Bonusfamiljen

I hated, I hated, I hated her. She was such a selfish, unmature, whiny and greedy woman with no ability to raise her children. Otherwise this could have been a great serie.

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.

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.

As an Dutch expat living in Spain I watch this Swedish serie via Netflix. This Swedish family gives me such a good feeling. It makes me feel easy. I love it to watch. I hope many episodes will follow then the 3 I have seen till so far.

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!