Netflix has become a global media powerhouse, producing original TV shows and movies that are available for streaming in more than 190 countries. However, not all Netflix content is available in every region. Due to licensing restrictions and rights issues, some shows are only released in certain countries and regions. In fact, it’s not only Netflix shows that are restricted, but also several mobile applications that are blocked in US. among 6 Apps Will Be Ban by U.S.
For those in the United States who are bemoaning the sudden loss of their favorite Netflix foreign original, or for those overseas who are wondering what they might have missed, here are 5 Netflix shows that are currently unavailable for streaming on US. From psychological thrillers to sci-fi dramas, this acclaimed and attention-grabbing series has earned a following worldwide – just not in the United States.
1. Money Heist – A Thrilling Spanish Crime Drama
Money Heist is a Spanish crime drama television series created by Álex Pina. Originally airing on Spanish network Antena 3, the show follows a group of criminals who plan and execute elaborate heists. The series has become an international hit and one of the most-watched non-English series on Netflix.
The plot centers around a long-prepared heist led by a mysterious man known as The Professor. He recruits eight people with certain abilities and who have nothing to lose. The goal is to enter the Royal Mint of Spain, take 67 hostages, and print 2.4 billion euros.
The group of robbers refer to cities for code names – Tokyo, Moscow, Berlin, Nairobi, Rio, Denver, Helsinki, and Oslo. They have the hostages wear red jumpsuits and the robbers wear red overalls to make them indistinguishable. The Professor oversees the heist from a remote location.
Law enforcement works to free the hostages and halt the heist. Raquel Murillo, a lead investigator for the police, tries to outwit the Professor. However, he always seems to stay one step ahead.
Money Heist is a fast-paced, heart-pounding crime thriller full of twists and turns. Once you start watching, you become immediately drawn in by the complex characters and relationships. The show has resonated with audiences worldwide, demonstrating the universal appeal of an intricate heist and characters overcoming adversity. If you enjoy shows like Prison Break, Leverage or Ocean’s Eleven, Money Heist should be next on your list.
2. Black Mirror – A Chilling Sci-Fi Anthology Series
Black Mirror is a science fiction anthology series that explores the unanticipated consequences of new technologies. The show, which first aired in 2011, is known for tackling humanity’s relationship with technology and how it can go awry.
Each episode has a different cast and storyline, focusing on the ways that technology can backfire and have unintended effects on society. For example, entire episodes center around topics like social media addiction, virtual reality, and humanity’s dependence on technology.
Some of the most well-known and disturbing episodes include:
- The National Anthem – The Prime Minister is blackmailed into having intercourse with a pig on live television to save the life of a kidnapped princess. This episode examines how the public can be manipulated through technology and social pressure.
- Shut Up and Dance – A teenage boy is blackmailed into committing acts of increasing severity to prevent the release of footage of him masturbating, which was captured by his laptop’s camera. This episode serves as a chilling warning about cybersecurity and online privacy.
- USS Callister – The captain of a Star Trek-esque spaceship controls a virtual reality simulation populated by the DNA of his real-world crew. This episode is a disturbing depiction of technology used to violate others’ autonomy and consent.
Black Mirror is a sobering examination of humanity’s relationship with technology and a warning about its potential consequences if misused. The show serves as a chilling reminder of how quickly progress can lead down dark paths if not properly regulated and ethically developed.
3. The Rain – A Post-Apocalyptic Danish Thriller
Premise
The Rain is a post-apocalyptic thriller series set in a world where rain carries a deadly virus. The show follows a group of young survivors who take refuge in an underground bunker. Created by Jannik Tai Mosholt, Christian Potalivo, and Esben Toft Jacobsen, the series premiered on Netflix in May 2018.
Characters and Setting
The main characters are a brother and sister, Rasmus and Simone, who take shelter in a bunker after their town is evacuated due to the virus. They are joined by other survivors: Lea, Jean, and Martin. The series is set in a small Danish town, although the location is not explicitly named. After a few days of rain, the town becomes deserted due to the effects of the virus. The bunker becomes a haven and prison for the group.
Plot
The plot focuses on the group’s struggle to stay alive and maintain their humanity. They have to ration food and water while waiting for the rain to stop. Tensions rise as personal conflicts and romances form within the group. They also have to venture outside at times to get supplies and medicine, putting themselves at risk of infection. A few new characters emerge throughout the series to join the group in the bunker, creating more intrigue and drama.
Critical Reception
The Rain has received positive reviews for its acting, cinematography, and suspenseful plot. Critics praised the show for putting a new twist on the post-apocalyptic genre. The characters are complex and believable, and viewers become invested in their survival. However, some critics felt the plot was slow-moving at times, and additional details about the virus and world outside the bunker were needed. The Rain is a compelling, binge-worthy thriller for those interested in apocalyptic dystopian scenarios.
4. Elite – A Steamy Spanish Teen Drama
Synopsis
The Spanish teen drama Elite is set in Las Encinas, a prestigious private school in Madrid. The show follows a group of students from different economic backgrounds who join the exclusive private school after their previous school collapsed. The series explores themes of relationships, identity, classism, and more through the lens of privileged and non-privileged students learning to live together.
Characters and Cast
The ensemble cast of Elite includes a variety of complex and compelling characters. Three working-class students receive scholarships to attend the elite school: Samuel, Nadia, and Christian. They struggle to fit in with their wealthy peers like Guzmán, Lu, and Carla. The show also features LGBTQ characters like Ander, Omar, and Polo. The talented young cast is primarily made up of Spanish actors in their teens and early 20s.
Controversial Storylines
Elite is known for pushing boundaries with controversial storylines centered around sex, drugs, and partying. The show has been criticized for glorifying reckless teenage behavior and normalizing unhealthy relationships. However, others argue the provocative content is reflective of issues faced by modern youth and stimulates important conversations. The series aims to highlight contemporary social problems in an authentic way.
reception and Reviews
Elite has received positive reviews for its acting, cinematography, and over-the-top drama. Critics praised the show for tackling LGBTQ relationships and other complex issues in a meaningful way. The series has developed a devoted fan following and gained more mainstream popularity with each season. Elite is one of the most popular Spanish shows on Netflix, demonstrating the global appeal of teen dramas.
In summary, Elite is a binge-worthy Spanish drama that provides an exaggerated glimpse into the scandalous lives of wealthy teenagers in Madrid. Despite the show’s over-the-top storylines, it addresses relevant social issues and has resonated with audiences worldwide.
5. Kingdom – A Gripping South Korean Zombie Thriller
A Thrilling Addition to the Zombie Genre
5 Netflix shows is the south korean Netflix original series kingdom is set in medieval Korea and follows a mysterious plague that reanimates the dead. As the infected threaten the country, the crown prince is charged with finding a cure to save his people. Kingdom is a gripping historical thriller that adds a fresh twist to the popular zombie genre.
Political Intrigue and Family Drama
While zombies drive much of the action, Kingdom also focuses on political intrigue and family drama within the royal court. The aging king’s health is failing, and a power struggle ensues over who will ascend to the throne. Crown Prince Chang suspects foul play is involved in his father’s illness. He goes on a dangerous mission to find the cause of the plague that is ravaging the kingdom.
Stunning Cinematography and Action Sequences
Kingdom features stunning cinematography, from the royal palace to sprawling battle scenes. Action sequences with hordes of the undead are thrilling and fast-paced. The production quality is high for a TV series, rivaling major historical epics. Kingdom has been praised for its polished look and visuals that capture the beauty and harsh conditions of life in medieval Korea.
International Acclaim and Popularity
Since its 2019 release, Kingdom has received widespread critical acclaim for its plot, acting, direction, cinematography, and production values. It has become an international hit, gaining popularity in North America, Europe, and across Asia. Kingdom proves that South Korea is a major creative force in film and television with the ability to produce content that resonates globally. A third season is slated for release in 2021, expanding on the success of the first two gripping seasons.
Kingdom brings a fresh perspective to the zombie genre by setting it in medieval Korea. Backed by political intrigue, family drama, and stunning visuals, this South Korean thriller has gained international popularity and acclaim. Kingdom is a binge-worthy series for any fan of historical epics, zombies, and high-quality television.
reason 5 the event above is not available in the United States
Licensing Rights
The streaming rights to TV shows and movies are complex, involving many parties and layers of negotiations. As Netflix expands globally, it aims to obtain licensing for as much of its content as possible for all regions. However, in some cases, Netflix is unable to secure the permissions and rights to stream certain content outside of the United States.
Censorship Concerns
Some content may need to be edited or censored to comply with the laws and cultural norms of other countries. Rather than make significant changes, Netflix and the content owners may opt not to make the titles available in regions where censorship would be required.
Demand and Interest
Netflix also considers the potential interest in and demand for titles in different regions. If they do not anticipate a show or movie will resonate with audiences or gain much viewership outside of the United States, they may not pursue licensing for global rights.
Long-Term Strategy
While it can be frustrating for subscribers in other countries to miss out on certain popular Netflix Originals and other titles available in the United States, Netflix takes a long view of global content licensing. Over time, more and more content is becoming available in additional regions as deals are negotiated and rights become unencumbered. With over 167 million subscribers worldwide as of early 2020, Netflix aims to provide a robust content library for audiences everywhere. However, this is a gradual process that can take months or even years to achieve for some titles.
In summary, a combination of licensing limitations, censorship concerns, limited demand, and long-term strategic planning result in popular American Netflix content not always being immediately available for streaming in other countries. But with continued global growth, Netflix is making more of its library accessible around the world.
Conclusion
While Netflix continues to produce a wide range of original content for viewers around the world, licensing issues prevent many of their shows from being available in all regions. For viewers in America, it can be frustrating to hear about intriguing new shows, only to find they are restricted to other countries. However, there are simple solutions for accessing this geographically-restricted content, whether using a VPN on Netflix to mask one’s location or finding the content through other means. Though licensing deals can be complicated, viewers will likely continue to find ways to access the content they want to see, regardless of borders. With an increasing demand for globalized media in today’s connected world, perhaps more content creators will work to make their media available to all audiences in the future. For now, a bit of creative solution-finding may be required.
