Description
Series 1: 10x60' Series 2: 8x60' Series 3: 8x45'
Yellow Bird for Viaplay and ARTE
Occupied is a multi-layered political suspense thriller set in a not-so-distant future. Following up on their environmental promises, the Norwegian government halts all oil production sending the country and the rest of the world into crisis. Unable to ignore the calls from the rest of the world to intervene, Russia, at the behest of the EU, stages a 'silk-glove' invasion - to secure the oil for the rest of the world. They have, they say, every intention of retreating once this has been accomplished. But events unfold that threaten to change all of this.
The series examines what happens to a nation under occupation. What happens when life seems to continue as normal and when life on the surface seems unchanged. When everyone gets to keep their lifestyle, all material things and the sense of security - will they rebel? Will they fight?
In the third and final season a new parliamentary election is due, and the campaign reignites old conflicts between the Norwegians. Seeing himself as the liberator of Norway, interim Prime Minister Jesper Berg is confident of winning the election. But the public is divided. Who are the real liberation heroes? How should traitors be treated? How will relations with Russia develop? And has Russia actually withdrawn from Norway?
Awards:
- Winner: New Creators Award – Mannheim-Heidelberg Fest (Season 1)
- Winner: Best Director – Roma Fiction Fest Award (Season 1)
Ratings:
- A ratings winner in every country of broadcast
- TV2 (Norway) – best new drama launch ever, 45% above average across the series
- Ratings for key demographics 15-45’s came in at an impressive 53% share, almost three times the benchmark for this audience.
- Sky Arts (UK) – highest performing drama launch in over 2 years, doubling the channels average
- ARTE (France) – launch 44% above slot average
- Ranked as the #2 highest rating programme in its slot all year for ARTE for 15-34 viewers.
- DR2 (Denmark) and MTV3 (Finland) – audiences significantly above channel averages
Reviews:
"The climate-crisis thriller you should be watching... the most relevant thing on TV right now" Vogue
“Ambitious series. Grand TV entertainment” Aftenposten
“Intuitive, intense natural drama...” Dagsavien
“Will nail you to the couch!” NettavisenFrance
"A powerful thriller raising crucial questions about our democratic ideals" Paris Match
"An ambitious TV series perfectly directed" Le Monde
"An incredible series of anticipation" Le ParisienUK
"Global conflict, bold kidnappings, helicopters in moody northern skies, sexy Scandinavians, yes that works well." The Guardian
"Pacey, intelligent, and made with Borgen-like conviction" The Times
"...the action is explosive" Radio Times