SKAM. No, not scam. SKAM. It’s the Norwegian TV drama that has everyone buzzing. The show follows the lives of a group of students as they navigate their way through all the social ups and downs that are associated with high school over the course of four seasons. Each season focuses on a different character: Eva, Noora, Isak, and Sana.
- Season 1: Eva
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The first season centers on the relationship between Eva and her boyfriend, Jonas. As the episodes progress, we see the couple struggle with jealousy and the impact that others have on their connection.
- Season 2: Noora
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This season focuses on Noora and the notorious womanizer, William. She struggles to balance her friendships and her developing feelings for the hottest guy in school. The show also explores the subject of anorexia and the impact of a friend’s love and support.
- Season 3: Isak
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The third season of SKAM follows Isak as he navigates his sexuality and copes with the mental illnesses of several people close to him. We see him struggle with accepting his homosexuality amidst peer and familial pressure until he finally finds true love.
- Season 4: Sana
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The most recent season focuses on Sana’s struggles with bullying and her religion. As a Muslim in Norway, she feels out of place. She feels that everyone is judging her for her Islamic beliefs.
The show targets relatable themes like love, sex, heartbreak, sexuality, friendship, and religion. Furthermore, the characters were roughly based off the actors themselves, which gives the program a much more realistic feel. I know from experience that watching twenty-something-year-old actors portray teenage kids never really feels right. Somehow, these characters come to life as their appropriately aged counterparts embody their characteristics.
SKAM is addicting. It really is. People I know watched a season a day just because it is that good. “Season 3 changed my life,” one viewer said. It’s a dramedy… in Norwegian. Subtitles are a must. I 100% would recommend. There is no other way to convince you but show you Season 1 Episode 1 and let the show work its magic. Fall in love with it. There’s no skam (shame) in that.
HCXO,
Dana
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