In Denmark we love to “hygge”. One way to do it is to gather around the television, watching a great show. A lot of these series are both exciting and entertaining, and they can also teach you a great deal about Danish culture, society and language. So here are 6 suggestions for your next tv night. Note that on most of the series you can turn on Danish subtitles if you feel the need to.
Den store bagedyst
“Den store bagedyst” was Denmark's most watched show in 2023. In the programme, about ten contestants compete in a number of challenges, hoping to impress the judges with their baking skills and ultimately become the best amateur baker in Denmark. You may recognise similar shows from other countries.
Britain was the first country to introduce the concept. There, the programme is called “The Great British Bake Off”. Since then, over forty countries have got their own version of the show. However, Denmark is actually the country in which most people watch the show. In each episode, the contestants go through three challenges. Every challenge is kicked off with the following words: “Klar, parat, bag” (“ready, set, bake” in Danish). If you say those three words, almost every single Dane will know which show you have in mind.
Do you want to see for yourself what can unite so many Danish people? If yes, you can find “Den store bagedyst” for free on dr.dk.
Kender du typen?
Would you like to know what Danish homes and decor look like? Learn about Danish eating habits and hobbies? And would you like to get to know some famous Danish people? If that sounds like something for you, then try to watch the popular tv-programme “Kender du typen?”.
In the programme, two lifestyle experts compete in guessing which famous Dane they are visiting. They are taken on a house tour and must complete three quizzes revolving around the habits of the famous person. In the end, the experts are faced with three options, and should be ready to guess who the home belongs to. Over the years, the programme has visited everyone from great Danish authors to musicians and politicians.
So if you would like to explore Danish homes along with two lifestyle experts and perhaps guess for yourself, then you can find “Kender du typen?” for free at dr.dk.
X Factor
You may know X Factor from the USA, Great Britain or another country. It is a talent show dedicated to finding song talents with something extra special. Someone with the X factor.
In Denmark, we also have a programme called X Factor. The Danish version is one of the most watched tv shows in Denmark. X Factor is broadcast during prime time on TV2 every Friday from January to early April. People of all ages watch along when contestants from all over Denmark audition in the hope of making it all the way to live shows and the finale.
One person you have to know from the Danish X Factor is Thomas Blachman. He is probably the Danish version of Simon Cowell. Thomas Blachman has been a judge on the show almost every year since it first aired in 2008. The Danes know him as the critical judge with very harsh and honest comments concerning the contestant's performance.
You can find X Factor on TV2 play. Keep in mind that it is a paid streaming service.
Badehotellet
For several years in a row, “Badehotellet” has been a great success in Denmark. While many Danish tv shows take place in Copenhagen, this one takes you to the opposite side of Denmark, the Danish west coast in Northern Jutland. It is here that "Badehotellet” takes place at a seaside hotel in the period from 1928 until a bit after World War 2.
You follow the life of the staff and guests as well as their relations. But do not be fooled. The seaside hotel is not only summer and happy days. It contains just as much drama and intrigue. At the same time, the characters are affected by world-changing events, such as the Wall Street crash of 1929, Hitler’s rise to power in 1933 and the German occupation of Denmark 1940-1945.
So if you would like to go on a beach holiday far from Copenhagen while learning a bit about Denmark's history, jump on the bandwagon and do like rest of Denmark by watching “Badehotellet”.
It is possible to watch “Badehotellet” on TV2 Play. However, you can also find the show for free at Videoteket in Copenhagen. It is only 5 minutes by foot from Borgergade. Here is a great selection of tv shows, movies and documentaries. You can watch a maximum of one film per day at Videoteket´s screens. It is also possible to go together as a group of four. So bring your friends along and have a small cinema experience. If you would like to know more, then try to visit the website of Videoteket.
Borgen
“Borgen” is a Danish drama from 2010. The tv-series has not only won the hearts of the Danish people but has also gained great international success. Maybe you also already know it?
“Borgen” is about the political power struggle in Denmark and the personal cost the game can have for those on the political stage. The series follows Birgitte Nyborg, a female politician, who becomes the Prime Minister of Denmark against all expectations. The job requires that she has to find the difficult balance between prioritising her morals, family life and political career
Even though “Borgen” is a fictional series, it offers you the chance to learn about Danish politics and what kind of political parties you can find in Denmark. Likewise, you get to have a little peek into the world of politicians, spin doctors and the media.
You can see Borgen on Netflix here.
Matador
We will end this guide with a true Danish classic, “Matador”. The series aired for the first time back in 1978. Ever since, it has become one of the most famous series in Denmark. “Matador” follows the ambitious Mads Skjern who arrives to the fictional province town “Korsbæk” in 1929. He founds a clothing shop which quickly becomes more popular than the dominating shop “Damernes Magasin”. Just like “Badehotellet” the series takes you back in time to Denmark in the 1930s and 1940s during the economic depression and World War 2. At the same time, you get to know the lives of the families in the town. Life full of drama, love and intrigue.
In Danish, “matador” means “big businessman”. Yet, most Danes know the word because it is the name of a traditional bord game. You might also know the game? In many countries it is called Monopoly. In the game the goal is to become the richest player by buying the most properties, houses and hotels on the board game. Similarly, the series “Matador” is a game about power and money, where the main character Mads Skjern is the successful businessman who turns everything upside down in Korsbæk.
You can find the entire series for free on dr.dk.
A tip: If, like the rest of Denmark, you fall in love with “Matador”, you can see Korsbæk recreated at the amusement park Bakken. By visiting you will feel like a resident of Korsbæk when eating traditional Danish food and seeing buildings and props from the series.
Have you become curious about Danish television?
There are several other Danish tv shows being watched by thousands of Danes. You will probably stumble upon many different opinions on which Danish show is most beloved. However, with these six suggestions you are ready to jump into conversations with your Danish colleagues, friends or to impress your partner’s family at the next family dinner.
So get some popcorn and cosy up with some of the most popular Danish tv-shows. Enjoy!
Great places to watch Danish series and films:
- DRTV (free)
- Filmstriben (free)
- Videoteket (free)
- Paid streaming services such as TV2 Play, Netflix, Viaplay or Blockbuster
