No Netflix? Must-watch Miniseries to stream elsewhere
Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.
I previously wrote about 10 shows and miniseries my husband and I watched together that are from networks other than Netflix. Here are a few more that grabbed my attention recently, especially when we don't have any new episodes from any Nordic Show or British miniseries available. Or a brand new episode of the Traitors UK, our favourite!
Good American Family (2025)
Where to watch: Hulu
This 8-episode miniseries, produced by Ellen Pompeo (aka Meredith Grey!), is based on the real story of the adoption of Natalia Grace, a young Ukrainian girl with dwarfism. Living in America, she was adopted firstly by a family that gave her away and that is how she entered the lives of Michael (played by Mark Duplass) and Kristine Barnett (played by Ellen Pompeo herself) at the alleged age of 7. The Barnetts were already parents of 3 young boys and had their hands full raising their oldest, Jacob, who had autism and was misdiagnosed at a young age. Kristine took the lead in her son's health and education and that made her more resilient at taking care of children with specific needs.
Alas when they welcomed Natalia, things turned sour very quickly. From the Barnett's side, especially Kristine's, there was no bond from the get go as there were bouts of anger and violence from Natalia towards her. From Michael's point of view, everything was going well - as Natalia favoured him - but he had to take sides under the pressure of his wife. From Natalia's side, she felt admonished and berated by Kristine, who took legal and medical action to declare her as an adult, at the prospect of the adoption agency's fraud allegations. So... who is right? Who is lying? Was Natalia 7 or over 18 when she was adopted?
Jess
Étoile (2025)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
I fell head over pointe shoes in love with this witty show. The fast paced dialogues, the heartfelt moments mixed with the most eccentric of scenes, these is all the signature and legacy of Amy Sherman Palladino & Daniel Palladino, the duo behind Gilmore Girls (which I watched religiously and discovered thanks to my friend Jasmine), Bunheads (which made me discover Sutton Foster!) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (which I have never seen. If you did, do you recommend it?).
Étoile - a reference to how the principal ballerina is called in the french ballet - bridges two sides of a same coin: the pressure of world famous ballet management in New York with Metropolitan Ballet Theater (MBT) and the classic world of Le Ballet National (LBN) from Paris. Unveiling the world of dance made me think of the Crazy Horse and how it is pure Parisian history and discipline.
Both companies are struggling in the post-pandemic world and swap their top dancers and choreographers to sell tickets and foster new engagement in both sides of the pond. The American side of things is represented by Jack McMillan (played by Luke Kirby) and the Parisian side is represented by Geneviève Lavigne (played by the exquisite Charlotte Gainsbourg, with her superb English... she is the daughter of Jane Birkin after all!).
Jess
Expats (2024)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
This miniseries talks about family, loss and multiculturalism. Set in a luxury building in Hong Kong, we follow the lives of several expatriate women, the main ones are the employers and the others are their (prospective) employees.
First we have Margaret (played by the hardest working actress in Hollywood, Nicole Kidman), who recently lost her younger son and is trying to keep afloat with her loving husband and two older children. In the expatriation process aimed to follow her husband's career and professional progression, she had to leave her family, friends. Her estranged neighbour is Hilary (played by Sarayu Blue, who also plays a secondary role on the aforementioned Good American Family miniseries) and with her we tackle the loneliness and family sacrifices that the expatriation process shoves under the rug. And then we have Mercy, Essie, Puri who are live the less glamorous life of Hong Kong, a society who survives on the back of service such as housekeepers, drivers, nannies. Just like Angola, where I live.
This is a story of empathy, resilience and grief. It made me want to read the book The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee it was based on to deep dive more into these complex characters.
Jess
Disclaimer (2024)
Where to watch: Apple TV
This miniseries just shook us both to our core especially in the last few episodes. In this alternating timeline, it takes us back to a couple, the power of the past in our present and how hastily we make decisions based on perception. If only we looked more closely into things and listened a bit more carefully...
It wasn't the easiest one to watch but the cast is just the most scrumptious delight. Cate Blanchett is the most unnerving character ever, Kevin Kline is out-of-this-world obsessed and Sacha Baron Cohen is a dapper yet clueless man. A must, signed by Alfonso Cuáron.
Jess
Under the Bridge (2024)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
This is miniseries is very unfortunately based on a true story. A daunting one about a young teenager called Reena Virk (played by Writika Gupta) who never felt like she truly fit into but did everything to feel a sense of belonging. And in doing so, she attends a party which she never comes back home from.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Where to watch: Max (former HBO)
It has been a delight having big A-list actors in tv shows and Mare of Easttown graces us with the stunning yet demure presence of Kate Winslet.
In the fictional suburb of Easttown in Philadelphia, police detective Marianne "Mare" Sheehan (Winslet) investigates the recent murder of a teenage mother while trying to keep her own life from falling apart.
Mare, our tortured hero, has also been unable to solve the case of another missing young girl for a year, leading many in the community to doubt her detective skills.
Her personal troubles include a divorce, a son lost to suicide, and a custody battle with her son's formerly drug-addicted girlfriend over Mare's grandson.
Patria (2020)
Where to watch: Max (former HBO)
Patria is a Spanish drama television series based on the eponymous novel by Fernando Aramburu. Set in the Basque Country during the final years of ETA's separatist terrorism, the series follows the lives of two families over several decades. The story begins with the end of ETA's violent campaign and revolves around the emotional and social aftermath of the conflict.
Central to the narrative are Bittori and Miren, two women whose friendship falls apart when Bittori's husband, Txato, is murdered by ETA. The series explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the deep scars left by political violence. It juxtaposes personal stories with historical events, shedding light on the impact of terrorism on everyday life and relationships.
Through its complex characters and emotional storytelling, Patria delves into the pain and resilience of a community torn apart by ideological strife, offering a poignant look at the search for peace and reconciliation.
A special mention to the incredible actress Loreto Mauléon, who plays Arantxa, the most poignant of characters that we've ever encountered.
Daisy Jones & the Six (2023)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Daisy Jones & The Six was my first ever audiobook, which I listened to in 2021. I absolutely fell in love with ensemble-cast narration and having the incredible Jennifer Beals (I. Love. Her. Voice!) as the lead was the icing on the cake. The book, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and published in 2019, was a tremendous success since its launch and immediately had its rights bought to prepare for its on screen adaptation, which came to life in 2023.
In this 10-episode miniseries, we travel back to the 1970s, with the backstage of the creation of a rock band, of musical powerplays, groupies and self discovery. Daisy Jones is played by Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley. Billy Dunne, the lead singer of the band, is played by Sam Caiflin. I had seen him before in the movie Me Before You (adapted from the Jojo Moyes book) and this show made me forget he is English in reality.
I loved the audio book, I loved the story and I loved the miniseries. The last two episodes left a bump in my throat I took a few minutes to recover from. The actors have great chemistry and, surprisingly enough, they sing all the songs themselves. I completely recommend.
Liked this tv shows round up? Let me know in the comments.
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