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.

Just a couple of things: The negative or lukewarm reviews here seem to do mostly with people claiming offense at the living arrangements. But this sort of mixed and complex family configuration, which can be found in many contemporary societies, is precisely what the positive term "bonus family" indicates. If you're priggish about contemporary family practices, then don't watch a series whose very title gives you advance warning of what it deals with.

Second, this is absolutely not a Scandinavian version of Modern Family. Except for the general framing of contemporary cross families that have become common with the availability of divorce, there are no similarities between the two series. Indeed, to think that there are is reductionistic and even carries a whiff of ethnocentrism as Bonus Family is much better than Modern Family and not just a rip off but a highly original work that stands on its own merits.

Third, while I share the exasperation with the Eddie character and agree that he is a horrible spoiled brat, he really doesn't take up that much screen time and his presence simply injects a very realistic dimension to the intertwined family lives. No one should not watch the series just for a single character.

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!

Finally there is a series that is NOT about drugs, drug lords, gangsters, the mob, nasty politics or vicious people who prey on others. this is a well done, nicely acted, well written/directed human story about modern living and the trials/tribulations that come with it and how not rich people evolve in making life good decisions. many situations are fully recognizable and give one a good perspective on their lives. i would have to agree that the parenting is really rather poor. both eddie and Bianca are selfish, lazy, foul-mouthed and totally undisciplined. it seems the fathers have the right idea but acquiesce to the mothers. the third season left me hanging, so i hope there is another.