Hollywood isn’t the only place making great television. Right now, some of the most exciting shows on streaming are international adaptations of beloved novels, classic films, and hit formats. Here are six that you need to add to your watchlist immediately.
1. Teach You a Lesson / Chamgyo-yuk (Netflix)
Country of Origin: South Korea
This Korean thriller has taken the world by storm. Within days of its release on June 5, Chamgyo-yuk shot to the #1 spot on Netflix’s global TV show rankings, topping the charts in 45 countries across Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
What to expect: The drama depicts the story of the Educational Authority Protection Bureau, an organization established to protect South Korea’s collapsing educational authority and school environments. The series faced significant controversy before releaseโthe original webtoon was criticized for racism and misogynyโbut the adaptation has been praised for successfully toning down those problematic elements. The result is a tense, compelling thriller that has audiences hooked worldwide.
- Adapted From: Webtoon of the same name
- Starring: Kim Moo-yeol
- Where to Watch: Netflix
2. The Four Seasons Season 2 (Netflix)
Country of Origin: United States (adapting classic film)
This Tina Fey-helmed comedy series proves that some remakes can surpass the original. An adaptation of Alan Alda’s 1981 film of the same name, the show returned for Season 2 on May 28 and immediately shot to #1 in the U.S., also topping charts in Australia, Ireland, and Switzerland.
What to expect: The second season currently holds a Certified Fresh 90% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, improving on the first season’s already solid 78%. Critics are calling it even more perspicacious, poignant, and hilarious than the first. The series follows a group of friends navigating midlife relationships, vacationing together through all four seasons.
- Adapted From: 1981 film “The Four Seasons”
- Created by: Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, Tracey Wigfield
- Where to Watch: Netflix
3. Shogun (Disney+)
Country of Origin: United States/Japan (adapting classic novel)
This 2024 remake of the sweeping 1980 miniseries has shattered records for Disney+. The mega-budget adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 novel drew nine million views on release.
What to expect: Set in 17th century Japan, Shogun is a gory, brutal, thrilling tale of politics and slaughter. Critics agree the remake far surpasses the original, which now looks “creaky and static” compared to the energy of the new version. The dialogue is largely in Japanese with subtitles, the costumes and sets are breathtaking, and the pace is tremendousโthough be warned, with a beheading and a sailor being boiled alive, it is not for the squeamish.
- Adapted From: James Clavell’s 1975 novel
- Starring: Cosmo Jarvis, Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai
- Where to Watch: Disney+
4. A Madrastra / La Madrastra (TVI / TelevisaUnivision)
Country of Origin: Portugal / Mexico (adapting telenovela format)
The telenovela format has proven remarkably adaptable across cultures. La Madrastra, a global melodrama franchise from TelevisaUnivision, is receiving its seventh international adaptation with Portugal’s A Madrastra, premiering on TVI in June 2026.
What to expect: Set between Portugal and Morocco, the 100-episode drama follows a woman wrongfully convicted of a crime she did not commit. Presumed dead by her husband and children, she returns two decades later determined to uncover the truthโre-entering their lives as the stepmother of her own children, who remain unaware of her true identity. The show, adapted by screenwriter Maria Joรฃo Mira, is a powerful story of revenge, family, and redemption. The global franchise has previously seen successful adaptations across Latin America and the United States.
- Adapted From: TelevisaUnivision’s “La Madrastra” format
- Starring: Inรชs Castel-Branco, Albano Jerรณnimo
- Where to Watch: TVI (Portugal), international distribution details TBA
5. Scarpetta (Prime Video)
Country of Origin: United States (adapting bestselling novels)
Two screen icons come together for this thrilling mystery series based on Patricia Cornwell’s massively popular Kay Scarpetta novels. The book series has sold over 120 million copies worldwide, making this one of the most anticipated literary adaptations of the year.
What to expect: Nicole Kidman leads the cast as medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta, who returns home to investigate a grisly murder. The series takes viewers on a dual narrative, exploring her origins alongside present-day challenges that include a fraught relationship with her sister, played by Jamie-Lee Curtis. The investigation threatens to unravel everything she’s worked for. The stellar cast also includes Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Ariana DeBose.
- Adapted From: Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta novels
- Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jamie-Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
6. Best Medicine (Fox / Hulu)
Country of Origin: United States (adapting UK hit)
The long-running UK hit Doc Martin has found new life across the Atlantic. Fox Entertainment’s Best Medicine, wholly owned by the network, adapts the acclaimed global format for American audiences.
What to expect: The series follows Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles), a top Boston surgeon who abruptly retreats to a quirky East Coast fishing village to become the town’s only GP. Brilliant but blunt, Martin’s gruff demeanor quickly alienates the eccentric locals, despite being the only doctor they’ve got. He struggles with a secret phobia that keeps him from true intimacyโbut the town keeps pulling him in. The original UK series ran for over 18 years, and this adaptation brings its unique blend of medical drama and dry humor to a new audience.
- Adapted From: UK series “Doc Martin”
- Starring: Josh Charles, Josh Segarra
- Where to Watch: Fox, Hulu
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Honorable Mentions
Several other international adaptations are also generating significant buzz:
- The Testaments (Disney+) โ The sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, is now streaming.
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (In Theaters Nov 19) โ The latest film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novels, following a young Haymitch Abernathy.
Also Read: 11 Best Upcoming Blockbuster Movies of Late 2026
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more streaming guides and international entertainment coverage.
