10 Shocking Revelations From SVT's New 'History Of Sweden' Show: Why The 2023 Documentary Sparked Global Controversy

The most ambitious historical television project in Swedish history, SVT's Historien om Sverige (The Story of Sweden), has captivated and, in some cases, enraged viewers since its premiere in November 2023. This high-budget, ten-part drama-documentary series was designed to be the definitive, modern account of the nation, utilizing the latest archaeological and historical research to tell a story that stretches from the melting ice sheets of the Stone Age to the modern era. The series has successfully brought Sweden's deep past to the forefront of public discussion, making history a central topic of conversation across all media platforms as of December 2025.

The new "history of sweden show" is not the first of its kind—an earlier, popular series also named Sveriges historia aired in 2010–2011—but the 2023 iteration is a massive undertaking by the state broadcaster (SVT), positioning itself as an authoritative and visually spectacular narrative. It has sparked intense debate, particularly concerning its modern, inclusive approach to historical representation, which became a viral talking point and a source of significant controversy both domestically and internationally. This article details the series' scope, its key figures, and the major talking points that have defined its run.

The Definitive Profile of 'Historien om Sverige' (The Story of Sweden)

The 2023 series, known in English as The Story of Sweden, is a landmark production by Sveriges Television (SVT), Sweden's public service broadcaster. It is a massive undertaking, blending dramatic reenactments with expert historical commentary to bring centuries of history to life.

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Series Production and Key Figures:

• Original Title: Historien om Sverige.
• English Title: The Story of Sweden.
• Broadcaster: SVT (Sveriges Television).
• Premiere Date: November 5, 2023.
• Format: Drama-documentary series, consisting of ten 45-minute episodes.
• Narrator: Simon J. Berger, a renowned Swedish actor.
• Historical Basis: The series is explicitly based on the very latest historical and archaeological research, aiming to offer a new perspective and include previously neglected events and people.
• Scope: The narrative spans from the Stone Age (around 14,500 years ago) to the modern day, covering the formation and evolution of the Swedish state.

Key Historical Entities and Periods Covered (Topical Authority):

• The Stone Age: The arrival of the first inhabitants as the ice sheets receded.
• The Bronze Age: A period of high culture and significant trade networks.
• The Viking Age: The era of Norse expansion, raiding, and trade routes.
• The Medieval Period: The Christianization of Sweden and the establishment of the kingdom.
• The Vasa Dynasty: The period of Gustav Vasa and the formation of the modern Swedish state.
• The Swedish Empire (Stormaktstiden): Sweden's time as a major European power in the 17th and early 18th centuries.
• The Age of Liberty: A period of parliamentary rule following the collapse of the Empire.
• The Loss of Finland: The early 19th-century conflicts that led to the loss of Finnish territories.
• Industrialization and Emigration: The social and economic upheaval of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The Welfare State (Folkhemmet): The development of modern Swedish social democracy.
• Modern Era: Sweden's 20th and 21st-century role, including recent events like the decision to join NATO.

The Controversial Casting: Why the Show Divided Sweden

The most significant news surrounding the 2023 documentary is the public backlash it received, particularly following the first episode. The controversy centered on the series' casting choices for the dramatic reenactments, challenging long-held nationalistic perceptions of Swedish history.

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The Core of the Backlash:

The series, committed to a modern and inclusive interpretation of history, featured actors of various ethnicities in roles representing early Swedes, including the Stone Age inhabitants. Specifically, the casting of Black actors in these roles triggered a strong reaction from some segments of the public and media, who argued it was historically inaccurate and an example of "woke" revisionism.

The Historian's Defense:

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In response, historians and the producers defended the casting, emphasizing that the earliest inhabitants of the Scandinavian Peninsula were not homogenous and that migration and gene flow have always been a part of the region's history. They pointed out that DNA research indicates that the first people who arrived in the region were genetically diverse. Furthermore, the defense highlighted that historical evidence shows "foreign mercenaries, traders, [and] random travelers" were present in Sweden throughout different periods, making the presence of non-white individuals entirely plausible and historically documented.

The debate quickly moved beyond historical accuracy into a broader cultural and political discussion about national identity, immigration, and the interpretation of history in the modern Swedish context. The controversy, while polarizing, undoubtedly boosted the series' visibility, making it a major talking point across Europe.

10 Reasons 'The Story of Sweden' is Required Viewing

Beyond the controversy, Historien om Sverige is a monumental work of historical television for several compelling reasons, offering a fresh, in-depth look at a nation often stereotyped only by its Viking past or modern welfare state.

1. Unprecedented Budget and Scale: The series is SVT's biggest history initiative ever, with a massive budget that translates into high-quality dramatic reconstructions and stunning cinematography.
2. Focus on Neglected Eras: It moves beyond the usual focus on kings and wars to explore crucial but often overlooked periods, such as the Bronze Age and the early medieval era.
3. Integration of New Research: The documentary is structured around the latest archaeological findings and genetic research, ensuring the narrative is as current as possible in December 2025.
4. The Stone Age Migration Story: The first episode offers a fascinating look at the very first Swedes, detailing their migration patterns and how they survived the post-glacial environment.
5. The Narrator's Gravitas: Simon J. Berger's narration is lauded for its compelling and engaging delivery, guiding the viewer through complex historical periods.
6. The Swedish Empire's Rise and Fall: It provides a detailed account of the Stormaktstiden, exploring the powerful Vasa dynasty and the military campaigns that defined Sweden as a major European player.
7. The Role of Women and Common People: The series strives to include the stories of ordinary people and women, moving away from a purely male-centric royal history.
8. Understanding Modern Sweden: By tracing the lineage of the welfare state and neutrality from its roots, the series provides essential context for understanding contemporary Swedish society and politics.
9. Visual Immersion: The "drama-documentary" format ensures a high level of visual engagement, making the history accessible and entertaining for a broad audience.
10. The Cultural Impact: The show's ability to trigger a nationwide discussion about identity and history proves its relevance and power as a piece of public-service media.

The Legacy of Sweden's Historical Documentaries

While Historien om Sverige is the current benchmark, it builds on a tradition of ambitious historical programming. The earlier 2010–2011 series, also called Sveriges historia, was a significant production in its time. That series was hosted by television personality Martin Timell and the highly respected history professor Dick Harrison, who also served as the chief editor and co-author of the accompanying book series.

The older series was known for its academic rigor and traditional approach, featuring Harrison's deep dives into specific historical events. However, the 2023 version represents a shift toward a more cinematic, inclusive, and narrative-driven style, reflecting global trends in historical documentary filmmaking. This evolution ensures that the story of Sweden remains fresh, relevant, and continually debated, cementing the role of these documentaries as vital cultural artifacts that shape national self-perception.

The new SVT series is not merely a recounting of facts; it is a powerful statement on who the Swedes are and where they come from. By challenging established narratives and incorporating the latest academic insights, Historien om Sverige has secured its place as the definitive, and most talked-about, history show of its generation, available to stream on SVT Play for audiences within Sweden.