Which TV Series Do Swedish People Watch?

Swedish television viewers are quite diverse, with preferences ranging from popular Netflix series to traditional television formats like game shows. One of the most popular shows among Swedes is currently The Three-Body Problem, a science fiction series adapted from a famous novel that captures the imagination of many viewers.

Game Shows: A Fanatic Audience

Game shows also hold a significant place in Swedish television culture. Two popular examples include:

P Spret: On Track

One notable show is P Spret: On Track, a geographical quiz that features a variety of celebrities. However, as the show enters its 34th season, the caliber of celebrities has declined, reducing its appeal. It's worth mentioning that this unique format has not been exported internationally, making it a distinctly Swedish experience.

The Swedish Edition of Taskmaster

A much more popular and innovative game show among Swedish viewers is the Swedish version of Taskmaster. Unlike the original version, the Swedish adaptation has become the frontrunner and continues to advance.

What sets the Swedish edition of Taskmaster apart is its unique approach to the tasks. Contestants aim to solve tasks in an inventive, clever, and devious manner, often relying on loopholes in the task descriptions. For instance, in one episode, contestants were required to take something as far as possible in a short time. It turned out that the task could be fulfilled by taking a picture of the item and sending it to a friend in Australia, thanks to the specific wording of the task. This creativity is heavily supported by the show's host's assistant, who acts as an on-site umpire and often plays a key role in the tasks themselves.

Melodifestivalen: A Continent-Wide Phenomenon

However, perhaps the most popular and widely recognized Swedish television phenomenon is Melodifestivalen, the country's "Melody Festival." This show is a qualifying event for participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Melodifestivalen has a rich history, beginning in the 1960s with just 10 songs. Over the decades, it has evolved into a massive media event, featuring complex systems of qualifiers, semi-finals, and public voting to select one song to represent Sweden in Eurovision. The show's influence is so significant that it captures the attention of many viewers, some of whom even subscribe to YouTube channels like @TheddyKeys, which specialize in easy piano arrangements of popular songs. My son often uploads these songs to his channel, noting that they attract new subscribers.

The success of Melodifestivalen is both a testament to its enduring appeal and a reflection of its challenging nature. The drawn-out process sometimes means that only songs that grow on people have a chance of success, while those that win hearts quickly may struggle because of the time constraint. This unique format and the intense public interest make Melodifestivalen a true cultural phenomenon in Sweden.

Conclusion: Whether it's the diverse offerings on Netflix or the creative and competitive formats of game shows like P Spret: On Track and The Swedish Edition of Taskmaster, or the continent-wide fame and recognition of Melodifestivalen, Swedish viewers have a wide array of options to choose from. Each of these shows offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and interests, making television in Sweden a vibrant and engaging medium.