Bonusfamiljen

I binge watched most of the three series on Netflix. The series shows a couple, their exes and the children from their respective relationships. The newly gained children or parents are not called stepson or stepmother, but bonus-son or bonus-mother. Other than this politically correct streak, any issue that might arise in these circumstances comes round: a child with ADHD, adolescent moods, exes still being in love, grandparents barging in etc. And these are dealt with in a modern way, i.e. not judgemental, but also not always very efficient. I loved the realistic display or people changing their mind on both rational (not often) and emotional grounds as well as the unlikely couples (as in life): the 'anally retentive' math teacher with the liberal, artsy mother; the career-wise not very successful man, still living in with this mother, getting the most balanced wife (with a complicated family) and the rather spoilt children growing up and dealing with/exploiting their having to live (part of the time) with all their parents and their bonus siblings. And last but not least, the peculiar therapists couple that is called for frequently. The negative reviews you might encounter here, to me demonstrate that the show is so realistic that some people start to criticise the characters' actions (as morally or otherwise corrupt). Especially after the cliff hanger of the third season, I hope Netflix will commission the fourth series. I will certainly watch it.

This show is incredibly good, it is so real that it transcends language and geographical differences. It is funny, sad, moving, relevant -- everything together but not sappy like so many of these family dramas can be. I loved every minute of it and wanted more when it finished. The fact that it is Swedish does not make it any less relatable -- it makes it even better because we get a glimpse into a country and culture that we read about and know as almost a Utopia, with all their social benefits, great education system, open attitude -- and we see them with problems that everyone has at the same time as being able to appreciate what a great country it is. Please whoever is out there who has power over this series, renew, renew, renew!!!!!!!!!!!!

First of all, do not get deterred by the fact that it is Swedish: it has nothing of the dry, coward European cinema. The subject itself is nothing new: the problems of a recent couple along with problems of their children, ex-partners, new partners of their ex-partners. But it is so brilliantly written and perfectly played, it doesn't let you down for a single episode. It a shows about serious matters (family, commitment, divorce, kids...) but approached with a great sense of humor and (rare thing) really funny jokes. It also has great characters and witty comebacks that make it a hidden gem that I hope Hollywood will never remake.

It's not a stereotypical drama series, I understood that from the first episode. The direction, the script, the actors, everything is so well executed that it makes bonusfamiljen unforgettable. The plot has so many twists and lessons that makes you empathy every single personality. I would recommend it to everybody, one of the best series I've ever watched!

An absolutely entertaining uncomfortable wonderful show with great actors. I went through almost the same situation and its comforting to know that it happens all over the world and is not unique to me or the US.