Better Times

The lives of two fictional families during the historical development of Danmarks Radio television network from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Better Times (2004-2007) is a Danish national-television period drama series created by Stig Thorsboe for DR1. Set in 1950s to 1970s Denmark, it follows two fictional families as Danmarks Radio builds its television network and reshapes everyday life around the new medium. Ida Nørregaard (Anne Louise Hassing) and Erik Nielsen (Ken Vedsegaard) anchor the storylines, alongside Kaj Holger Nielsen (Waage Sandø) and Karin Nielsen (Stina Ekblad) on one side and Palle From (Anders W. Berthelsen) and Børge From (Dick Kaysø) on the other. Their domestic lives, workplace ambitions and private loyalties move in step with the broadcaster's growth, so the drama lands in the quiet frictions of households adjusting to a changing country. The series runs across four seasons and twenty-two hour-long episodes, each built from small family dilemmas set against the institutional rise of public broadcasting. Its tone is wistful and warm, with a grounded, observational style that captures postwar Scandinavian modernity. Viewers who enjoy The Crown, Mad Men or The Wonder Years for their careful period texture and generational family stories will find the same pleasure here, in a Danish register.

• Olsen Gangslow burn family saga across decades of postwar Danish social change
• The Crownperiod drama tracing ordinary families through broad social and technological change in postwar Europe
• Mad Menperiod drama about a family business and generational ties across mid-century social upheaval
• The Wonder Yearsnostalgic period family saga centred on a domestic household in a changing decade

Created by

Stig Thorsboe

Release Date

2004-01-04

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

7.3 / 10 (12)

What is Better Times about?

Two Danish families live through the rise of national public television from the 1950s to the 1970s.

What is Better Times like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Better Times as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as layered.

Is Better Times violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Better Times.

Which shows are like Better Times?

Shows with a similar feel include Olsen Gang, The Crown, Mad Men, and The Wonder Years.

How long is Better Times?

Better Times: 4 seasons, 22 episodes.

Is Better Times still running?

No, Better Times has ended.

Where can I watch Better Times?

In United States, Better Times streams on Viaplay Amazon Channel.