Jon becomes a farmer, TV series puts Brårud on the map: – People are themselves, and everyone’s kind of weird in the best way
In a surprising turn that’s capturing attention across Norway and beyond, actor Jon Øigarden has traded scripts for soil, stepping into the role of a farmer in the new TV series Landbruk. The show, which premiered recently on NRK, is already making waves—not just for its heartfelt storytelling, but for putting the little rural community of Brårud firmly on the national radar.
Set against the sweeping landscapes of eastern Norway, Landbruk follows Jon’s character as he leaves city life behind to take over a struggling family farm. What unfolds is a quiet, often humorous, and deeply human portrait of rural life—one that avoids clichés and instead leans into the authenticity of everyday moments.
According to Øigarden, the response from viewers has been both touching and unexpected. “People are being themselves,” he said in a recent interview. “And everyone’s just kind of weird in this perfectly normal way. It’s refreshing.”
The series, filmed on location in Brårud, has brought a surge of interest to the area, with locals noting increased recognition from fans and visitors curious to see the real-life backdrop of the show. While the production team kept a low footprint during filming, the impact has been noticeable—local businesses report a uptick in inquiries, and social media buzz around the series continues to grow.
Critics have praised Landbruk for its restrained direction, strong ensemble cast, and its ability to find drama not in spectacle, but in the rhythms of seeding, harvesting, and small-talk over coffee. The show avoids romanticizing farm life, instead presenting it with honesty—complete with early mornings, broken tractors, and the quiet pride of making something grow.
Though rooted in a very specific Norwegian setting, the themes of Landbruk—identity, belonging, and the search for meaning—resonate universally. As Øigarden put it, “It’s not really about farming. It’s about what happens when you slow down enough to listen.”
With its blend of gentle humor and emotional honesty, Landbruk is proving that sometimes, the most compelling stories aren’t the loudest ones—they’re the ones whispered over a fence at dawn.
