“Chaos” – TV Series Review

The Danish dramedy ”Chaos” (originally “Kaos”) offers a change of pace from the murder and crime fare I’ve been mainly covering. The title refers to a few elements of upheaval in the lives of spouses Lise (Katrine Greis-Rosenthal) and Martin (Hadi Ka-Koush). They’ve been hosting a popular morning TV talk show for a decade. But new management wants a younger demographic and gives their show the axe. Lise wheedles the incoming boss into granting them a month to generate a big upswing in total viewers, with emphasis on a high percentage of those treasured 18 – 24 year-old eyeballs.

The setup seems perfect for a satire on the TV industry, how decisions are made and how they affect everyone involved on both sides of the screen. But they don’t keep primary focus there. Lise’s desperate scramble for new ideas to reach those market-share goals is enmeshed with parental issues and marital discord, including the temptation of a potential new lover. The dark humor of the lengths they go to in trying to meet the deadline is unfortunately diluted by melodrama – some of which makes little sense, in context.

Lise is ambitious and zealous in trying new ideas that might preserve her turf, but not the virago of other TV personalities like Nicole Kidman’s deceptively devious character in 1995’s TO DIE FOR. 

Katrine’s performance is admirable, considering the multiple facets of a persona she has to portray. The proceedings are boosted by several supporting players – notably Silje Havmoller Schmidt as Sarah, her  bright, loyal intern;  and Andreas Jebro’s increasingly panicked turn as the show’s producer, Mads. The plot provides a basis for many fine visuals and good use of some lovely exterior settings.

Regular readers know of my distaste for cliffhangers. These eight half-hour episodes end with some degree of closure, but dangle a big question for a possible second season. Since it aired in Denmark only last year, that’s a possibility. I was engaged enough to be curious about if and how the story continues.

CHAOS, in Danish with English subtitles, debuts streaming on Viaplay on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

RATING: 2 out of 4 stars