The 2025 Golden Globes cemented what many TV fans already knew — the age of purely domestic television dominance is over. Shows like Shogun and Baby Reindeer highlight the global power of international TV productions, proving that captivating storytelling knows no borders.
From the Emmys to the Golden Globes: ‘Shogun’ Reigns Supreme
FX/Hulu’s Shogun, an ambitious adaptation of James Clavell’s novel about feudal Japan, continued its awards season momentum after dominating the Emmys. At the Golden Globes, it claimed Best Television Drama, with acting awards going to Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano.
This sweeping epic, praised for its authenticity and international cast, reflects the broader trend of streaming-driven global television hits.
‘Baby Reindeer’ Delivers Breakthrough for British TV
Netflix’s British limited series Baby Reindeer also made its mark, winning in its category and earning Jessica Gunning a Golden Globe for her portrayal of a disturbingly eccentric stalker. The show’s critical acclaim underscores the growing appetite for non-U.S. dramas with strong character-driven storytelling.
How Streaming Changed the Global TV Landscape
Historically, American television was largely homegrown. Post–World War II audiences enjoyed domestic programming, with occasional imports like Doctor Who or prestige British dramas on PBS. But as The Hollywood Reporter noted, when the International Emmys debuted in 1973, “the market for non-U.S. television was close to zero.”
The streaming revolution changed that. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Apple TV+ erased geographical barriers, giving U.S. audiences unprecedented access to subtitled and dubbed international programming.
According to a 2022 Whip Media study, U.S. viewing of non-domestic titles doubled between 2018 and 2021 — and the trend continues to accelerate, with more international shows making awards shortlists each year.
A Tale of Two ‘Shoguns’
This isn’t the first time Shogun has captured American audiences. The original 1980 miniseries also triumphed at the 1981 Golden Globes, with wins for Richard Chamberlain and Yoko Shimada. That version was a U.S. ratings juggernaut and even saw a theatrical release in Japan.
Four decades later, the 2024 Shogun proves that international collaboration in television is not just a niche interest — it’s the future of global entertainment.