel's trademark comedic dialogues and world-building all through the nine episodes.

It's a Sin

This miniseries is essentially about AIDS, but it transgresses to the celebration of queer folk, London, and friendship. Five young, gay men move to the big city in the pre-AIDS era and start to live out their dreams. Little do they know that this is the last of their halcyon days before the encroaching AIDS epidemic cuts their lives short. If you thought this was tragic enough, wait till you watch these lively souls face contempt and discrimination by the same community they called home. All in all, it is a poignant and vital part of television history that documents the pain of AIDS victims and upholds their hard-earned freedoms.

Sex Education, Season 3

Netflix's "Sex Education" continues to dismantle the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding a wide array of sex-related topics, with its third season. It's not just another teen drama about heartbreaks, revenge, and obligatory romantic interests. Along with the students' dilemmas and relatable conundrums, the show also draws attention towards parents' struggle in raising teenagers. The character developments are interesting, refreshing and portrayed with such care and attention to detail, you will almost feel like a fly on the wall, observing their lives.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Studio Mappa's "Jujustsu Kaisen" is a story about a naïve, young boy, Yuji Itadori, who becomes a vessel for the malicious demon Sukuna. Itadori's mentor, Goju Satoru takes him under his wing as more monsters howl and prowl their way into their world. Just like Spiderman, this anime delves into the consequences of a good-hearted boy accidentally coming into the possession of superpowers. It's perfect for fans of shonen anime as it has some mind-blowing fight scenes and a Naruto-like ensemble.

Succession, Season 3

As Season 2 ended with a shocking cliff-hanger, fans were excited to watch the new season of HBO's popular series "Succession". In this family saga that is reminiscent of Shakespeare's tragedies and Jane Austen's characters, Jesse Armstrong examines the parleys and self-proclaimed business pundits in the billionaire Roy clan. The colorful setting of earlier seasons starts to crack as vicissitudes of misfortune slip into their picture-perfect lives. Once again, the camera work is excellent at capturing the vulnerability and vagaries of each character.