TV FROM AROUND THE WORLD: "Slow TV" (Norway)

If you have been feeling a bit stressed out over the recent election and the overall political turmoil, then I have the show for you. “Slow TV”, now available on Netflix, is a Norwegian program that certainly lives up to its title -- it’s literally slow TV. The show offers unedited viewing experiences such as the 4-hour long “National Knitting Evening”, 7 hours of “Salmon Fishing”, and, outdoing them all, an 8-hour “Train Ride Bergen to Oslo”. “Seinfeld”, has nothing on “Slow TV”, which really is about nothing.

If you prefer action-packed shows like the new hit “Westworld” or the bloody “The Walking Dead”, then “Slow TV” is not for you. However, if you find life to be a bit too fast-paced at times and struggle to find a little peace, then “Slow TV” is your remedy. I found myself strangely mesmerized by “National Knitting Evening”; there was something oddly satisfying and soothing about a group of Norwegian women calmly explaining how to knit and how they were going to knit a large motorcycle a “sweater” (this actually happens). “National Knitting Evening” and its ilk is also handy to have on in the background while focusing on other simple tasks, such as cleaning my coffee table or paying bills. Since I didn’t have to pay close attention to it the way I would with an episode of “The Walking Dead”, I was able to accomplish all my tasks and be slightly entertained at the same time.

Additionally, I found “Slow TV” helped lull me to sleep (and I mean that in the best way possible). The “Train Ride Bergen to Oslo” was filled with emerald trees and rolling mountains, and the soft rocking of the train relaxed me as though I were on a train myself. After the madness of the recent week and the intense onslaught of news, “Slow TV” was the perfect way for me to meditate and just let go. Here’s a little clip of the “National “Knitting Evening”:

The next “Slow TV” will follow a family as they guide thousands of reindeer through their migration from winter to summer pastures. The entire process takes 5-to-6 days, and “Slow TV” will air every single second of it. That sounds like the perfect way to relax and try to enjoy the holidays!

(Image via YouTube)

- Sarah Osman, YH Contributing Writer