Scandinavian film and television making waves

In this month’s column, we highlight some exciting and acclaimed developments in the Scandinavian film and television industry.

Familier som vores (Families like Ours), which has garnered several internal accolades, has been picked up by BBC Drama. The Danish drama series focuses on a life-changing extreme weather event that forces the Danish population to migrate due to an unprecedented flood. Sue Deeks, head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says; “Families Like Ours is a beautifully constructed, thought-provoking drama about what happens when people are confronted by the inconceivable, and forced to make seemingly impossible choices…” BBC has not yet announced a broadcasting date.

Elsewhere, a new ambitious cross-country Scandinavian creative partnership has been established. The broadcasters TV 2 Danmark, TV 2 Norge and TV4 Sverige have announced a collaboration for the high-hitting drama series Blåt Blod (Royal Blood). It tells the story of the power struggle between the Nordic royal families in the 17th century, a struggle that has shaped today’s geopolitical situation. It is expected to reach the Nordic TV screens in 2027.

Royal Blood is the first project in this collaboration, with hopes to lead to future projects.

On Netflix, a couple of new Scandinavian releases will become available this month. Directed by Per Fly, Reservatet (The Reserve) is a six-part Danish drama series released globally on Netflix on 15 May. The plot centres around the young Filipino au pair Ruby, who disappears from one of Denmark’s most affluent neighbourhoods north of Copenhagen.

Also on 15 May, the fifth series of the Norwegian comedy drama series Pørni (Pernille) premieres. Featuring a mixture of heartfelt storytelling, humour, and real-life struggles, it remains one of the most beloved series in Norway.

Anders Lorenzen is a Danish blogger and film and TV enthusiast living in London.