On March 10, 2025, Deadline reported that the BBC has acquired “Families Like Ours,” the first television series by Oscar-nominated Danish director Thomas Vinterberg. Set in a near-future Denmark facing evacuation due to rising sea levels, the apocalyptic drama premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024 and has already aired on Scandinavian broadcasters and Canal+. This acquisition underscores the BBC’s commitment to bringing thought-provoking international content to UK audiences, amid fierce competition from streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The BBC has acquired Oscar-nominated director Thomas Vinterberg‘s first TV series.
The corporation has picked up the apocalyptic ‘Families Like Ours’ from Studiocanal https://t.co/Bt1DkLd9iH
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 10, 2025
Vinterberg, best known for films like “Another Round,” which won the 2021 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, brings his signature depth to this project. “Families Like Ours” explores the societal and personal impacts of climate change, a pressing global issue, as Denmark grapples with an existential crisis. The series stars a talented ensemble, including Amaryllis August and Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and was produced by Studiocanal, Vinterberg’s longtime collaborator, which also distributed “Another Round,” featuring Mads Mikkelsen. Vinterberg expressed a “deepfelt connection with the UK,” noting its role in the series, likely referencing his 2015 English-language film “Far from the Madding Crowd” and his admiration for British cinema.
The timing of the BBC’s acquisition is significant. Venice, where the series debuted, faced severe flooding in 2024, mirroring the apocalyptic premise of “Families Like Ours” and amplifying its relevance. The series’ exploration of displacement and survival resonates with growing climate change concerns, particularly for coastal regions like Denmark. Its prior success on Scandi channels and Canal+ signals its international appeal, making it a strategic fit for the BBC, which has recently scored with dramas like “The Night Manager.”
Vinterberg’s transition to television marks a new chapter for the filmmaker, known for his Dogme 95 roots and socially charged narratives. “Families Like Ours” promises to blend his cinematic vision with the expansive storytelling of TV, offering UK viewers a gripping, timely narrative. The series is now poised to captivate audiences, reinforcing the BBC’s reputation for curating impactful global content.
