Watch Home Ground

Home Ground is a Norwegian drama television series that revolves around soccer and the struggles of a newly-appointed female coach. Originally aired in 2018, the show is now available worldwide on PBS Masterpiece. The series is set in a small, picturesque town called Ulsteinvik in western Norway. Ulsteinvik is known for two things: being home to the fictional football club Varg, and for its stunning natural beauty. It is in this delightful setting that we are introduced to our protagonist, Helena Mikkelsen (played by Ane Dahl Torp).

Helena is a former national team footballer who is tasked with coaching Varg. She is known for her excellent performance on the field and is admired by many. However, when she takes up the role of coach, she is met with resistance from some of the players and fans who are skeptical about her ability to lead the team.

Varg is a struggling team that has been hovering around the bottom of the league table for a while. Helena is determined to turn things around and has to work hard to earn the trust of her players. She has to contend with the language barrier, as she speaks Norwegian and most of the players are immigrants who struggle with the language. But she is not one to shy away from a challenge and pushes through with determination and grit.

Throughout the series, we see Helena grappling with personal and professional issues as she tries to balance her work and home life. She is a single mom to her teenage daughter and has to juggle her coaching duties with her parental responsibilities. Her daughter, who is initially unhappy with their move to Ulsteinvik, eventually warms up to the town and its people.

The show also delves into the lives of the different players on the team. One of the central characters is Mats (played by John Carew), the team's captain, who is struggling with injuries and is at a crossroads in his career. We see him grapple with the decision to retire or continue playing, and how Helena's appointment as coach impacts his decision.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, and we get to see the various complexities of their lives. From immigration issues to marital problems, the show does not shy away from tackling difficult topics that affect the lives of everyday people.

One of the elements that stand out in this series is its depiction of the breathtaking Scandinavian landscapes. The stunning fjords and snow-capped mountains provide the perfect backdrop to the show's dramas. The camera work is brilliant, and the show's creators have managed to capture the beauty of the region in all its glory.

Home Ground is a well-crafted drama that combines compelling storylines with outstanding acting and exceptional cinematography. It is a must-watch for soccer fans and lovers of drama alike. The show engages the audience from the very first episode and keeps them hooked until the final minute of the season finale.

Overall, Home Ground is a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of soccer and the human stories behind it. It is a refreshing take on the sports drama genre and deserves all the accolades it has received. It is a show that will stay with you long after you have finished watching it.