SKAM generated massive popularity in Norway, where it had over 900,000 viewers each week (one-fifth of Norway’s population), as well as around the globe. Despite never having an official English translation, the series amassed a large English audience, and even won an E!Online (a popular U.S. entertainment news network) March 2017 poll despite the other contestants being from American media. When the original SKAM was still airing, it became so popular among international fans that a geoblock had to be placed on the official SKAM website where the episodes were posted. This was because the website would actually crash when a new episode was posted because of the heavy online traffic.
Here is a map showing the global demand for SKAM from March to May 2018:
During this time period, popularity was high in countries all around the world. As shown on the map, the numbers for Norway were similar to those in the United States and Brazil, demonstrating that this series’ popularity was not exclusive to Norway. Another country with high demand for SKAM was Russia, which will be discussed more in-depth later on. This global success is proof of the cultural exchange of information that networked audiences facilitate, as seen by the community formed around fans translating SKAM and its remakes.
SKAM has been recognized in Norway for the impact that it has made. Interest in the series makes fans want to learn more Norwegian culture in order to better understand the series’ plotlines and characters, and in 2016, SKAM was given the Nordic Language Award for getting Nordic youth engaged in the Norwegian language and culture. Additionally, SKAM was given the Peer Gynt Award in 2017, which is an award voted on by the Norwegian Parliament for portraying Norway in a positive light abroad.
There was even a tour in Oslo, Norway that showed tourists significant locations in SKAM.
