Perfect Life
No murder, but if you’re after a relatable dramedy this series from Spain will bring some sweet comedic relief where we follow three thirty-something women whose life plans are veering off course. María and her man are about to move into their forever home when he realises the road ahead is far too straight and boring, and bolts. Her sister Esther offers solace which leads to her showing up at her best mate Cris’s daughter’s birthday party a little high, and not on life. An unexpected dalliance there points María’s life in a whole new direction – it’s anyone’s guess where she’ll end up.
Sandhamn Murders
If you do want more murder mystery, this one is for you. Based on Viveca Sten’s hugely popular crime novel Still Waters, we’re on the Swedish island of Sandhamn. One beautiful summer morning is marred when a man’s body washes up to shore. Crime inspector Thomas Andreasson and colleague Carina Persson set to work through the hot days with very few leads. A holiday guest, banking lawyer and mother of two Nora Lindé, cooperates with Thomas on the case, causing friction with Nora’s husband Henrik. When more crimes are committed, the pressure mounts on our two detectives. This is a worthy addition to the Nordic Noir collection, with bonus sunshine. With many seasons, not as many episodes, this series is like the Scandi Midsomer Murders and you can’t miss it.
Creamerie
If female-led dark comedy with a hint of conspiracy tickles your fancy, check out this dark comedy from New Zealand touted as the ‘’.
In the not too distant future, a viral plague has swept the earth. In a matter of weeks, it has decimated 99% of men. The 1% were sent to The Facility but didn’t survive. Creamerie picks up eight years after the near mass extinction. In a new world order designed by women, health care is free, education is free and carbon emissions are down. But there’s something sinister happening in this utopia. Meanwhile on an organic dairy farm in rural New Zealand, run by Alex (Ally Xue), Jamie (JJ Fong) and Pip (Perlina Lau) a wild woman is seen running across the road. She is discovered to have a magnificent beard and a disturbing growth between her legs. On closer inspection, the woman is a man (Jay Ryan). Didn’t all the men die?
Sextortion
Let’s stay in New Zealand with a narrative so wicked and twisted, dark and quirky, it only could’ve come from there (albeit, co-writer Kyan Krumdieck was born in the USA). A conservative Christian politician must deal with being extorted by his dominatrix after incriminating footage is leaked to the public just months out from an election. This political dramedy also brings an endearing side – so NZ. With six episodes of only 20 minutes each, Sextortion is an easy as well as hugely entertaining watch. Kent Briggs and Thomas Sainsbury wrote the show along with Krumdieck while Sainsbury stars as the polly. ( fans will recognise Sainsbury as Constable Parker.)
The Unusual Suspects
Just your everyday glamorous Sydney Eastern Suburbs ladies getting together for an amazing heist, yes please, perfect viewing for after Why Women Kill. When self-made businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ $16 million necklace goes missing, the ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in the sparkling façade of Eastern Sydney. With the stakes higher than ever, the masterminds can either turn on each other, or discover a friendship worth more than any diamond. The brilliant cast includes Miranda Otto, Susie Porter, Aina Dumlao, Michelle Vergara Moore, Peter O’Brien, Matt Day and Toby Leonard Moore.
The Unusual Suspects is now streaming . It is available with , , , , and subtitles.
Nasdrovia
Crime and comedy combine in this quirky Spanish/Russian series that follows two successful Spanish criminal lawyers with a passion for Russian culture who pack in their careers and open their own restaurant. They have an odd situation on their hands when it becomes a favourite of the local Russian mafia. This comedy also brings the thrills with the dangerous clientele providing hairy moments. With its oddball premise and intercultural exchanges, Nasdrovia could not be more up our alley.
Shrill
More female-led comedy? Right this way. Based on her memoir, Lindy West created Shrill with Alexandra Rushfield and Aidy Bryant, who also plays the lead, Annie. Annie wants to change her life, but not her body. She is pushing her career as a journalist and writer forward all while juggling bad boyfriends, an ill father, internet trolls and a perfectionist boss. Along the way, Annie, with help from her best friend Fran (Lolly Adefope), figures out who she is and what she wants from her life. Does Annie have flaws? Yes. Is she relatable? Absolutely, and that's what makes this superbly written comedy a must-see.
Back To Life
Daisy Haggard’s “near-perfect TV” show (The Guardian) is a woman dealing with a murder in a very different way. In season 2 we pick up a few weeks on from where season 1 left us, as Miri (Haggard) re-enters life after 18 years in prison. Her probation officer has got her a trial shift at the supermarket and she’s been spending more time with her neighbour, Billy, but things are icy between her and her mother, after she found out something rather shocking about Caroline (played by the ever watchable Geraldine James). From the producers of Fleabag, Back to Life is poignant, memorable and funny.
Or maybe you want to go back to the start with all the 1980s Lucy Liu fierceness and watch season 1 of Why Women Kill again? That is a great option:
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