Watch Boy Machine

Boy Machine is a Swedish production broadcasted on FLX in 2015 that brings together a combination of comedy and pop that leaves the viewer entertained and amused. The sitcom is written by Per Gavatin and directed by Alain Darborg, an accomplished director responsible for notable works like "The Unthinkable" and "Alex".

The show revolves around four middle-aged men trying to revive their successful boy band called 'Boy Machine'. Once regarded as a sensation of the 90y’s pop music scene and idolized like modern-day Beatles, the members have since parted ways living drastically different lives. Embarking on a journey filled with nostalgia, ambition, and a love for music, the middle-aged band members reignite their dreams of fame and glory to return to the pop music world after a fifteen-year hiatus.

'Mange', played by talented Henrik Dorsin, is the lead singer of the band. Once a heartthrob of the masses due to his success with Boy Machine, Mange has now found himself in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Strob, played by David Wiberg, was adored as the innocent charm of the group who played the keyboards. However, he is now an unemployed father and husband. Peder, portrayed by Peter Magnusson, was the bad boy of the group. His strong vocals and rebellious nature won him many fans. But Peder is now a successful businessman who has somewhat lost his touch with music. Felix Herngren plays the role of Torkel, the calculative producer behind the band’s success, who now works as a car salesman.

Though the four characters are battling their personal circumstances, they unite to recreate the musical magic they were known for two decades ago. The narrative of Boy Machine makes an interesting blend of giddying highs and frustrating lows as the characters realize that creating music isn’t the same as it used to be. From Mange fighting his fears of performing again to Stobb battling with the role of a father and a husband, Peder learning to become more than just a businessman, and Torkel struggling to manage the band - the show gives an intriguing glimpse into the life of a pop band.

Boy Machine is filled with humor, music, friendship, rivalry, and nostalgia. It’s a delightful portal to the 1990s where one can witness the magic of boy bands, their music, and their struggles. Several musical performances throughout the show add aesthetic and entertainment value to it.

Every episode in this eight-part series features the quirky band’s journey towards redemption in the music industry while dealing with their personal lives. The series doesn't shy away from featuring the band's challenges -- they struggle with songwriting, choreography, wardrobes, slides in popularity, differences of opinions, ego clashes, and ageism in the pop-music industry.

The series successfully captures the contrast between the artificially perfect world of pop stars and the harsh realities of life using humor and poignancy. Every character is sketched with keen detail and the actors have done justice to their roles.

The soundtrack of the series covered everything from 90’s pop music to modern beats and served as a nostalgic ride through sound. Whether or not you come from the era of boy bands, you'll find yourself tapping your feet to the catchy tunes.

The series is shot and visually presented in an attractive way. One can almost smell the fake tan, and hear the shrill of screaming fans. The show does a good job of capturing the mood and vibe of the pop scene. The dramatic moments in the show are handled with sincerity and the emotional depth of characters is pretty impressive.

Boy Machine is an enjoyable sitcom that explores ambition, the trials of fame, and the classic struggle of ‘artists versus industry’. It’s relatable not just to those who’ve been or been around musicians, but also to anyone who has dared to dream, only to find life had different plans.

It is recommended for viewers who enjoy comedies interspersed with great music, relatable characters, and compelling storytelling. The series is delivered in Swedish language and offers English subtitles for the worldwide audience. The charm and uniqueness of Boy Machine lies in its originality and its ability to represent the life of some of the most popular figures in music, mired in everyday situations. It gives the viewer a chance to see the human side of popstars while enjoying a box of laughter and music.