First two episodes gives any reality cop series a serious run for its money. It took me about 300 sec before I did realize its not a documentary. I am a bit thick but stoked! World class. Give it a chance and you're in for a treat.
37 Reviews
Probably the best Nordic series for quite a while
hausted-6933618 January 2023
Important issues of modern society is delicately balanced on a thin blue line and what we thought was good is actually not ok and sometimes bad is not so bad after all.
In the centre of it all are people from all walks of life. Malmö (where the Thin Blue Line is shot) is by modern standards a multicultural society which on top, and quite surprisingly for especially swedes, has the European record for deaths inflicted by guns. 60 deaths in 2022 and the numbers go up from year the year.
The serious issues at hand for the police in Sweden made this show both important and extremely hard to do properly and good. Writers have themselves walked a thin blue line and the result is absolutely amazing. Even on delicate matters, we learn that police is necessary and dangerous, but above it all they are only humans. Nobody's perfect.
In S2E5 for instance - all the police officers are gathered to discuss race profiling. Although many of them are close friends and from many different backgrounds - and wearing the same uniform, they must shamefully admit that race is an issue even for them and there are only 20 officers in the room. In S2E6 writers try to guess exactly what Christianity is in an extremely modern and efficient society like the Swedish. The result is rather touching and so are the characters. The show captures so many important aspects of 'samhälle' (togetherness) - the Swedish term for society - in the framework of a medium sized town's police department - no matter whether you're Khalid, poor, old, black, Christian or just down on your luck.
In the centre of it all are people from all walks of life. Malmö (where the Thin Blue Line is shot) is by modern standards a multicultural society which on top, and quite surprisingly for especially swedes, has the European record for deaths inflicted by guns. 60 deaths in 2022 and the numbers go up from year the year.
The serious issues at hand for the police in Sweden made this show both important and extremely hard to do properly and good. Writers have themselves walked a thin blue line and the result is absolutely amazing. Even on delicate matters, we learn that police is necessary and dangerous, but above it all they are only humans. Nobody's perfect.
In S2E5 for instance - all the police officers are gathered to discuss race profiling. Although many of them are close friends and from many different backgrounds - and wearing the same uniform, they must shamefully admit that race is an issue even for them and there are only 20 officers in the room. In S2E6 writers try to guess exactly what Christianity is in an extremely modern and efficient society like the Swedish. The result is rather touching and so are the characters. The show captures so many important aspects of 'samhälle' (togetherness) - the Swedish term for society - in the framework of a medium sized town's police department - no matter whether you're Khalid, poor, old, black, Christian or just down on your luck.
Painfully realistic
henrik-gerdin30 March 2021
The only reason I don't rate this 10 is because it is excruciating to watch, being so painfully realistic. It doesn't follow the traditional cop shows where one or more cases are followed from start to finish. It instead tells the story of the persons in the uniforms, humanizing them, in their daily life as regular "street" police officers. They don't get to crack the big cases, instead they only see misery and darkness.
Excellent acting in believable characters, in combination with the realistic script, makes this one of the best shows in the genre. But don't expect snappy comments, shootouts or high speed car chases. It's a drama, not an action or thriller.
If nothing else, watch it to get a better understanding of what police officers have to deal with on a daily basis.
Excellent acting in believable characters, in combination with the realistic script, makes this one of the best shows in the genre. But don't expect snappy comments, shootouts or high speed car chases. It's a drama, not an action or thriller.
If nothing else, watch it to get a better understanding of what police officers have to deal with on a daily basis.
A show about people - who work as police
torbjorn19811 February 2021
Tunna blå linjen doesn't concern itself with the practical mechanics of the police profession, but rather turns its focus on the social and psychological aspects of being police.
The show respects the viewers' intelligence and portrays people, events and problems as multifaceted and complex. The characters are well casted, well acted and most importantly incredibly well written, and they feel like real living, breathing and thinking people.
Editing, casting, cinematography, sound design, music and acting are competently handled, but the writing is where this show really shines. The exposition of backstory and characters' traits are so completely woven into the flow of the narrative that it's invisible. It's a very competently crafted script.
The show is shot on location in Malmö, in the actual streets it portrays.The city isn't a prop or lifeless backdrop, it's the core of the series. It colors everything, from how the characters speak, what they speak about to what they do. This show is about Malmö (albeit a somewhat fictionalized version) as much as it's about the characters that live there.
All in all a show that with empathy and intelligence crafts a compelling story of people in Malmö who happens to work as police. It's just great.
The show is shot on location in Malmö, in the actual streets it portrays.The city isn't a prop or lifeless backdrop, it's the core of the series. It colors everything, from how the characters speak, what they speak about to what they do. This show is about Malmö (albeit a somewhat fictionalized version) as much as it's about the characters that live there.
All in all a show that with empathy and intelligence crafts a compelling story of people in Malmö who happens to work as police. It's just great.
Intimate down to the bone
jjavelin-9532221 February 2021
It´s difficult to rewrite this higly explored genre into a new fresh way but this is totally unique in it´s kind. The language is in Swedish, but I highly recommend this show for the non speaking swedish viewers. Not any police show has ever had this close to reality feel as this one has.
The shooting is close to documentary and the story is about the daily struggles of the local police force in Malmoe. Highly addictive and you never want the story to have an end. The narrative is invincible but the caracters grow into your bare skin.
It´s a must to have seen this show if youre into reality based storys and it totally changes your view on day to day police work. So very human and warm.
The shooting is close to documentary and the story is about the daily struggles of the local police force in Malmoe. Highly addictive and you never want the story to have an end. The narrative is invincible but the caracters grow into your bare skin.
It´s a must to have seen this show if youre into reality based storys and it totally changes your view on day to day police work. So very human and warm.
Scandinavian "The Wire"
jtukko7 February 2021
As a former big city paramedic I can say this is spot on or at least very close to it. Of course this is still just a police series, but it's (unfortunately) very realistic.
I give it 10 after 3 episodes because it's well made, realistic and it's something new in Scandinavian police series. «Jakta på ein morder» was little bit better but not same style. Its more «true crime» so I wouldn't compare these to.
Brilliant
andrew-knight22107 February 2021
Wow
werhub-0248712 February 2021
I laughed, I cried, I want another season soon please!
ttmaree25 October 2021
Brilliant, just absolutely brilliant - so realistic it takes you on a journey that you really want to escape from sometimes, lucky for us we can switch it off, the real police can't. No wonder they end up with so much PTSD, this programme truly shows the crap they put up with and that sometimes they fall down with the pain of it all. The best TV I've watched in ages, the characters are believable, the storylines are breathtakingly realistic, I can't wait for the next season.
Really good
gallagherkellie25 November 2021
Halfway through episode one I was thinking about stopping, but by the end of the episode I was hooked and I've now binged 5 episodes. The acting is great, the stories are gritty and very realistic. It's sad at times and makes you realise just how hard of a job being a police officer is and how underpaid they are. Can't wait to finish the season. The only negative thing is the episode are a little too long...50 minutes is pretty normal but these episodes are a whole hour.
Absolutely Perfect.
shenzencowboy9 October 2021
This is one of the best television dramas I've seen in a long time. It has a stunning ensemble cast who you instantly like and care for deeply. Gizem Erdogan as Leah is a stand out with a performance which moved me deeply. Per Larson as Jesse is excellent. All the cast are wonderful.
It makes you realise what an impossible task police have being placed in incredibly difficult situations. I agree with some of the comparisons with Hill Street Blues where Jesse tells them to be careful prior to them heading out for the mission for the day.
It shows difficult problems such as right wing extremism and successfully integrating refugees into Swedish society.
They use some novel techniques such as when police are called out to a situation social media messages come up on screen with some very anti police and a few supporting them.
The show takes you inside the difficult personal and family relationships of the police and shows what a difficult job it must be for maintaining family life.
I was glued to every episode and highly recommend it. I am really hoping a second series will arrive at some stage.
It makes you realise what an impossible task police have being placed in incredibly difficult situations. I agree with some of the comparisons with Hill Street Blues where Jesse tells them to be careful prior to them heading out for the mission for the day.
It shows difficult problems such as right wing extremism and successfully integrating refugees into Swedish society.
They use some novel techniques such as when police are called out to a situation social media messages come up on screen with some very anti police and a few supporting them.
The show takes you inside the difficult personal and family relationships of the police and shows what a difficult job it must be for maintaining family life.
I was glued to every episode and highly recommend it. I am really hoping a second series will arrive at some stage.
Excellent, except for the camera work
gdump19 February 2022
I like this show a lot and would happily rate it an 8. The problem is that it is shot with a hand-held camera. That in itself isn't a problem, but not using some form of image stabilization is unforgivable and costs it 2 stars in my rating. The close-up shots are so shaky that I often have to pause the video to keep from becoming nauseated.
Really bad drama
per-akewilhelmsson7 March 2021
Everybody seems to praise this production. But I think it's one of the worst I've ever seen. I understand that it is fiction but it is an obvious attempt to reflect a policeman's everyday life and a societal problem. But they miss the goal outrageously badly. The anchoring of reality is lousy and the people and the problems that are portrayed simply do not exist. No one functions in the way that is reflected in the series.
Some scenes are really bad. For example, the scenes that are supposed to represent riots. The sound is lousy and it is not possible to see the series without Swedish subtitles because then you miss big pieces that are mumbled out or performed in incomprehensible dialect. It is strange that it is possible to perceive everything that is said in English-language films - even though English is not my mother tongue - but in Swedish film productions it is always this problem.
I can not remember seeing any series before where I have been so constantly annoyed as when I watch this production. I have one episode left to watch but I do not expect this last episode to be better than the first nine.
Some scenes are really bad. For example, the scenes that are supposed to represent riots. The sound is lousy and it is not possible to see the series without Swedish subtitles because then you miss big pieces that are mumbled out or performed in incomprehensible dialect. It is strange that it is possible to perceive everything that is said in English-language films - even though English is not my mother tongue - but in Swedish film productions it is always this problem.
I can not remember seeing any series before where I have been so constantly annoyed as when I watch this production. I have one episode left to watch but I do not expect this last episode to be better than the first nine.
The best Swedish series in all times
Likeafrisbee18 July 2021
Best series on police I've ever seen
yech5625 March 2023
Have seen both seasons of this series and am quite impressed. They really show some of the day to day challenges of being a police officer while also making the characters out to be ordinary humans who make mistakes and can be heroic and professional. After getting to know them, you really have empathy for them even when they sometimes are not at their best. While this takes place in Sweden, you will see they deal with the same issues that any city police force has to. They kind of put an emphasis on how social media is influencing their self perception and I wonder if that is the case in police forces and they got a little too into their personal romances in the second half of the first season but I also found the second season to be well balanced between their personal lives and the pressures of their jobs. But, you will have a jaw dropping end of the second season. Recommended if you like police stories.
Hill street blues, Malmö edition
paypal-574997 March 2021
I was stuck in front of the TV when Hill street blues was aired. Tunna blå linjen is in some way similar. Some of the characters are likeable, some not so much, just as in everyday life. The police action looks very credible and is very educational, for instance one learn that there is always a reaction on the action. Highly recommended.
Great season 1, disappointing season 2
JinJin-547538 November 2022
Season 1 - 10/10. Sincere and real, full of empathy and it literally gives hope in the dark. Outstanding soundtrack!
Season 2 - 5/10. I regret that I watched it. The message of the season 2 has nothing in common with the message of season 1. The script and sometimes even acting made me disappointed. Sometimes I just did not believe in what I saw, and this is not what I expected from this series. Also, it seems that in the second season the script writers and directors enjoy playing with the audience's feelings. But they do it in a very rude and stupid way. The second season made me feel really bad. And I am sorry that I had to write this kind of review, as the first season impressed me very much.
Season 2 - 5/10. I regret that I watched it. The message of the season 2 has nothing in common with the message of season 1. The script and sometimes even acting made me disappointed. Sometimes I just did not believe in what I saw, and this is not what I expected from this series. Also, it seems that in the second season the script writers and directors enjoy playing with the audience's feelings. But they do it in a very rude and stupid way. The second season made me feel really bad. And I am sorry that I had to write this kind of review, as the first season impressed me very much.
Very well done
henrik-29328 February 2021
Polisdrama med bra skådespel
william-eugensson8 April 2021
Dessa människor behöver lärs sig att kommunicera med andra människor...mycket sv dramat baseras på att de inte talar med varandra...
Generellt är det en ganska bra serie med bra skådespeleri för det mesta. De överanvänder soundtracket lite mycket och det blir lite väl mycket slow motion ibland. Men det är gripande och väl värt att kolla på.
Superb Svensk
chrisbishop-3541113 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
All behind Tunna blå linjen have done a superb job. As an Australian with a Danish wife, I lean towards anything Scandinavian film/tv. We watched this with Danish subtext (I speak it) and was amazed at the quality. I have never seen such well rounded, interesting and complex characters presented with such apparently minimal film time. The characters are deep and you really feel empathy, even if you might not agree with the characters view and actions. I had become so connected that I was really shocked at Leah's demise, and feel as though that has left a deep hole- which it wont. Well done all.
Good fun
zathan-3284829 January 2021
This is quite amusing. The series brings out the stupidity of politicians bringing out grafitti walls and growth houses to battle imigrantcrime: this series is not very P.C and thats why its so ggod fun... Here you have crazy nigerans and helpless police
More like the Brown streak in the toilet
PeteDAHeat18 March 2021
Truly captivating!
tildiz14928 October 2023
In "Thin Blue Line" we are introduced to the police force in Malmö, Sweden. They have a very challenging work. And yes, you can see and feel it here if you ask me. For example, they have to deal with violence, stress, prejudice, misunderstandings and threats. And on top of all that they have personal issues with both family members and romantic relationships.
My favorite character in this TV series is Sara. For example, I´m also a Christian and I can also be very slightly naive sometimes. But I don´t have Sara´s quite problematic love life or somewhat strained family relationships.
I think that "Thin Blue Line" is truly captivating! Without one tragic scene in season 2, I would have given this TV series 10 stars. I really want a third season of "Thin Blue Line". In my opinion, there is a lot more stories that can be told in a potential third season. So yes, I can recommend "Thin Blue Line" to everyone who is 18 years old or older.
My favorite character in this TV series is Sara. For example, I´m also a Christian and I can also be very slightly naive sometimes. But I don´t have Sara´s quite problematic love life or somewhat strained family relationships.
I think that "Thin Blue Line" is truly captivating! Without one tragic scene in season 2, I would have given this TV series 10 stars. I really want a third season of "Thin Blue Line". In my opinion, there is a lot more stories that can be told in a potential third season. So yes, I can recommend "Thin Blue Line" to everyone who is 18 years old or older.
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