Danish Television Drama

Danish Television Drama

Danish television dramas have represented an important and popular aspect of Danish television, especially since the 1970s. One of the most successful drama series was Matador (1978) which has been frequently rebroadcast and released on DVD.

For many years Danish television drama had a 'Matador complex'. Every new drama series would be marketed as "the new Matador" – only to be found not to measure up afterwards by critics as well as the general public.

Since the late 1990s, Danish television has once again enjoyed increasing success with a large number of drama series. Often aired in primetime on Sunday evenings, they have generally drawn large audiences, received very good reviews and several have earned international awards. The Danish Broadcasting Corporation, DR (previously known as Danmarks Radio), has won four Emmy Awards for Best international drama series netween 2002 and 2009, breaking a former UK monopoly in that category, and a fifth Emmy in the Best international TV Movie/Mini Series category.

Danish film directors as well the Danish Film Institute have warned that the growth in television drama drains the Danish film industry of talent, particularly scriptwriters. They maintain that film producers operate on market conditions while particularly DR, funded by a broadcast receiving licence fee, is able to pay better salaries. The television stations are also able to offer longer contracts and more responsibility.