7.9 / 10 (based on 4535 reviews)
In the 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, in the small village of Glória do Ribatejo, João Vidal will take on several high-risk espionage missions that could change the course of Portuguese and world history.
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Main Cast: Miguel Nunes, Matt Rippy, Stephanie Vogt, Carolina Amaral
Creators: Pedro Lopes
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 40-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Glória (2021)
Pôr do Sol (2021)
8.7 / 10 (based on 1648 reviews)
Love, passion, mystery, betrayal make the days of the Por do Sol estate. The Bourbon family from Linhaca, owns the Por do Sol estate, but not everything is rosy…
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Gabriela Barros, Diogo Amaral, Marco Delgado, Sofia Sá da Bandeira
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes
Princípio, Meio e Fim (2021)
8.1 / 10 (based on 936 reviews)
Every week, 5 friends meet up for dinner. What they don’t know however, is that they are fictional characters and the events of the dinner will be shaped by whatever 4 writers can come up within 2 hours, and not a second longer.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Albano Jerónimo, Bruno Nogueira, Jessica Athayde, Nuno Lopes
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
Sul (2019)
7.5 / 10 (based on 326 reviews)
Inspector Humberto and his associate Alice investigating two consecutive young ladies suicide suspecting to be murder.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Adriano Luz, Jani Zhao, Afonso Pimentel, Margarida Vila-Nova
Creators: Edgar Medina, Guilherme Mendonça
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 9 episodes
Terra Nova (2020)
8.1 / 10 (based on 140 reviews)
The life of the Portuguese coastal fishing communities in the 1930’s. Terra Nova sails for a campaign on the banks of Newfoundland, weather storms, crew revolt, and the best and worst of humanity are tested in extreme circumstances.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Pedro Lacerda, Maria João Falcão, Catarina Rebelo, Rodrigo Tomás
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Isto É Gozar com Quem Trabalha (2020)
8.3 / 10 (based on 144 reviews)
Ricardo Araújo Pereira comments the latest news in Portugal and around the World.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Ricardo de Araújo Pereira, Joana Marques, Ana Gomes, Mariana Mortágua
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 36 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
The Girl from Oslo (2021)
6.3 / 10 (based on 3447 reviews)
Pia and two Israelis are kidnapped by IS terrorists in the Sinai desert, and threatened with death if twelve IS prisoners are not released.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Anneke von der Lippe, Amos Tamam, Raida Adon, Andrea Berntzen
Creators: Kyrre Holm Johannessen, Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Auga Seca (2020)
6.6 / 10 (based on 420 reviews)
Paulo Duarte dies. An apparent suicide that does not convince anyone – neither the police nor his sister Teresa, who decides to leave her life in Lisbon to find out what really happened to her brother. Teresa is not mistaken and Paul’s death hides much more than it seems – an arms trafficking network led by Mauro Galdón, Teresa’s successful businessman and godfather. The unexpected death of her brother causes Teresa to see her life change suddenly. Unable to wait for the results of the investigation, he moves from Lisbon to Vigo, to work at his brother’s old company and investigate what happened to him. The events led to months of coordinated investigation between the judicial police of Spain and Portugal, under the watchful eye of Interpol.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Victoria Guerra, Monti Castiñeiras, Eva Fernández, Sergio Pazos
Creators: Alfonso Blanco, Araceli Gonda, Daniel D. García
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
In the vast ocean of TV shows that grace our screens, there’s a gem from Portugal named “Glória.” This show, launched in 2021, is not just another drop in the ocean. It stands out for its unique setting, compelling story, and the way it weaves historical events with fiction. Let’s explore what makes “Glória” a must-watch, without any unnecessary fluff.
What’s “Glória” About?
“Glória” is set during the Cold War era in the 1960s, focusing on the small village of Glória do Ribatejo. But this isn’t just a quaint village story. The show dives deep into the complexities of international politics, espionage, and the struggle for freedom. At the heart of it all is RRF, a re-broadcasting facility for Radio Free Europe, funded by the CIA. This facility aims to broadcast Western propaganda to the Eastern Bloc. However, the story is not one-sided. It explores the lives and motivations of both those working at the facility and those against it, including KGB agents.
The protagonist, João Vidal, is an engineer from a privileged background who becomes involved in the KGB due to his family’s communist leanings. This dual allegiance sets the stage for a thrilling narrative of espionage, betrayal, and personal conflict.
Why Watch “Glória”?
Historical Context
One of the show’s strengths is its rootedness in historical events. The Cold War is a period rife with intrigue, and “Glória” taps into this with finesse. The show doesn’t just use history as a backdrop; it actively engages with it, bringing to light the nuances of Portugal’s role during this global standoff. For those who appreciate history, “Glória” offers an insightful look into how Portugal navigated these tumultuous times.
Complex Characters
Forget one-dimensional characters. “Glória” excels in creating complex, believable characters whose motivations and actions will keep you guessing. João Vidal, for instance, is not your typical hero or anti-hero. His journey, fraught with moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices, provides a compelling look into the psyche of someone caught between two worlds.
Production Value
For a show set in the past, authenticity in setting and atmosphere is key, and “Glória” delivers. From the costumes to the sets, every detail is meticulously crafted to transport viewers back to the 1960s. This attention to detail extends to the soundtrack, which not only enhances the mood but also adds another layer of authenticity to the period setting.
A Fresh Perspective
While there are countless American and British shows set during the Cold War, “Glória” offers a fresh perspective by focusing on Portugal’s role. This unique angle provides new insights and stories that have been largely untapped by mainstream media. It’s a refreshing change from the usual narratives and one that adds depth to our understanding of the period.
Standout Moments
Without giving away too much, “Glória” is filled with moments that will stick with you. One such moment involves a clandestine operation that goes awry, showcasing the high stakes and the constant danger faced by those involved in espionage. Another memorable scene is a quiet, introspective moment where João grapples with the weight of his decisions. These moments, among others, highlight the show’s ability to balance action with character development.
The Verdict
“Glória” is more than just a spy thriller. It’s a deep dive into a fascinating period of history, told through the lens of compelling characters and a gripping narrative. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of espionage stories, or just looking for a well-crafted drama, “Glória” has something to offer.
In a landscape often dominated by clichéd narratives and predictable plots, “Glória” stands out for its thoughtful storytelling, rich historical context, and complex characters. It’s a testament to the power of looking beyond familiar settings to tell stories that resonate across cultures and time periods.
So, if you’re tired of the same old TV shows and looking for something that combines history, drama, and intrigue, give “Glória” a chance. It might just be the show you didn’t know you were waiting for.