Fans of The Crown weren’t too pleased to discover the Netflix hit show won’t be back until next year – but luckily, there’s another royal series on the horizon.
A new Norwegian drama is grabbing the attention of fairytale lovers everywhere – and it’s easy to see why. Atlantic Crossing has been hailed as Scandinavia’s answer to The Crown, offering viewers a fascinating insight into the world of Norway's royal family during World War II.
The eight-part series, which first hit European screens in December, dramatizes the reign of Crown Princess Märtha, played by Sofia Helin, in the wake of the Nazis’ occupation of her country in 1940. With her three children in tow, the monarch flees to the United States, where she and her young family are immediately granted refuge in the White House by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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The series explores Princess Märtha’s pursuit to govern her endangered country from the other side of the world, focusing on her complex relationship with the U.S. president as she attempts to involve him in her mission. It’s not all hard business though. Märtha’s dealings with Roosevelt are laced with romantic tension, prompting the suspicions of the president’s staff, advisors, and of course – his wife.
With its perfect mix of political events and salacious drama, Atlantic Crossing is brewing with all the ingredients that The Crown fans have come to expect from royal entertainment. And just like the Netflix series, it also blends fiction with reality, promising viewers an authentic portrayal of the time period whilst gently deviating from historical accuracies.
"We labeled this show, 'inspired by true events,’” explained Alexander Eik, the series creator and writer. “But the overall story of Atlantic Crossing is true: That Crown Princess Märtha had more access to President Roosevelt than any other person, [save] for his advisers, up until his death, and that she made a significant effort to help Norway during the war.”
Atlantic Crossing will premiere for American audiences on PBS on April 4. A UK release date has not yet been announced, but we’re pretty confident we won’t have too long to wait.
