This week was finals week and while most people were studying...I was binge watching a show I had been hearing a lot about. What was only supposed to be a small break from studying turned into an 8 episode long marathon, and I must say, I don't regret it. So what is this show that cost me precious studying time? Well, it's called Skam.

Skam, which translates to 'Shame' in english, is a Norwegian tv series that has recently gotten a lot of (well deserved) spotlight. Now, it's not every day that people decide to watch a show in another language. I, for one, hate having to rely on subtitles, but I figured I would try it out. Here's what I learned:

First of all, this show is unique in that every season focuses on the life of a different person. Currently, the show's main character in season 3 is Isak Valtersen. Season 3 has 10 episodes total, with the tenth and final episode released on December 16th. Another way in which it's unique is that there are constant updates. When I say constant, I mean constant. The characters have instagram pages that they update daily, and the show's website either adds screenshots of text messages between the characters or a clip of the episode in the week leading up to the next episode. Now that is a good way to keep the viewers interest.

Another thing I enjoyed about the show is that it's very realistic. Throughout the season, Isak makes offensive comments about things he doesn't quite understand, which I think is realistic. People tend to unintentionally be offensive about some issues.

Because of these comments, we get to see Isak grow and learn with the help of the other characters. Without spoiling anything that happens, I'm going to leave you with a few of my favorite lessons from the show.

“Islam says the same as always - that all people in this world has the same worth and that no person should be spoken of behind this back, be violated, judged, or mocked. So if you hear anybody use religion to legitimize their hate, then don’t listen. Because hate doesn’t come from religion, it comes from fear.” - Sana

"okay, let me tell you something about the people you don’t wanna associate yourself with. About the people who wear tights and mascara and went out and fought for the right to be who they are. It’s people who have chosen to stand through discrimination and hate, that have been beaten up and killed. And that’s not because they really want to be different, but because they’d rather die than pretend to be something they’re not. And that Isak, that takes courage most people don’t understand. And I think that before you go through that yourself, before you stand up for who you are, you should be fucking careful to talk and lift yourself above gay pride." - Eskild

"Why don't you talk to Even about how he feels? He's not brain dead...just because he had a manic episode." -Mangus