Beartown (TV series)

Beartown (Swedish: Björnstad) is a five-episode 2020 Swedish drama series directed by Peter Grönlund. Based on Fredrik Backman's 2016 novel of the same name, the story centers on a violent incident between two teenagers in a rural, hockey-obsessed town in Northern Sweden. The series examines the social and ethical fallout from the assault. The novel was adapted for television by Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson. Beartown features an ensemble cast, led by Ulf Stenberg, Miriam Ingrid, and Oliver Dufåker. The first two episodes of Beartown premiered October 18, 2020 on HBO Nordic, with the last three being released weekly until November 8, 2020. The series also had a North American release via Max on February 22, 2021. It received positive reviews from both Swedish and international critics, with praise given to the adaptation of Backman's novel, Grönlund's direction, and the performances of the cast.