Taiwan may see success in exporting its films abroad, yet did you know you can also find a fair dose of Taiwanese television content on Netflix? Let’s take a deep dive into the island nation’s offerings to UK subscribers!

First and foremost, horror fans will be excited to know that the hit video-game based film Detention, which gave viewers a successful scare in 2019 as it received widespread praise, has been adapted to the small screen. Released late last year, the supernatural horror was created for Netflix in collaboration with Taiwan’s Public Television Service. Set in Taiwan’s martial law era, the series reflects on in the suffocating nature of political censorship, making use of local legends to infuse an element of psychological horror.

Looking for something slightly less scary? A Boy Named Flora A is an emotional and irreverent comedy of a layabout forced to re-examine his life after travelling home when his grandmother falls critically ill. The elements of filial piety dysfunctional family reunion led to some dark humour, whilst more serious aspects of the story may inspire some self-reflection.

No talk of Taiwan’s television scene would be complete without a mention of Taiwanese dramas. Queen of No Marriage falls into this category, however, turned the genre upside down with an independent early-thirties women in the lead role meeting a mid-twenties romantic. With thirty-four episodes, the series will also keep viewers occupied for a while.

Finally, On Children stands out as a unique watch on this list. A ten-part series based on novel by Wu Xiaole, the series is an anthology which explores the impact of social pressure, parental oppression, and family dysfunction on children. In this exploration of such issues, the serious incorporates sci-fi elements, similar to the UK’s own Black Mirror, but with an albeit different tone.

This is list isn’t exhaustive – indeed, series such as a A Taiwanese Tale of Two Cities and The Victim’s Game are also highly rated, falling into the genres of romance and crime thriller respectively. Futmalls.com, released last year, will also cater to fans of science fiction, and La Grande Chaumiere Violette dives into the history of Taipei’s Daodacheng district.

In conclusion, there is some Taiwanese television on Netflix for everyone, no matter what preference of genre one may have – so, why not dig into an episode or two sometime soon? You might find a new favourite!