🚨 WARNING: This Netflix thriller is quietly dominating the world right now – but almost NO ONE in the US is talking about it… yet. 😱

A suspended detective dragged back into a twisted Barcelona murder case. Dark secrets buried in the city’s shadows. Critics calling it “perfect” with a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. And it’s exploding into Top 10 charts in over 30 countries…

But here’s the chilling part: The killer’s motive will leave you questioning EVERYONE around you. One viewer said it was “hard work to watch” because the suspense was TOO intense.

If you loved True Detective, you NEED this hidden gem before it blows up and everyone spoils the jaw-dropping twists.

A new Spanish crime thriller miniseries has been making waves on Netflix since its quiet debut earlier this month, surging into the platform’s Top 10 lists across dozens of countries while remaining largely under the radar in the United States.

“City of Shadows,” which premiered on Netflix on December 12, 2025, has quickly become one of the streamer’s most-watched non-English TV shows worldwide. According to tracking data from FlixPatrol, the series has cracked the Top 10 in 33 international markets, even reaching as high as No. 3 in Uruguay. Sources like Screen Rant and CBR have highlighted its rapid rise, with one report noting it as Netflix’s fourth most-watched TV show globally shortly after launch.

The six-episode limited series stars Isak Férriz as Milo Malart, a troubled Barcelona police inspector who was recently suspended for insubordination. He’s pulled back into active duty to investigate a mysterious and gruesome death that uncovers layers of corruption, personal demons, and hidden motives tied to the city’s underbelly. The show draws comparisons to moody American hits like “True Detective,” blending psychological depth with procedural elements in the vibrant yet shadowy backdrop of Barcelona.

Critics have been largely positive about the series’ arrival on the platform. At launch, “City of Shadows” boasted a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, though it has since settled at a strong 83% as more reviews rolled in. Review aggregator sites and outlets like Decider described it as a “decent” entry in the crowded crime drama space, offering familiar tropes executed solidly without reinventing the wheel. LeisureByte praised it as a “solid crime show,” appreciating its atmospheric tension and character-driven storytelling.

Viewer reactions have been mixed, adding to the buzz around its polarizing appeal. Some fans rave about the gripping plot and Férriz’s intense performance, calling it an ideal binge for fans of international thrillers. Others have complained about a slower pace, describing the story development as “very slow” and the plot as “difficult to believe.” One common critique online is that the crime resolution feels “predictable,” with missed opportunities for deeper character connections. Despite these divides, the series’ word-of-mouth momentum appears to be fueling its international success.

The show’s origins trace back to acclaimed Spanish author Aro Sáinz de la Maza’s novel “El verdugo de Gaudí,” which provides the foundation for the central mystery. Producers aimed to capture Barcelona’s architectural beauty and gritty realism, using iconic Gaudí-inspired elements to weave symbolism into the narrative. Director and showrunner details remain focused on authenticity, with the production emphasizing local talent and filming on location to heighten the immersive feel.

Netflix’s push into non-English content continues to pay off with titles like this. The platform has seen massive global hits from Spain in the past, such as “Money Heist” and “Elite,” which started as regional favorites before exploding internationally. “City of Shadows” fits into this trend, appealing particularly to European and Latin American audiences where crime dramas with psychological twists resonate strongly.

In the U.S., however, the series hasn’t made significant inroads into the domestic Top 10 yet, leading outlets like CBR to label it an “untapped gem” for American crime fans seeking something fresh amid a sea of familiar English-language procedurals. This disparity highlights Netflix’s algorithm-driven discovery challenges – shows in foreign languages often rely on subtitles or dubbing, which can limit broader appeal in English-dominant markets.

As holiday viewing ramps up, “City of Shadows” is positioning itself as a dark alternative to lighter seasonal fare. With only six episodes, it’s designed for quick binges, clocking in at around 45-50 minutes per installment. The compact format allows for tight pacing in the latter half, where twists accelerate toward a conclusion that has sparked heated online debates.

Industry watchers note that Netflix’s investment in international originals is a key strategy. In 2025 alone, the streamer has released several acclaimed non-English thrillers, contributing to over a third of global viewing hours from such titles in recent reports. “City of Shadows” exemplifies this approach: modest production roots yielding outsized streaming performance.

Comparisons to other recent Netflix crime hits are inevitable. Like “The Night Agent” or “Mindhunter,” it delves into flawed investigators grappling with cases that hit too close to home. Yet its Spanish flair – brooding cinematography, moral ambiguity, and cultural nuances – sets it apart. Fans of Scandinavian noir or French thrillers may find familiar echoes here.

The series also touches on timely themes: institutional distrust, personal redemption, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. Without spoiling key plot points, Malart’s arc involves confronting his own past missteps while unraveling a case that exposes systemic failures in law enforcement.

Production wrapped earlier in 2025, with Netflix securing global rights shortly before the December drop. The timing – amid a lull in major English-language releases – likely aided its climb abroad. Holiday breaks in many countries have boosted viewing hours, propelling it up charts.

Looking ahead, if “City of Shadows” sustains momentum, it could follow the path of past sleepers-turned-phenoms. Netflix has renewed similar limited series for additional seasons when demand surges, though no announcements have been made yet.

For now, the show stands as a testament to the power of global storytelling on streaming platforms. While U.S. audiences might overlook it due to language barriers or algorithmic quirks, international viewers are embracing it wholeheartedly.

As one FlixPatrol analyst put it, titles like this often start slow in select markets before catching fire elsewhere. Whether “City of Shadows” breaks through stateside remains to be seen, but its current trajectory suggests it’s already a quiet success story for Netflix’s diverse slate.

The miniseries is available to stream in full on Netflix, with options for subtitles or dubbing in multiple languages.