18000serien

18000serien is a Nordic documentary television series produced by Arktis Media and broadcast across public broadcasters in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It premiered in 2012 and has since released multiple seasons that examine urban life, housing policy, work patterns, and public space in major Nordic cities. The title signals a long-running, multi-season project, with each cycle building a sustained narrative about social change rather than a conventional standalone documentary.

Format and approach: Each season consists of seven episodes, with runtimes typically between 50 and 60 minutes. The series employs observational cinema techniques, extended interviews, and the use of public records and archival footage. Narration is kept minimal, allowing participants and scenes to drive the story. The program aims for an evidence-based portrait of contemporary urban life and often includes data visualizations to accompany analysis.

Production and distribution: Created by director Lena Johansson and producer Erik Sörensen, the project arises from collaborations among national broadcasters and regional production companies. Filming takes place across several cities, and the program is released on television and streaming platforms with subtitles in multiple languages to reach international audiences.

Reception and impact: Critical reception has been largely positive, with praise for its depth, methodological approach, and attention to marginalized voices. Some critics note slow pacing or a heavy emphasis on policy discourse. The series has been used in academic settings as a case study in urban policy and documentary ethics, and it has influenced a wave of long-form Nordic documentaries.