Netflix’s ‘Norsemen’ is a Raunchy and Dumb Historical Delight

Even the worst of the worst people feel self-conscious every once in a while. That’s the driving force behind one of the funniest international gems on Netflix, Norsemen. It turns out that ruthlessly pillaging thousands of innocent people in the 790s comes with its own minor aggravations, and things are even more ridiculous in Season 2.

Created by Jon Iver Helgaker and Jonas Torgersen, Norsemen (also known as Vikingane or The Vikings) became one of Norway’s most popular original comedies when it first premiered. In a country of a little over five million, the first season averaged more that one million viewers. But it’s not to hard to see why Norsemen would be so popular. The black comedy is essentially what would happen if The Office met Game of Thrones, and the resulting genre parody is one of the most ridiculous shows on Netflix.

Norsemen doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of history. Rather, it indulges in them. There are several references to rape and intense mutilation that are presented in an almost gleeful tone, highlighting just how commonly these atrocities occurred during this time. But the shallow and self-absorbed characters committing these crimes makes the resulting series morbidly brilliant.

One of the best examples of Norsemen’s unique ability to transform human terror into relatable comedy happens in the first episode of Season 2. At one point two different Viking parties return to Norway with their newly-acquired slaves in tow. Almost immediately the Viking warrior Torstein Hund (Bjørn Myrene) becomes self-conscious of his slaves. Whereas his rivals’ human loot embodies the perfect human form, many of his slaves are missing limbs and are constantly surrounded by flies. Trying to save face, he says, “We’re actually very thrilled that we have defective slaves.”

That’s an objectively horrible and wrong thing to say, and that’s the perverse charm of Norsemen. This is a show about some of the most brutal and bloodthirsty warriors in all of history. And yet their story is presented in way that so clearly reflects the petty insecurities of human nature, it becomes funny instead of horrifying.

Much of history is filled with irredeemably dark moments. But by infusing this story about Vikings with a dry wit that would give British comedies a run for their money, Norsemen transforms that darkness into something we can all bitterly laugh at. It’s another antihero bro comedy but about ancient warriors. If you’re in the mood for something raunchy, cringe-worthy, and above all else silly, give Norsemen a try. With only two seasons each containing six episodes, it’s an easy binge watch that’s sure to leave you laughing.

Watch Norsemen on Netflix