Beartown (TV series)

Beartown (Swedish: Björnstad) is a five-episode 2020 drama series directed by Peter Grönlund. Based on Fredrik Backman's 2016 novel of the same name, the series centres on the fallout of a violent incident between two teenagers in a rural, declining town in Northern Sweden, where hockey is not just a sport but a way of life. The series features an ensemble cast led by Ulf Stenberg, Miriam Ingrid, and Oliver Dufåker.

Filmlance International, best known for co-producing The Bridge (2011–2018), announced they had secured the rights to Backman's novel in 2017. Two years later, HBO Europe reported the series had been greenlit, making it their second Swedish production. Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn produced the series through Filmlance. The story was adapted and written by screenwriters Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson. Hockey experience was a major consideration during casting, with casting director Maggie Widstrand contacting schools and hockey clubs throughout Northern Sweden. Filming primarily took place in Gällivare, Norrbotten County, from February to May 2019 over 72 days. Post-production was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first two episodes of Beartown premiered on 18 October 2020 on HBO Nordic, with the remaining three being released weekly until 8 November. The series also had a North American release via Max on 22 February 2021. Noted for its exploration of toxic masculinity in hockey culture and community complicity, it received generally positive reviews from both Swedish and international critics. Praise was given to the adaptation of Backman's novel, Grönlund's direction, technical portrayal of the sport, and the performances of the cast. The series was nominated for Best TV Drama at Kristallen 2021. Stenberg and Ingrid received Kristallen nominations for Best Lead Actor and Actress, respectively. The series' original score was also recognised; Johan Testad earned a nomination for the HARPA Nordic Film Composer Award.