Real Humans (Äkta människor)

Real Humans (Äkta människor) is a Swedish science fiction television series that premiered in 2012, created by Lars Lundström. The show is set in a near-future Sweden where lifelike humanoid robots called "hubots" have become commonplace in society, serving as domestic helpers, caregivers, and workers. The narrative follows multiple interconnected storylines exploring the relationships between humans and robots, examining themes of consciousness, identity, love, exploitation, and what it means to be human.

The series became a critical and commercial success in Sweden and internationally, spawning a Danish remake (Mennesker) and gaining a devoted global fanbase. It ran for two seasons (2012-2014) and was praised for its thoughtful exploration of AI ethics and social integration before such themes became mainstream in popular discourse. The show's influence extended to academic discussions about robot rights, artificial consciousness, and the future of human-robot coexistence.