Skam

[overtherainbow]

This is a Norwegian show about high school teens in Oslo. There's a gay storyline too. Noora is the main character and her best friend Eskil is openly gay. There also might be a secret relationship between two other characters, named Chris and Isak. At least Noora seems to think so, it hasn't been revealed yet.

Show is available here (probably geo blocked though): 

tv.nrk.no/serie/skam

ETA: I have now seen most of season 1 and season 2. Season 1 actually has a different main character named Eva (she belongs to the same friend group as Noora). The last episode of season 1 ends with Isak telling Eva he has feelings for her. Eva thought it was weird, idk why, but she got suspicious. Maybe a guy talking about feelings wasn't "manly" enough or whatever. Anyway.. all the friends are gathered to see the lighting of the Christmas tree. One of their friends didn't show up and so they want to call her. Apparently all their phones died on them so they had to borrow Isak's phone. They then find out he has been been looking at gay porn. They look at Isak and he's staring at another guy, needless to say that didn't make them any less suspicious. Flash forward to episode 6 of season 2. Noora is in the car with William (her crush/boyfriend/whatever). She catches Isak when he meets up with Chris. She gets suspicious although nothing is shown to indicate he might be gay. Then in episode 7 (this episode is quite funny) Eva and Noora gossip about what Noora saw. Eskil walks into the room and wants to know what they're talking about. They tell him they suspect Isak might be gay. He sees it as a challenge and starts messaging him on Instagram. A little while later Eskil tells Noora and Eva that he talked to Isak but he isn't gay. He never says how he came to that conclusion though. But then Noora and Eva see Isak in the schoolyard signaling Chris. So I guess the matter isn't settled, they're still suspicious and think Isak might be gay and in a relationship with Chris. Sorry this got so long. I don't want to get your hopes up. Truth is Isak may or may not be gay. The show is certainly hinting at him being gay though. Either way the show has an openly gay character, so I wanted to make a thread

PS: the show airs every Friday 11:50 pm on NRK 3. It's after watershed so it's fairly explicit. It shows the characters (straight and gay) having sex. There's not much nudity though.. except for one scene of Eskil getting caught by Noora when he gets a bj from a guy. But yeah.. otherwise there isn't much nudity, but they do imply and talk about sex a lot. For example Noora found a used condom in the trash can.

Pic of Eskil (he's the ginger guy):



Pics from Isak's storyline (he's the guy on the left):

[justinate]

Thanks for bringing this series to our attention. I don't know about anyone else, but it's not geo-blocked for me.

First the good news - the show doesn't shy away from depicting the sexual part of homosexuality. In fact, they go furthest in showing Eskild's hookup in the season 2 opener. He's the only guy to get naked in the series, and it's in the context of a blowjob from another male. Kudos for that.

Unfortunately, the bad news is we don't see much of Eskild or Chris/Isak (if they are indeed a couple). Eskild only appears in every other episode and that too only since season 2; he's not in season 1. And when he does appear he's not a POV character at all, but just supports Noora. It's a pity because the actor seems quite charming and does a lot with what little screen time he gets. And that's before we account for the fact that he's typically naked or half-naked in his scenes.

As for Chris/Isak, there's been almost zero development on that front since they revealed that potential twist at the end of season 1. I thought it had been dropped, to be honest, until they brought it up again in a practically throwaway scene.

The blowjob scene in S2E1 proves the show has no qualms about depicting homosexuality, but it seems like they're simply not interested to. It is ultimately a show about Eva and Noora and their gaggle of girlfriends. Secondary are the girls' love interests, Wilhelm and Jonas. And Chris, Isak and Eskild are basically shoved in to round out the cast.

Well, there are 5 more episodes left this season - we'll see if anything develops.

[overtherainbow]

May 5, 2016 11:26:20 GMT -5 justinate said:

Thanks for bringing this series to our attention. I don't know about anyone else, but it's not geo-blocked for me.

First the good news - the show doesn't shy away from depicting the sexual part of homosexuality. In fact, they go furthest in showing Eskild's hookup in the season 2 opener. He's the only guy to get naked in the series, and it's in the context of a blowjob from another male. Kudos for that.

Unfortunately, the bad news is we don't see much of Eskild or Chris/Isak (if they are indeed a couple). Eskild only appears in every other episode and that too only since season 2; he's not in season 1. And when he does appear he's not a POV character at all, but just supports Noora. It's a pity because the actor seems quite charming and does a lot with what little screen time he gets. And that's before we account for the fact that he's typically naked or half-naked in his scenes.

As for Chris/Isak, there's been almost zero development on that front since they revealed that potential twist at the end of season 1. I thought it had been dropped, to be honest, until they brought it up again in a practically throwaway scene.

The blowjob scene in S2E1 proves the show has no qualms about depicting homosexuality, but it seems like they're simply not interested to. It is ultimately a show about Eva and Noora and their gaggle of girlfriends. Secondary are the girls' love interests, Wilhelm and Jonas. And Chris, Isak and Eskild are basically shoved in to round out the cast.

Well, there are 5 more episodes left this season - we'll see if anything develops.

Honestly.. I don't really know what to think about this. I mean about Isak and Chris. Somehow I think Noora and Eva got it wrong. I don't think they're in a relationship. I think they might be in trouble and that's why there's all this secret signaling. That said, I really don't see how they can explain away Isak watching gay porn (unless of course someone else borrowed his phone and went on to watch gay porn, but I find that unlikely). Of course I can't be sure, I just have a feeling thongs aren't what they look like. I still lean towards Isak being gay, but I don't think he's in a relationship with Chris. But I guess we'll see.

I agree with you about the amount of screen time, but the truth is the girls are the center of attention. The boys get very little screen time. Out of the boys though I'd say Eskild doesn't get that little. He gets the second most after William, who is Noora's love interest, so it's not that bad imo.

ETA: it was like I thought, the "secret relationship" was just them getting into a fight with some other guys. I will be annoyed if they never explain the Isak gay porn thing though. Because they did after all find gay porn on his phone. That doesn't disappear just because it's confirmed he's not in a secret relationship with Chris, lol. I swear if Eskild saying "he's not gay" without saying how he came to that conclusion is the only thing we get from this storyline I'll be so annoyed. There's only a few episodes left of the season. The new episode lasted 40 minutes, yet it was boring, all about Noora and William, ugh. I just hope we get to see more of Eskild and Isak in the episodes that are left, even though I'm not exactly holding my breath. Also, if there'll be a new season I hope we get to see more of them.

[lovethetree]

I know av few of the actors so i might be a bit biased, but my friends and I love this show. Every season they
change the main character, and this might be the reason why we dont get to know more about Isak. They might make a season with him som they wont show too much yet.

[frokes]

This show has 16 year old girls as their main target audience. Myself I'm following this show and have seen quite a few discussions about it. I love that the creators have remembered that representation is important. I think that compared to certain other Norwegian TV series, this show has done a great job on including a variety of topics. I hope they will film more scenes featuring Isak, he is a character who fascinates me, and he has a connection to several of the other characters. I think Eskild is a funny guy, he comes across as annoying at times but I like Eskild and Noora's bickering.

[frokes]

This week the final episode of Skam (for this season) aired. In discussions I've seen, both on Skam's website and on another forum, people are gushing about how nice it is to see Isak in this last episode. People have also discussed about how it seems to be some interaction between Eskild and Isak offscreen, and maybe it will be explored further in season 3.

[overtherainbow]

Jun 5, 2016 8:22:53 GMT -5 frokes said:

This week the final episode of Skam (for this season) aired. In discussions I've seen, both on Skam's website and on another forum, people are gushing about how nice it is to see Isak in this last episode. People have also discussed about how it seems to be some interaction between Eskild and Isak offscreen, and maybe it will be explored further in season 3.

Yeah, I just saw it. I have a feeling Eskild and Isak have been seing each other in secret, hence the sheets Noora found in the basement. I thought it was odd how they greeted each other at the party, it was very awkward, yet they have great chemistry. Last season they found gay porn on Isak's phone. It went nowhere, the "relationship" with Chris was a red herring, it was just about some rivalry with other students (russ), and then there was that one scene with Eskild but he was being very coy when he said he talked to Isak on Instagram, and he wasn't gay. He never said how he found out. I think he's hiding something. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they hooked up, and have hooked up a few times since, either just sex or seeing each other as in they're boyfriends. I think Eskild is keeping it a secret because Isak isn't out. Anyway.. this is just pure speculation of course. Hopefully they'll give them more screen time next season.

[justinate]

It will be interesting to see who will be the main character of next season (is it confirmed there will be another season?)

I'm a bit bemused that the Chris/Isak plot twist that was introduced in the first season finale was not resolved (and indeed barely even touched upon) throughout the entire second season.

I must say that William/Noura are a very good-looking couple so that was some consolation for the lack of gay romance this season after a very promising start (Eskild being interrupted mid-blowjob).

Can someone explain to me what happened to the sleazy Nicholas guy who had sex with drunken/drugged Noora? I couldn't really understand the resolution to that story. Was it date-rape?

[frokes]

Jun 5, 2016 10:46:42 GMT -5 overtherainbow said:

Yeah, I just saw it. I have a feeling Eskild and Isak have been seing each other in secret, hence the sheets Noora found in the basement. I thought it was odd how they greeted each other at the party, it was very awkward, yet they have great chemistry. Last season they found gay porn on Isak's phone. It went nowhere, the "relationship" with Chris was a red herring, it was just about some rivalry with other students (russ), and then there was that one scene with Eskild but he was being very coy when he said he talked to Isak on Instagram, and he wasn't gay. He never said how he found out. I think he's hiding something. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they hooked up, and have hooked up a few times since, either just sex or seeing each other as in they're boyfriends. I think Eskild is keeping it a secret because Isak isn't out. Anyway.. this is just pure speculation of course. Hopefully they'll give them more screen time next season.

Yes, there have been some clues that have been showed that hints to Eskild and Isak having met offscreen. Several people has pointed out that at the party Jonas is wearing a belt which he has borrowed from Isak, and it's the same belt that Noora had spotted in the stack of clothes that she picked up from the basement before the party. Eskild avoided the topic of the clothes and the neighbours' complaints when they talked about the clothes that she had found.

justinate: The guy Nico is William's older brother. Noora went to the apartment that William lives in, because he didn't answer his phone for a while, and Nico was the one who was home. William was at a big gathering for the russ who celebrated, and somehow Noora wasn't aware of that. So Nico gave her wine that was probably containing drugs, and then she blacked out. After this she spoke with a girl who was at the party, who was sleeping in the same bed as her and William. The girl said that Noora had been throwing up and undressing by her own choice and then passed out on the bed. Nico passed out on the bed too, according to her. But Nico managed to take a nude picture of Noora and keep it on his phone - so that's the bad thing that happened.

Many of the elements/topics are used to tell the viewers a little something about what you should do and how you should behave properly. When Nico had a nude picture on his phone, Noora told him he had committed a crime, and exactly which sections in the law stated something about those crimes (nude pictures, serving alcohol to someone under 18). When Noora told her friends that she believed she might have been raped, her friend Vilde told her about the most common advices for someone who's been raped (see a doctor or go to the ER immediately, don't remove evidence by taking a shower). So basically those kind of scenes are adding to a long tradition of TV series for children/young people being educational.

And yes - it has been confirmed that there will be a third season (in Norwegian media). Here's a link: www.nrk.no/kultur/_skam_-skaper-bekrefter-sesong-3-1.12945950 (all in Norwegian). We have also been informed about the fact that the broadcaster had an audition for a new role that will be casted in season 3, they searched for a boy born between 1996 and 1999 (Link: www.aktivioslo.no/audition/skam-soker-gutt-fodt-99-96/).

Some people have also pointed out that Noora faces the camera at the end of the last episode of season 1 and then became the main character of season 2, and another character faced the camera in this final episode of season 2. It was Isak who looked into the camera. Of course this parallel is just based on observations and so far the creators of the show haven't confirmed who will be the main character.

Feel free to ask more questions. Sometimes I tend to ramble, so if anyone wants me to clarify something I'll do that.

[overtherainbow]

I watched the episode again, I missed the last few important scenes the last time.. so typical lol. Anyway, Chris borrowing Isak's clothes doesn't have to mean anything, I mean.. it's cute and everything. I just feel like it's *too obvious* if that makes sense? idk.. I just don't think they are dating, I think Chris is straight. It might be that Isak has a crush on Chris though, his best friend. I think it's more likely that he's having sex with Eskild. Either way I'm positive Isak is gay or at the very least bi (would be awesome to have a bi character!) All of this is based on pure speculation though of course. There's barely enough screen time to even speculate! I guess it's more based on the gut feeling I have. It's interesting that they're casting a new actor. Maybe this actor will be Isak's boyfriend? I guess Isak won't be with Eskild or Chris then, or maybe they'll be part of the story. Either way I'm excited for next season!

ETA: I'm such a fucking idiot. I was just now able to connect the dots. The belt.. it was Isak's. It's official then. Eskild and Isak had sex.

[frokes]

The broadcaster has been trying to promote Skam to buyers from other TV companies outside Norway, but have been receiving varying reactions to the series' content. In this article: www.nrk.no/kultur/utlandet-tor-ikke-satse-pa-_skam_-1.12987009 there is a trailer with English subtitles in it. So far no other TV companies have bought the rights to broadcast this series.

[artique69]

Hope someone can sub it soon =)

[frokes]

artique69: I sent you a PM about subs for this series.

[overtherainbow]

It's sad that they can't sell it. I don't see it as too raunchy though, I get what they are saying about the drinking, it may not be what parents want to see, but teenagers drink whether we like it or not. It's realistic and it's enlightening in that you learn stuff while you watch it. It's basically a psa. I understand some conservative countries thinking it's too risky, but it annoys me that they can't see the value in it. Teaching teenagers about why you should not take nude pics of someone etc. It's important. It's also important to show these things even if it is uncomfortable. Oh well.. maybe it's like they said just ahead of its time.

[lovethetree]

This channel subs the series:http://www.dailymotion.com/all-everything

She/he has already subbed season 2 and 1-6 in season 1

[lovethetree]

NEXT SEASON IS ABOUT ISAK!!

[overtherainbow]

yaaaaas! I'm so happy I was just about to post the article. Here is a link (sorry, it's in Norwegian):
www.vg.no/rampelys/tv/skam/slik-blir-nye-skam/a/23726234/

The promo for season 3 looks very... interesting
skam.p3.no/

[frokes]

I'm happy too!

On June 18th it was announced who it was that passed the entrance examination for the bachelor program in acting at the drama school at Oslo National Academy of the Arts - the actor who plays Eskild (Carl Martin Eggesbø) and the actress who plays Chris (the girl) (Ina Svenningdal) are two of eight students who will begin the studies this autumn. Here is the link to the announcement's content: www.tv2.no/a/8396941/.

No one knows yet how this will be solved with participating in Skam - but what we do know is that Eskild has a part in Isak's storyline.

[justinate]

Although this was already speculated on here it's still fantastic to get confirmation that the new season will focus on Isak. I'm not able to view the trailer on my phone - can someone describe what it's about? And is there any premiere date for season 3? I really hope Carl Martin can fit filming Skam into his schedule; I waited all of season 2 for Eskild to be featured more and now that it looks like it could finally happen, it would be a shame if his role is reduced or recast.

[frokes]

justinate: It's a wardrobe scene - with Chris (the boy), William, Jonas, and other boys having a water fight. Isak sits on a bench in the wardrobe and is not participating in the water fight. Then Jonas throws a small carton of milk towards the lockers, it splatters on Isak's face. The splatter of milk is shown in a slower motion. Then it says "ISAK" in white letters, and then "autumn 2016". So I'd say that they would try to follow the autumn term and that probably they'll start airing it in September. They also aired the first episode of season 1 in September last year.

[overtherainbow]

New article, turns out the "new guy" is not actually in the new season, he was just in the promo

www.vg.no/rampelys/skam/lurte-alle-med-ny-skam-kjekkas/a/23727324/

[dmagiclight]

nice I can binge watch

[overtherainbow]

I knew there would be a reaction to the trailer. I just didn't think it would be about this. On the positive side; people don't have any problem with the gay theme. What they do have a problem with is showing guys with perfect bodies, they say it could cause pressure to look perfect, eating disorders, working out more etc. Glad NRK said they don't think that's the case though, and that Skam represents all kinds of teenagers.

New article (in Norwegian): www.vg.no/rampelys/tv/skam/skam-beskyldes-for-kroppspress/a/23728518/

[justinate]

Any news of a release date? I'm looking forward to it but the whole 'scandal' about the trailer gives me pause ...

Talk about manufactured controversies. Now working out is something to be discouraged? Why not regulate a maximum number of hours an individual is permitted to spend at the gym? Better yet, they should just mandate physically fit people to wear baggy, shapeless clothes and paper bags over their heads. This is taking sensitivity to ridiculous lengths.

My fear is that it will compel the show to keep the guys clothed in the new season and inevitably rob us of physical intimacy between the guys in the way Noura and William were depicted last season.

[lovethetree]

The date will be released one week before it airs (im not sure, but last season they released the date the 22nd of February and aired the 29th)

The scandal bit about the trailer lasted for about a week, and I kind of understand why it blew up. all the girls have different representation in skam while nearly all the boys are goodlooking, but the wardrobe scene was obviously about Isaks attraction to boys and well seems like he is attracted to fit handsome boys so...