NBC has picked up the second season of their low-rated summer sitcom, Welcome to Sweden. There will be 10 episodes.
On Welcome to Sweden, a successful New Yorker (Greg Poehler) agrees to follow his girlfriend (Josephine Bornebusch) as she returns to her hometown of Stockholm. Others in the cast are Lena Olin, Claes Månsson, Christopher Wagelin, Per Svensson, Patrick Duffy, and Illeana Douglas.
The series has garnered low ratings, even for a summer series. The latest episode drew a 0.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 2.52 million total viewers.
However, the peacock network merely licenses the show so it doesn’t cost NBC very much when compared to producing their original programming. In April, it was renewed for a second season in Sweden so it would seem like a given that NBC would pick up season two here but that hasn’t been the case with other summer shows.
You may recall that licensed shows Crossing Lines, The Listener, and Merlin were all dropped by NBC after one season.
Parks and Recreation’s Amy Poehler is among the show’s producers so that may have played into the decision to keep Welcome to Sweden as well.
What do you think? Do you like Welcome to Sweden? Do you think NBC should have committed to season two or should they have cancelled it?
I have enjoyed Welcome to Sweden. I love that the show is in English and Swedish. I speak both languages and enjoy it all. I was born Sweden and my husband was born in America. We live in the US but visit Sweden often. The show deals with a lot we can relate to. It is funny but maybe a little over the top on a few things, but is it not the way stories and movies work best?
Welcome to Sweden sucks. Sorry, but it’s true. The only reason that it is getting another season is because of Amy Poehler’s involvement. The ratings were horrible and drastically declining with each episode, and rightfully so. The show had way to much subtitling for an American audience and frankly the show was pointless (though the Swedish mother had a few good jokes).
So glad to see it coming back. I like good talk shows. like mysteries. Thank heavens for Netflix and Kevin Spacey. Love history and travel. Except for Anderson Cooper and Andrea Mitchell don’t watch news nor anything called politics. Go Seahawks
I’m not Swedish, have never been to Sweden , don’t think I know any Swedes and I LOVE this show. The themes are universal, the humor is intelligent yet not snobbish, the acting is great and the characters are well drawn and appealing. I hope it’s around for a long while.
We really enjoyed the first season of Welcome to Sweden and we most definitely hope that it will be renewed here in the United States. The show was sweet and touching and very well acted. Having visited Stockholm — and being New Yorkers by birth — we recognized the settings and its characters. Having lived in Minnesota, we also share a special affinity and affection for Swedish-Americans. If the networks would provide more entertainment like this series, we might be tempted to view more of its programming rather than viewing the premium channels almost to their exclusion.
Thank heavens. – unless someone is getting shot, maimed, raped it doesn’t seem to make the grade. Sweden is where I wanted to live. Will Farrell’s wife is from Sweden to I believe I am of Norwegian descent and my grandparents moved from Oslo to a small Noregiam community in the great Northwest.
Being an American Swede, I love the show for the language and the scenery and the actors. It could be a really top show if the story line was pumped up a little. There really isn’t much of a story.
They are taking off one of the most refreshing learning shows there are on tv. Only show I even tape to make sure I don’t miss it. I see the last 2 shows are on nbcw at midnight? Is this NBC or Directv
Not sure what you are talking about Welcome to Sweden is a comedy, not a learning show, whatever that is. NBCW is NBC west, so the shows are on at regular times, although it would be midnight in some time zones. NBC and DirecTV are two different things. One is a television channel and one is a television broadcasting service. I assume you must be in another country.
I am Norwegian and it is refreshing since I don’t enjoy sci -fis I like Downton Abby House of Cards good mysteries It is strange that ALL episodes shown on the east coast on NBC with. Early evening hours. Now who changed the last two programs on at midnight on NBCW. Especially if a lot of people do not get NBCW. Was it to save money or ? I am not going to watch anything that the series aren’t completed.
I really enjoyed the series probably because I am of Swedish decent. I thought it was really funny, I seldom watch any of the newer sitcoms but I have enjoyed “Welcome to Sweden” and hope it returns.
Loved it also!
I like that it is different, it shows the Swedish culture and it has it’s funny moments. Being married to a Swede I think it is fun!
Welcome … Is soooo funny and perfect to watch after a long day at work.
I love the show. Welcome To Sweden is a show which is funny, yet subtle. I have had more laughs from this show than any other in a long time. Perhaps the best thing is it’s not another reality show.
So, if I understand the situation, NBC gets the show for cheap because they’re just buying the rights to air the program rather than produce a show themselves. That’s interesting… and it makes sense. If the show is playing well enough in another country to keep it going and NBC can get enough viewers to justify paying for the license, it’s a good business decision. Personally, I don’t care for nor watch the show, but if other people are enjoying it and airing the show here is paying for the license, it sounds like a win-win. If it’s a successful… Read more »
We already do actually. Rookie Blue and Motive on ABC come to mind.
Thank you NBC for showing that you appreciate all kinds of humor and you appreciate your viewers. Welcome to Sweden is fresh and original. Not sure what fish means about Lorne Michaels. The only relation I could find is that Greg Poehler is Amy Poehler’s sister so I guess he is related to SNL a couple times removed. I like to watch SNL, so I guess if I make a joke, I am using old tired SNL humor. Oh well, since the show is made in Sweden, but it doesn’t matter. It may not last, but for now, it is… Read more »
Yes, I am sorry to say that some of us are way weary of the SNL brand of humor NBC has tossed around for 40 years. Personally have not watched a full SNL since the 70’s let alone watched 30 Rock after the first two seasons or Parks or the “new” Tonight Show at all. The problem is we do “get it”- just don’t want it. Lorne Michaels is a one trick pony and this generation seems to be basking in his glow. Come on! There are plenty of great comedians and good out of work writers available. Why not… Read more »
I say yayyyyy. I really think it is funny and fresh. I know it’s too much for some people to “get”, but I am looking forward to more.
I agree. We had a family reunion in Oslo a number of years ago but son was sick. I like the Swedish concept of the good life and the older I get the simpler I want it. I just don’t want to make what I pay for is what I get
I like this show! Glad it has been renewed. One of the few new shows I decided to watch this summer.