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Abstract

The article presents a quantitative content analysis of the first episode of the 32 Danish drama series produced between 2005 and 2014. Some of these, such as Borgen (2010–2013) and Forbrydelsen (The Killing) (2007–2012), have experienced unprecedented, international success. The article shows that there are systematic differences in terms of formal characteristics, themes and characters’ communicative style between the series that travel and those that do not. The analysis finds that the presence of strong female lead characters is systematically linked to the positive travel patterns of the series and that this cuts across different genres of series.

Keywords

Danish TV The Killing quantitative content analysis television distribution

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Travelling or not? A content analysis mapping Danish television drama from 2005 to 2014

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