Borgen (2010)
The landmark Danish political drama that redefined how television portrays power, compromise, and the human cost of leadership.
Borgen - Series Information
- Original Title: Borgen
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Adam Price, Camilla Hammerich
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Danish
- Spoken Languages: Danish
- First Air Date: September 26, 2010 (United States - TV-MA), September 26, 2010 (Germany - 12), September 26, 2010 (Spain - 13), September 26, 2010 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: DR1
- Alternative Titles: Vyriausybė (LT), Правительство (RU), Borgen (US)
- Production Companies: Ingolf Gabold
- Production Countries: Denmark
Borgen - Plot
40-year old political leader Birgitte Nyborg secures her party a landslide victory through her idealism and huge effort, then faces the biggest challenge of her life: how most effectively to use the newly won seats, and how far she is willing to go in order to gain as much influence as possible.
Borgen - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at the world of Danish politics:
Where to Watch Borgen
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Borgen - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Adam Price
- Camilla Hammerich
Main Cast
- Sidse Babett Knudsen
- Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
- Mikael Birkkjær
- Lars Knutzon
- Søren Malling
- Benedikte Hansen
- Emil Poulsen
- Thomas Levin
- Lisbeth Wulff
- Søren Spanning
Writers
- Adam Price
- Jeppe Gjervig Gram
- Tobias Lindholm
- Maja Jul Larsen
- Jannik Tai Mosholt
Executive Producers
- Ingolf Gabold
- Camilla Hammerich
Borgen - FAQs
Where can you stream Borgen online?
Borgen is available to stream on Netflix, including on the Netflix Standard with Ads plan. You can also use JustWatch to compare all available viewing options in your region and find the most convenient platform for watching the series.
Is Borgen based on a true story?
Borgen is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily on the real workings of Danish politics and parliament. Creator Adam Price conducted extensive research with actual politicians and journalists, lending the series a remarkable authenticity that resonated strongly with Danish audiences and political observers worldwide.
Who plays the lead role in Borgen?
Sidse Babett Knudsen plays Birgitte Nyborg, the central character who becomes Denmark's first female prime minister. The ensemble cast also includes Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as journalist Katrine Fønsmark, Pilou Asbæk as spin doctor Kasper Juul, and Søren Malling as TV news editor Torben Friis.
Did Borgen win any major awards?
Borgen earned widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including multiple International Emmy Awards and BAFTA nominations. Sidse Babett Knudsen won the Best Actress award at the International Emmy Awards in 2013. The series is widely regarded as one of the finest political dramas ever produced.
How many seasons and episodes does Borgen have?
Borgen ran for three seasons, comprising 30 episodes in total, with each season containing 10 episodes. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes. The series aired on Danish broadcaster DR1 from 2010 to 2013. A sequel series, Borgen - Power & Glory, was later released in 2022.
Is Borgen worth watching for non-Danish audiences?
Absolutely. Despite its Danish setting, Borgen's themes of political compromise, media influence, and personal sacrifice are universally compelling. Critics worldwide praised its sharp writing, complex characters, and nuanced portrayal of power. It holds an exceptional reputation on Rotten Tomatoes and is frequently listed among the greatest TV dramas ever made.
What is Borgen about?
Borgen follows Birgitte Nyborg, a 40-year-old idealistic politician who unexpectedly becomes Denmark's first female prime minister. The series explores the immense personal and political sacrifices required to hold power, examining coalition politics, media manipulation, and the toll that high office takes on family and personal integrity.
Who created the Danish series Borgen?
Borgen was created by Adam Price and Camilla Hammerich for Danish public broadcaster DR1. The writing team included Jeppe Gjervig Gram and Tobias Lindholm, among others. Executive producers were Ingolf Gabold and Camilla Hammerich. The series is produced by Ingolf Gabold production company.
More About Borgen
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