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I have to agree with all the rest of the Reviews. Matador has to be one of the best TV shows ever made. All the actors are the cream of the Danish acting world. The Director was the best in the business for bringing Danish Life to Life, so to speak. I am amazed it has not been shown on British TV as it is very comparable to that other magnificent British TV drama "When The Boat Comes in" I would be hard pushed to say which one was better. But Matador has a longer run and does manage to cover the German occupation of Denmark. Which will be an eye opener to the British public if shown on British TV. So I do hope somebody gets the courage to show this on UK TV. As it is just a great TV Drama about families and the stress of the new on old ideas and values. So it still has something for today's TV audience. I have never got tired of watching it. Its called Matador because that is the Danish name for the board game Monopoly.

I have seen a lot of TV, some bad, some good, but nothing compares to this TV series from DR (Danmarks Radio = danish state television).

When Matador was shown the first time on TV, the streets of Denmark lay empty. Approximately 50-60% of the country's population was inside watching the fascinating history of the imaginary town "Korsbaek" and its inhabitants unfold and evolve.

The DVD box set has been purchased by over 1.000.000 people in Denmark (which only has a population of approx. 5.200.000)!!!

Now nearly 30 years later, I have not seen any TV series that can top this one. It has been sold to approx. 20 countries and is currently repeated on DR for the fourth or fifth time.

This is as good as it gets!

The serial depicting life in a small Danish town from the late 1920's through the end of the WW2, hits spot on, describing the struggles of both rich and poor, in a well-paced, amazingly well thought out story. I've only seen it twice because I haven't been able to find a way to buy it on NTSC tape.

I wish more people outside Denmark watched this series, most Danes watched this more than one many time like Americans watch Starwars more than one time. Danes reflect themselves in the most perfectly cut out characters made by the writer Lise Nørgaard.

And also a very interesting historical period where we were going from old times to new times but also the fight against fascism during ww2 and the people who stood up against it and the people who didn't. Besides that its a heartfelt family drama even the gay discussion comes into play and i don't know of any drama that does that from back then.

All in all just great and if people can live with danish language would be great for anyone.

Yes, i'm Danish. Maybe that's the reason. Not the reason that i rate this so high, but the reason i like it so much. Beside showing a part of the Danish/European history about life in Denmark before/during WW2, It somehow captures soo much of the Danish mentality, the struggle between social classes, but also the fight for equal rights, helping and caring for eathother, somekind of a H.C.Andersen fairytale when the ugly duckling becomes the swan. I've seen this series 6-8 times, and every time, in every episode, i've found something new, better, bigger. This is a truly masterpiece.

I had not seen this in decades, and it was a big hit back then with an all star cast. Including the theme that brings you back to good old 1980's in Copenhagen. Find this on the net somewhere and watch it and have a marathon with your family teens and up on a boring Weekend.

Once you see this series, then you will understand Danish culture and mentality. This is an incredible series full of true Danish values, drama and humor. This is one of those series that you can watch again and again, and still find new plots and angles to the series. Superb actors in roles that seem like they are talormade to each actor. It is also a very motivating series, especially if you have an entrepeneur lurking in your belly. The only think you could ever wish for is more episodes, longer episodes. Personally I feel back in time at my grandparents farm when ever I watch this series. All in all this is a true MASTERPIECE!

This is arguably the best Danish TV series ever made. It captures the time up to and during World War 2 in Denmark perfectly. It captures the class structure and fundamental values of Danish society perfectly. It captures timeless 'big themes' like ambition, family, courage, revenge and love perfectly. The writing is great, the characters are great and the acting is great.

The character development is particularly interesting. Without spoiling the plot it is clear that a central theme is the transformation of Mads Skjern's from an entrepreneurial commoner to a powerful business tycoon and how he changes his character through small incremental steps in response to what he considers necessary actions along the way. A phenomenal script.

Matador is more than just a versatile TV series - it's a powerful portrait of change, culture, and humanity. Set in the fictional town of Korsbæk between 1929 and 1947, the show is rooted in Danish history, but its themes are universal. Through its slow-burn storytelling and carefully developed characters, Matador manages to feel both intimate and epic at the same time.

At its core, this is a series about transformation: individuals evolving, families drifting or bonding, and society itself reshaping under the pressures of war, new ideas, and social change. The rivalry between the old, wealthy Varnæs family and the ambitious newcomer Mads Skjern provides the show structure, but it is the wide cast of supporting characters that truly bring it to life. Every person in Korsbæk, from the local banker to the housemaid, is fully developed, with their own flaws, hopes, and development. Even the most cartoonish characters grow into complex, relatable people. The persons depicting them were (and those alive still are, e.g. Ghita Nørby, Kurt Ravn) famous Danish character actors actively involved both on stage and on screen.

What makes Matador stand out is the incredible writing. There are no evident heroes or villains - everyone is portrayed with nuance, often making you love and hate the same character in different moments. Combined with subtle acting and direction, this creates a world that feels real and deeply lived-in.

While the pace is often slower than modern dramas, it's part of the "old" charm. The Series takes its time, unfolding like a good book, rich in historical detail and emotional depth. And despite the serious themes, there's always a thread of humour and warmth running through it.

For anyone curious about Danish culture, or just looking for a beautifully told, timeless human story, Matador is a must-watch. It's a classic for a reason - a rare example of TV at its very best.

It is not the best acting you will ever see.

It's not the greatest production value.

But for a Dane having grown up with it, it is like a warm blanket.

If you have been wondering what the now famous "hygge" is, it's cozying up with family or friends (or by yourself), with coffee and cake, or soda and snacks (whatever floats your boat, carrots and cucumbers?) and putting this show on.

It sets you back in a more innocent time, full of 3 dimensional characters, with interesting character arcs.

There are no hidden political agendas.

Everyone has their strengths and flaws.

No-one is inherently evil or good because they belong to a specific race or social group etc.

They're all written with both compassion and a critical eye.

Most of the characters draw you in and make you care, despite or because of their flaws.

Besides the characters, there's the historical setting of the show. Denmark 1929-1947.

The 2nd World War being an important part of the show.

Not the overshadowing part of everyday life, in an occupied country that one might envision. But just changes in the daily routine threaded in with bigger events,

And then there's the possibly main drama of the new guy with new ideas, setting up a clothes shop.

Arguably in direct competition with the established clothes shop for the wealthy, and in competition with the wealthy and established in general.

It's a time of changes, for good and bad.

The show is wildly popular in Denmark.

To the degree that if you do not love the show, you may well grow to hate it.

The show has my wholehearted recommendation.

My only concern is how well it translates to a non-Danish speaking audience.

Having seen a lot of Danish stuff getting subtitles, it always seems a lot gets lost.

Matador is a TV series that depicts why modern Denmark is what it is, or at least an idea on how it came to be.

The idea for the series is written by one of our greatest authors Lise Nørgaard, and with the aid of some very skilled scriptwriters Paul Hammerich, Karen Smith and Jens Louis Petersen, they delivered the story that then was brought to life by the, in Denmark at least, famous film team, instructor Erik Balling and Scenographer Henning Bahs, in Denmark that guaranties quality from start to finish.

If you want to know how modern Danish culture has come to pass, why the Danes and Denmark is what it is. Then the series Matador will give you some very good insights into us and our way of life.

Naturally the series doesn't give you the full picture, but it describes in a very accurate way, Danish culture in a period of time where modern Danish culture was formed, alongside important core values of the Danish people and our way of life.

If you are interested in that, and a very interesting story, all woven into a family saga in the 1930 and 1940' Denmark, then you will have a very good experience watching Matador.

But a warning, if you thrive on highspeed action driven drama - then this rather slow but thorough story isn't for you 😊

It's a huge relief in the age of bad soaps to see a production like this, made so carefully with a big heart. It is perfect in every detail, the story is wonderfully funny and charming, and the cast is absolutely great. Even the characters who are not so very kind have an air of love and understanding about them!

Auuchh - my arm! If you ask, where it hurts, you most surely never saw this television serie - and you are very likely to be either a foreigner or an alien, because no one else would ever ask, they would know that you are quoting "Matador" being impressed or surprised. No tv-show was ever better, then it would never have such a fortunate compilation of talent, magnificent writers, magnificent actors and a magnificent director.

The tale of the struggle between the two families is made ever present, so the point is not lost even though there is a multitude of sidestories that even includes real events. The way the story goes is so original that you never loose interest, although it is a slow going story - it takes 27 hours for it to come to an end. Real addicts find the playing time too short though. The text comprises a multitude of funny lines and jokes, you never stop laughing. The way each scene is shot, and the way the picture is framed is bold in itself. The director dares leaving the person speaking out of picture, if the facial expression of another person is more interesting. Also, he uses events as a way of foretelling, what will be happening - the doctor being quoted just prior to his appearing on screen. There are millions of details like that and it takes a long time to discover them all, but that's part of the fascination - you never get it all.

If you're looking for at tv-version of Danish history from late twenties to late fourties this is THE ONE. Never ever has anything been shown on Danish TV with this kind of appeal to all sorts of people. No matter the social background one may have this series appeals to everyone.

With a truly remarkable casting of practically all Danish actors worthwhile mentioning the storyline is proven extremely strong as it is emphazied by the fabulous acting of all actors and actresses of which many now, unfortunately, are dead.

It has a true unique feature which most of well-known tv-series don't have; you can watch it again and again for each time you'll discover new things. For any Dane this is a fundamental part to understanding the history of a time which may be long gone but never will be forgotten.

Matador is now out on DVA and although relatively expensive (app.2500 dkr for the whole series/24 parts) it is an investment that any Danish family should consider.

A series that unites generations and definately something that will last and last...

A T.v.series in 24 parts about the people in a small town during and after world war 2. Following a wide range of characters both rich and poor through a difficult time with a lot off changes in the litle society as they slowly enter the new modern society with department stores and supermarkets. We mainly follow the two families Skjern and Varnæs and their rivalry towards each other, mainly led on by the conservative Hans Christian Varnæs and the more modern and dynamic Mads Skjern.

This is perhaps the best danish TV series ever made! It's about a business man moving to a dull little town called Korsbaek, where he builds up a business empire. The series is about the people in this town, mainly the two families Skjern & Varnaes, where Skjern are the newcommers, and Varnaes is the old family in the town.

If you have even the slightest interest of Denmark and Danish culture from the late 1930'ies to the early 1950'ies, this is a *MUST SEE*.

Apart from being a brilliant saga of life and death of the citizens of a small city, it's also filled with all those tiny details that makes it seeworthy. Acting and direction are outstanding.

Matador is simply the best serial ever made. I've seen it at least 10 times and it is never boring. Erik Balling is God!

This is the best series that I have ever seen. The filming is perfect and script could not be better!!!

Matador is probably the most successful danish TV-series. It is written by Lise Nørrgård og Erik Balling (Erik Balling is a part of the two-man team behind Olsen Banden). The story is going on under the second world war. One of the main characters of Matador is Mads Skjern. In the first screenplay his real name is Mads Larsen, but takes the name of the city where he grew up (Skjern is in the nortwest of Jutland). He comes to the little city/village of Korsbæk. He wants to start up his own little clothing store. He tries to borrow money from Korsbæk Bank. The chairman of the board in Korsbæk Bank is Christian Varness, a high respected citizen of Korsbæk. He refuses him to lend any money. In rage Mads Skjern leaves the bank and goes to the local pub. There he meets Pigsdealer Larsen (Played by Buster Larsen). Larsen is a good man and take Mads Skjern and his son, Daniel, home to his wife, Katrine. There he meets the couples grown-up daughter, Ellen, who has a girl of the same ags as Daniel from a former marriage. Mads and Ellen fall in love with each other. With the little money Mads has and with money from Larsen they buy a house and a little closed down store. Skjern starts his own bussiness and the rest of the epsiodes is about how he prospers in Korsbæk and become more accepted and more respected than Varness, the man in the bank.

The show is about if you work hard and don't give up, you can come far. If you are stubborn enough it will pay off in the end!

A great story: Denmark before, under and after World War 2.

Nicolaj Laugesen of Copenhagen, Denmark wrote that the story is going on under the second world war. In fact it started in the beginning of the thirties. Mads Skjern met Ingeborg (the grown up daughter) at her parents home and her daughter Ellen. Mads and Ingeborg fell in love and got married later