This chapter introduces to the large-scale research project about the international export of Danish television drama: ‘What Makes Danish TV Drama Series Travel?’ (2014-2019). The authors elaborate on the theoretical framework (theories on transnational television drama as well as the Screen Idea System model) that inform this project, before presenting general findings and the theoretical and methodological contributions of the research, in particular the transnational value ecosystem model, the location study model, and the transnational three-leaf clover audience studies model. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the other chapters included in this edited volume, which elaborate on specific aspects of the international success of Danish television drama, from screen idea development and production, to sale, distribution and global reception. Finally, the authors critically discuss the global success of Danish series and consider whether imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
