SKAM review

By T. Tvedt

Number of seasons: 4
Creator: Julie Andem
Language: Norwegian
Age rating: 14+ 
-May contain drinking-

SKAM is definitely one of my favourite tv-shows. This four season series follows the lives of teenagers (age 16 – 19) in Norway. Different from most tv-shows, SKAM focuses on a different main character each season. Also, another thing that makes SKAM unique is that episodes have completely different lengths depending on the character, the season, and the trailer released beforehand.

Without revealing too much and spoiling the show for you, here is a brief description of the series. SKAM is about four different teenagers in high school. Each season tells the story of one of these main characters: Eva, Noora, Isak and Sana. The show addresses real life problems in each season, talking about the struggles teenagers have to deal with today. In Eva’s season (season 1) she has to learn how to let go of old friendships and create new ones, all while dealing with rumours about her going around in school. Season 2, Noora’s season,  shows the importance of listening to other people instead of shutting them out, and when faced with one BIG mistake it teaches us about the importance of asking friends for help when you need to. The best part is that this season contains some of the most romantic scenes in tv show history. Isak’s season (season 3) shows his journey as he discovers his sexuality and questions religion. Also, the introduction of a new character allows us to see the struggles of someone who is bipolar. The last season is about Sana. This one is a little bit different from the others because she is a Muslim and we see life through the eyes of someone completely devoted to her religion. All of the problems she has ultimately end up having to do with her faith and things like having a crush on a boy or “russ”. All of her frustration results in a hate account on instagram being created.

​SKAM became the most famous show in Norway and has been extremely successful in other countries not only because of the contents of the series, but also because of the promotional campaign behind it. On the official website, they released clips throughout the week. For example: the producers of the show would release a clip during lunch time and you could see that the characters in the show were also having lunch. The characters were made to be so real that they even have their own Instagram accounts and Facebook profiles.

​I recommend watching this show, and I promise that you will get hooked on watching it. SKAM makes people discuss taboo subjects and struggles of teenagers in today’s society. Even though Norwegian teenagers do not have the same life style as Brazilians, the lessons taught by the show are still applicable for all.

Official website (http://skam.p3.no/) ​

SKAM dictionary: (Most used words and phrases)
Russ: is a traditional celebration for Norwegian high school students in their final spring semester. It usually starts around April 20th and ends on the 17th of May (Norwegian constitution day). During this period students wear colored overalls, they form a group and buy a bus/van to drive around and party throughout this period. 
Nei Vilde: No Vilde
​Takk: Thank you 
Alt er love: Everything is loved
Seriøst: Seriously?
Hva skjer: What's up?
Jeg elsker deg: I love you
Kos: Cuddle
Unnskyld: Sorry
Savner deg: Miss you
Skam: Shame

If you want to start learning Norwegian and watch a little peek of the show, press play on the video below.
​