Scan Magazine
Lifestyle
|
|
We Love This
We Love this – Scandinavian TV series
Scandinavian winter - If you can’t beat it, revel in it We are heading into the last month of winter – the hardest one to get through for a lot of people as vitamin-d levels dwindle and snow turns to slush. On the bright side, it is the perfect time to cuddle up with a blanket, grab a cup of tea, and turn on the TV. However, after two months of winter, some might feel like all that was worthwhile watching has been watched. Most likely, if you are into Scandinavian TV, you will have watched (and perhaps rewatched) classics like The Killing (2007–2012), Wallander (2005-2013), and The Bridge (2011–2018) several winters ago. But despair not, we have compiled a list of our favourite new Scandinavian TV series, all with that classic dark Nordic realism, we love so much, because, as they say - if you can’t beat the Scandinavian winter darkness, revel in it. By Signe Hansen
|
Press photos
Exit Centred on the extravagant, decadent, and utterly corrupt lives of four super-rich Norwegians, Exit offers a gripping portrayal of ambition run amok and the consequences of unchecked power. While the series delivers its share of humour in the form of the ridiculous antics of its four antiheroes, it also sheds light on the complexities of modern capitalism, the clandestine world of high finance, and the price paid by everyone involved. As the series progresses, the price paid by the women, who at first seem to mirror their husbands’ greed and superficiality, becomes particularly striking. In other words, if you want to feel good about where you are in life (taking that you are not a multimillionaire) while learning a bit about finance, this is the series to dive into. Produced 2019-2023 Available on NRK (for Norwegian viewers), Viaplay or via iTunes, Amazon or Google Play
Snabba Cash Based on the best-selling novels by Jens Lapidus, the Swedish TV series Snabba Cash explores the intertwining lives of ambitious criminals, struggling immigrants, and corrupt businessmen. Set against a vibrant but crime-saturated Stockholm, the series delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of greed. Dark, cynical, and with its main characters reeking of desperate ambition, the series is anything but uplifting, but it is nonetheless spellbinding and impossible to pause. Produced 2021. Available on Netflix.
Bonusfamiljen (Bonus Family) The Swedish TV series Bonusfamiljen is not your typical Scandi drama. Though it has its share of realism and authenticity in its portrayal of human relations and family life, it also has enough humour and charm to make for a warming and uplifting viewer experience. In focussing on the broadly relatable issues of blended families, divorce, and co-parenting rather than complex political intrigues or harrowing murders, it sets itself apart in the realm of Scandinavian television dramas. All in all, the series makes for a nice, light winter treat to bridge you into spring. Produced 2017-2021 Available on SVT (for Swedish viewers) and Netflix. 24
|
Issue 163
|
February 2024