Skam

Season One: 8/10

Season Two: 8/10

Season Three: 10/10

Season Four: 8/10

Themes: Drama, High School, Friendship, Romance, Religion, Lgbtq+, Gay Couple, Coming Out, Mental Health, Cheating, Sexual Assault, Bipolar Disorder, Partying & Norwegian.

Top five characters: 1) Isak Valtersen, 2) Even Bech Næsheim, 3) Vilde Hellerud Lien, 4) Yousef Acar and 5) Jonas Noah Vasquez.

I just love Skam. And I am not alone. Despite being in Norwegian, the show has managed to draw viewers around the world. The target group were initially Norwegian teenage girls, but Skam also has its share of adult fans. Actually, you don't have to be a teenager, Norwegian or Scandinavian to appreciate Skam.

Here are some of the reasons that I love this series: Skam has a tight and well written storyline, as well as lovely, believable faulty characters, that really evolve during their own seasons. The shifting point of view makes us realize that "everyone fights a battle you know nothing about". The show has good, realistic dialogues, fantastic acting and beautiful high-impact visual scenes, we get close to the characters, also visually. At times it is as if we are them, and feel what they feel. The music is great, and fits the scenes perfectly. Skam is playful when it comes to genre and style, it has a mix of realism, drama and comedy, and it works.

The series tackles important issues for the target group and the whole modern society, in a smart, straightforward and not admonishing manner. The issues the show tackles, from Islamophobia and homophobia to date rape, eating disorders and mental illness, feel authentic because they are presented earnestly. The show mirrors all of us, and lets us look at our own hidden fears and prejudices in a clever way.

The fact that we can follow the characters in real time is also fantastic. Skam is pioneering in the way that clips are posted in real time online, as if its characters truly exist. Fans can interact with their favorite Skam characters on Facebook or Instagram. A new clip, Message or Insta can come anytime during the night or day. This also makes the show highly addictive. I also love the show because of all the lovely easter eggs, "messages" to fans and references to literature, movies, music, religion and philosophy that it provides.

And finally there is the one thing that makes this show the best. It aims to reduce the kids' shame, and it uses humor to show that we all are human, we make mistakes. And it's OK.

Exceptionally well-done series. Although originally envisioned as appealing to adolescent girls, it has a universal appeal because of its authentic story-line, realistic portrayal of characters, great writing and pacing, but most of all.... its intelligence. Yes, intelligence! Skam doesn't dumb down the lives of the teens it portrays, the challenges and issues that they face, or their own intelligence and motivations. It doesn't exploit them. It treasures them. It is deeply respectful of the lives that they lead, and values their intelligence and authentic striving -- their essential humanity. It's a rare piece of television. And great stuff.

How sad that the US/UK television rights have been bought by Simon Fuller. The US/UK version will undoubtedly miss all that is good and noble about this series and go right to the ratings formulas, giving us a self-absorbed, teeny bopper melodrama that turns characters into stereotypes and sensationalizes (i.e. exploits pornographically) the lives of the young people portrayed. What Fuller will do will have NOTHING to do with what this series is about. But he'll steal the rights, steal the name, and do the teensploitation. Shame on him!!

Skip what will surely be the US/UK abortion. Watch the original - thanks to all those wonderful people who translated and embedded subtitles. Once you watch, you'll have no doubt that Fuller hasn't the intelligence or decency to do what's right by this series.

Skam certainly makes me relive my teenage years all over again. Usually I'm not really into high school shows, but this is not your average high school drama at all! In fact, it actually feels more like you're watching a documentary rather than a fictional show, and that's exactly why Skam stands out from the rest. Every character is unique and you can definitely relate to their personalities and problems. You can even recognize yourself and your friends in many of the characters.

What makes Skam stand out even more though, is the way its characters interact with the viewers. They're not just actors and actresses playing a role. They "become" the characters so to say. The show runners have done this by creating Instagram and Facebook accounts for every character, as well as posting screen dumps from text messages between the characters on the shows official website. Combining this social media aspect with the show adds something unique, that I've never seen before, hence making Skam feel much more real.

Skam doesn't try to be overly dramatic nor does it try to be picture perfect. It's the perfect combination of both and it manages to stay this way all the way through. I've already binged through season 1 and 2 in no time, and I can't wait to watch more of this fantastic show! If you want to feel 16 again, I would definitely recommend this show!

Good job Norway!

SKAM was an experience, from beginning to end, that I firmly believe people of all ages can enjoy, though I will admit it will probably appeal most to the teenage mind. This show combines well-written characters with interesting plot lines and development to create an amazing show viewers will fall in love with. It does have its issues with a few somewhat dull scenes, including one scene that consists solely of characters eating breakfast in silence, but that can be forgiven.

SKAM is the first show I've seen in a very long time that has cast teenagers to play teenagers. Not only that, but the actors are a part of the production and do get a hand in deciding things about their character. The show itself contains some great messages about standing by your friends, accepting yourself, and coming to terms with your identity, and they do it in a tasteful and realistic way. No one gets their happy ending without making a few mistakes along the way. The show does contain some themes that are often considered taboo for teenagers to do or even talk about in today's society, like drinking, sex, partying, and drugs. SKAM does a great job of portraying the teenage party scene in a realistic but still kind of tasteful way.

Overall, SKAM is a great show that I would encourage most people to watch. Maybe not a show to watch with your little sibling or kid, but a good show for people over the age of thirteen.