Common Sense Media Review
By Megan Andersen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nudity, rough interactions in single mom's stellar saga.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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Pernille
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
PERNILLE is the story of a middle-aged, single, Norwegian mother (Henriette Steenstrup) who lives with her two teen daughters, her teenage nephew, and who has a close relationship with her father who's just come out as gay to her. Pernille's ex-husband Finn (Jan Gunnar Røise) is a flaky writer who's moved to Copenhagen with his girlfriend and who barely shows up for their daughters. Her sister was killed accidentally six months prior, and Pernille calls her cellphone regularly to hear her voice and leave messages to her about major life events. Pernille (nicknamed Pørni) has a supportive group of girlfriends who help her as she attempts to enter the dating pool. She works in Child and Family Welfare, and while her clients can be bizarre and aggressive, Pernille handles her work, personal life, and motherhood with a heart full of steady love.
Is It Any Good?
For parents of teens who have experienced divorce, the show's realistic depiction of the ups and downs life throws at you is so heart-warming and simultaneously heartbreakingly relatable. Pernille the show is so good, and Pernille the character is imperfect in a multitude of ways but is written and acted with such stunning verisimilitude. (The show was created by the actor who portrays Pernille, Henriette Steenstrup.) Teen viewers may find the daughters' and nephew's storylines relatable as well, as they face complex friendships, grief, divorce, and that slippery balance between wanting to be babied and wanting independence. Viewers should know that episode one does have a naked-from-the-waist-down adult woman which may be more palatable in Europeans shows, but can feel jarring for American audiences. This is a highly bingable show with so many endearing and challenging moments that'll inspire you to search for info on upcoming seasons.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the complexities of each character's storyline. While Pernille is an amazing mother, does she extend the same love to herself? Do you know anyone who is so busy meeting everyone else's needs that their own are neglected?
If you were Pernille, how would you feel about the way her children speak to her? In the series, her ex-husband has moved to Copenhagen with his girlfriend and isn't a reliable father to the girls, but they take all of their aggression out on Pernille. How do you talk to people when you are frustrated?
In Pernille is perfect no one character is all "good" or all "bad" but each tries their best and are willing to learn how to improve. Have there been people in your life that have tried to be "good" but who are complex and flawed in their own ways? What does that mean to you? And does that affect how you conduct yourself?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 15, 2025
- Cast : Henriette Steenstrup , Nils Ole Oftebro , Gunnar Eiriksson
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 13, 2025
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