Borgen

Borgen is a Danish political drama television series that premiered on the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) in 2010. The series centers on Birgitte Nyborg, a fictional politician who becomes Prime Minister of Denmark after negotiating a coalition agreement, and the pressures from party politics, government, and the media that follow.

Over the course of its seasons, Borgen portrays the complexities of governance, the compromises required to maintain a coalition, and the ways that public opinion shapes policy and leadership. It also follows Nyborg's personal life as a public figure balancing family and duty.

The show was produced for DR and aired for three seasons from 2010 to 2013. A fourth season, Borgen: Power & Glory, was released in 2022 as a limited revival on Netflix. The series has been distributed internationally with subtitles and has reached audiences in many countries.

Critically acclaimed, Borgen is praised for its writing, ensemble performances—especially Sidse Knudsen as Nyborg—and its nuanced, often non-heroic portrayal of political life. It has been cited as a landmark in Danish television and helped generate international interest in Danish and Nordic drama.

Themes include the tension between political ideals and pragmatic governance, media scrutiny, gender and leadership, and the ethics of public service. The show is used as an example of realistic political storytelling and has influenced later political dramas worldwide.