State of Happiness

State of Happiness (Lykkeland) stands as a definitive cinematic record of the 1969 oil boom that transformed Stavanger from a quiet fishing hub into a global energy capital. The series masterfully charted the collision of traditional piety with sudden, immense wealth, humanizing a macro-economic shift through the lives of divers and dreamers. Its cultural footprint is defined by its refusal to simplify history, instead highlighting the complex social changes and the birth of the Norwegian welfare state. By blending historical rigor with intimate drama, it set a high bar for international period pieces. As this chapter of television history concludes, the narrative of Norway’s transformation remains essential viewing. You should set a reminder for future news, as the industry often revisits such rich historical settings.