Home > About Link TV > News Room > Press Releases > Link TV Premieres Season 2 of BAFTA-Winning Drama Series “BORGEN” Media contact:
Laila Brenner
Link Media, Inc.
(415) 248-3950, ext. 107
lbrenner@linktv.org
Premieres Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET & 9 p.m. PT
Season 2 episodes stream online for two weeks following each broadcast
All episodes of Season 1 streaming online now for a limited time
San Francisco, Calif., May 28, 2012 -- Scheming, backroom deals and gender politics are back on display in the second season of the internationally award-winning drama series BORGEN, which will premiere in the U.S. exclusively on Link TV, on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT this summer starting on June 3. The 10 episodes of the series will also stream on www.LinkTV.org for two weeks following their broadcast dates.
In May of 2012, Borgen was awarded best international series by the British Academy of Film and Theatre Arts (BAFTA), beating ABC's "Modern Family" and AMC's "The Killing 2." Already a hit in the UK on the BBC and in France on ARTE, BORGEN and its main character, Birgitte Nyborg, have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. From the producers of the acclaimed series "The Killing," BORGEN uncovers a world of political gamesmanship, the intricate public and private lives of politicians, media spinners, and the reporters who traffic in their triumphs and failures. The producers of the acclaimed "Friday Night Lights" are developing the adaptation for American audiences on NBC.
In season two, Birgitte Nyborg has been Denmark's prime minister for two years -- years that have taken their toll on her private life. She must now balance her role of PM with that of divorcée and single mother. Politically, she has succeeded in earning the respect of her political allies as well as enemies, but tensions between parties are mounting. Denmark's participation in international wars as well as certain central domestic policy issues are driving a wedge through the parliament and forcing Birgitte to make more and more shaky compromises. The building pressure causes her to doubt whether she can maintain both her position and her integrity.
Season two also finds Katrine Fønsmark working as a star journalist at the Ekspres, where editor-in-chief, Michael Laugesen (Peter Mygind), challenges her journalistic morals and ethics. Katrine finds a friend and professional ally in her former TV1 colleague, Hanne Holm (Benedikte Hansen). Kasper Juul continues his professional role as spin-doctor for Birgitte Nyborg. Privately he is trying to make peace with his inner demons and restrain them from intruding on his relationship with his new girlfriend, Lotte (Rikke Lylloff).
Link TV is also streaming the complete first season of BORGEN online until June 9. More information is available at www.LinkTV.org/Borgen.
Link TV is available on DIRECTV channel 375 and Dish Network channel 9410 and on select cable stations (check local listings).
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10 x 1 hour
Link TV is available on DIRECTV channel 375 and Dish Network channel 9410
and on select cable stations, check local listings
All episodes will stream for free for two weeks following the initial broadcast at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Episode 11: 89,000 Children
Premieres: Sunday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, June 3 - Saturday, June 16 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
A year has passed since we last saw Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg. In the season opener, Birgitte is visiting soldiers stationed in Afghanistan when a deadly strike hits their encampment. Now she must choose: send the troops home or stage a counterattack? Reporter Katrine Fønsmark approaches the father of one of the fallen soldiers for a story, while Kasper Juul juggles his job as the PM's spin-doctor and his new girlfriend.
Episode 12: In Brussels No One Can Hear You Scream
Premieres: Sunday, June 10 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, June 10 - Saturday, June 23 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Birgitte Nyborg must appoint a new EU-commission and her old mentor, Bent Sejrø, is the obvious candidate. Seeing it as a ploy to get rid of him, Sejrø refuses Birgitte's offer, which leads to a power play with serious consequences. Meanwhile, Kasper prepares to move in with his girlfriend, Lotte, but is haunted by his history with Katrine. Katrine and Hanne have grown closer, united by daily battles with their boss at Ekspres: Michael Laugesen.
Episode 13: The Last Worker
Premieres: Sunday, June 17 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, June 17 - Saturday, June 30 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Birgitte's government prepares to present a new reform package, which is being polished at a political seminar. But when party leader Bjørn Marrot comes under a personal media attack, Birgitte senses a rebellion brewing, and the seminar dissolves in chaos. Meanwhile, the tension grows on the homefront where Phillip has a new girlfriend. And Katrine covers the political seminar for Laugesen, but he has his own agenda on the table.
Episode 14: Battle Ready
Premieres: Sunday, June 24 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, June 24 - Saturday, July 7 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
After Bjørn Marrot's exit, Troels Höxenhaven steps in as the new party leader, jumping at the opportunity to exploit the turn of events. When pirates hijack a Danish ship off Somalia's coast, Höxenhaven diverts attention from Birgitte, who badly needs a success story. Meanwhile, compromising photos of Höxenhaven turn up at the Ekspres. Laugesen wants to use them against Höxenhaven, but Katrine is skeptical.
Episode 15: Plant a Tree
Premieres: Sunday, July 1 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, July 1 - Saturday, July 14 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Birgitte Nyborg is about to negotiate the environmental element of the new reform package, but she must face the reality of parties unwilling to compromise. Kasper convinces her that underhanded tactics can help win her a majority for the reform. Meanwhile, Katrine receives an unusual job offer that tests her personal beliefs. And at home, Birgitte's children are clearly affected by their mother's stress; Laura in particular.
Episode 16: Them and Us
Premieres: Sunday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, July 8 - Saturday, July 21 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Just as Birgitte's new government is getting back on track after the Green Party's exit, internal strife erupts among coalition partners. This time it's from the right, as Svend Åge Madsen submits a bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years -- an issue that splits the political system. Meanwhile, Laura is recovering from a panic attack, but Birgitte won't admit to herself that her daughter is ill.
Episode 17: What is Lost Inwardly Must Be Gained Outwardly (Pt. 1)
Premieres: Sunday, July 15 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, July 15 - Saturday, July 28 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Birgitte's government is losing steam -- internal differences are growing and only compromise legislation is being passed. Just as opinion polls indicate Birgitte may lose the next election, financier Joachim Crohne emerges with an idea that could save her political career. But can his motives be trusted? Meanwhile, Kasper and Katrine are growing close again, but their jobs are at odds: Katrine's role is to uncover secrets, while Kasper's is to conceal them.
Episode 18: What is Lost Inwardly Must Be Gained Outwardly (Pt. 2)
Premieres: Sunday, July 22 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, July 22 - Saturday, August 4 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
The eyes of the world are on Copenhagen and Birgitte Nyborg as peace talks draw near between North and South Kharun. Everyone has been working around the clock, and although Kasper is now living with Katrine, they rarely see each other. When Birgitte realizes Denmark is only a small piece in a major international power game, her negotiation skills are put to the test. Can she end the bloody civil war?
Episode 19: The Sanctity of Private Life
Premieres: Sunday, July 29 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, July 29 - Saturday, August 11 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
Laura's illness has worsened over the past few months, and Birgitte now feels terrible about failing to recognize it. When Laura's psychiatrist suggests admitting her to a private psychiatric hospital, Birgitte and Phillip immediately agree. This move becomes problematic when Birgitte's own tax reforms force her to pay out of pocket for the hospital cost. At home, Birgitte and Phillip are rediscovering some of their lost love, despite Philip's continued relationship with Cecilie.
Episode 20: An Extraordinary Remark
Premieres: Sunday, August 5 at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT
Streams free online from: Sunday, August 5 - Saturday, August 18 at LinkTV.org/Borgen
In the season finale, Birgitte is on a month leave from her post as prime minister to focus on family, and Hans-Christian Thorsen, Labor Party chairman, has positioned himself to be her possible successor. Birgitte is torn about whether or not she will return to work. Meanwhile, as Kasper and Katrine hunt for apartments together, their plan is derailed by an argument about the possibility of having children. Will one of them relent?
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