Best TV series

Subtitled television demands extra concentration, but offers a great opportunity for vicarious travel that has perhaps never been more welcome than now. Here are a few of the best recent drama and comedy series from Europe and Asia.

A French Village

This saga follows the inhabitants of a village in eastern France through the course of the Second World War, devoting one season to each year. Avoiding the clichés of heroic Resistance fighters and evil collaborators, it mixes scrupulous attention to historical detail with suspenseful drama. On Hulu

and Amazon.

Midnight Diner

Each 24-minute episode of this Japanese show tells the story of a different customer in a late-night backstreet Tokyo diner. The characters are diverse – from boisterous Society ladies to transvestites and mobsters – and the drama is low-key, but affecting. On Netflix.

Kingdom

In the royal court of 16th century Korea, the King has become a zombie, but a cabal led by a diabolical minister is intent on covering it up. Only the crown prince can save the land. This lavish epic is a surprising mix of high-political drama and gory horror, with fabulous design, excellent acting and a sharp satirical edge. On Netflix.

Prisoners of War

This Israeli series inspired the US spy drama Homeland. It’s more nuanced than the US version, focusing more on the psychological and domestic challenges its characters face. But it’s still a white-knuckle ride. On Hulu and Amazon.

Call My Agent!

Sharply funny but delightfully frothy, this French series is about a movie talent firm in Paris. Each episode features a guest star – from Juliette Binoche to Jean Dujardin – playing a fictional version of themselves. Blissful escapism.

On Netflix.