Dag

I am almost at a loss for words. Usually Norwegian television likes to follow the usual script, which is either reality (which is a prime example of human de-evolution), or a soap which almost always ends with someone crying (badly), or a "hilarious" comedy where every second is filled with some sort of a "witty" punch-line (usually leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth).

But in this show, the television network must have left the decisions to the the writers, producers and actors, and it shows. From start to finish the tale devours you and please, for your sake, don't resist it.

I really cannot describe the show, with a word that would encapsulate the essence of the greatness this show deserves. Brilliant? Marvelous perhaps? From the acting to the script, everything is superbly put in place so that you and me can be swept away into the drama and the really tragic but so disturbingly funny comedy the show displays. Undoubtedly the best Norwegian series I have ever seen, and I would at least rate it as perhaps among one of the greatest shows out there.

I think perhaps it looses some of it's greatness if you are not Norwegian and have to watch it trough subtitles, but I still think that this is definitely a show which should be watched at least once, no matter the audience.

Original, great, tremendous. I do not believe I can run out of good words to say about this show.

Actors Atle Antonsen, Tuva Novotny, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Agnes Kittelsen, scriptwriters Øystein Karlsen and Kristopher Schau and of course the rest of the contributory staff, I salute you. You have rekindled my faith in Norwegian television.

This programme is of such high quality that I can't believe I only found it by searching for a new comedy on Sky. The characters are superb and, when combined with the story lines, I am frequently swept away by feelings of horror, humour and fascination and find myself watching the screen open-mouthed. I'm half way through season 2 and it just keeps getting better. The female Russian drug-addict and Muslim convert are particular minor-character favourites. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent, quality, comedy. Yes, the subtitles have got worse in season 2 but it doesn't spoil my enjoyment, it sometimes adds to the humour. The only real problem with them is being distracted from the attractive actresses.

Norwegian sitcoms are not exactly the hottest thing on TV, at least not since they cancelled "Fleksnes", which was an adaptation of Hancock's Half Hour, only much better, back in the late sixties. But "Dag", about this very improbable dystopic loner of a couples' counsellor is right up there with the very best from anywhere, like Curb your enthusiasm or The Office (no similarities apart from the quality).

All the pieces of the puzzle fall readily into place: Very witty scriptwriting, and original concept, great casting, superb acting, clever directing and well-paced editing. The fact that it's done in Norwegian makes it twice as funny; it really is the funniest language in the world – especially to us Swedes.

By the way, the very lovely Tuva Novotny is not Norwegian, but Swedish. You're forgiven for thinking so though, since her accent is 100 percent perfect.

In short, don't miss this little comedy gem!

Dag starts of with us being introduced to the main character Dag. In the beginning the show seems like a comedy, however as the show progresses the writing gets deeper and touches on subjects like loneliness, relationships with your close friends and death. One of the best norwegian shows I have seen.

Dag is the marriage counselor who embraces a life in solitude. A lifestyle he eagerly conveys to his patients. He goes about his anonymous way of living, dealing with the slightly psychotic secretary Malin (Agnes Kittelsen), and his numerous weird patients.

In between the occasional blind date, setup by his sensitive sister Marianne (Silje Torp Færavaag), Dag also has to guide his best friend Benedict (Anders Baasmo Christiansen) through the many affairs and comical screw ups he encounters.

Dag's entire view of life begins to shatter however, as he meets Eva (Tuva Novotny), who is just as lost as he really is.

The entire cast does a brilliant job, portraying their respective characters very convincingly. In conclusion, this is the best series I have ever seen come out of Norway. And if you enjoy black comedy, you will surely like this.

8.5/10