Welcome to Sweden

I started watching "Welcome to Sweden" without any expectations. The series turned out to be very funny and entertaining. It makes a lot of fun about strereotypes and as a Finn I understand those jokes. But I don't think that for example some Austalian guy who knows nothing about Sweden would get all of the jokes. But not all the jokes are based on Sweden or Swedish stereotypes. There are plenty of jokes that anyone can get. There are few characters that are a bit annoying but luckily they don't show up very often. Greg Poehler and his character are my absolute favourites. But yeah, surprisingly good show but I think Swedes and other Nordic people understand the jokes best.

There is really so little to like about this show; it's a nepotistic slap in the face for anyone expecting to be even mildly entertained on a Thursday eve. Essentially a mix of contrived, cliché characters that play on a familiar theme; an awkward American trying to fit into a foreign culture. Yet for this formula to work, one has to like (or actually tolerate) the American in question, and Greg Poehler (Amy Poehler's brother....surprise!) is just too painful to watch; apparently years of being Amy's brother and being told he's pretty talented himself actually gave him the delusion he could act. Yet from the very opening scene with a cameo from Amy herself, it is blatantly apparent that the talent, timing and overall ability to pull-off a lead in a sit-com sat on only one side of that table. Once in awhile obscenely bland shows like this can spring forth an "Urkle" which saves it from cancellation, yet the cloyingly predictable bumbling uncle who is clearly a reincarnation of "Belkie" from "Perfect Strangers" (i.e. the foreigner who wants to be American) is just sad. Bad editing, bad writing, bad acting and a BAD choice overall.

The show could have been so much more, but Greg's awful acting, horribly played-out sad-sack role could have been given so much more depth if it were played by another actor. Any other actor.

The show does play hard on the cultural discontinuities between life in the US and life in Sweden, striking up *every single* possible stereotype (and I've got no problem with that), to the exclusion of other location-agnostic jokes that might be a good fit for that specific situation. The show's writers obviously suffer from a strong lack of creativity or have been specifically told to keep the topic on Sweden. All the time. Yawn.

What would really help take this show into a second season (or at least to the end of this season before being canceled) is if the writers added a little more depth to his wife's character and showed us more of the parents (who seem like engaging actors taking on roles that beg more exploration). I can honestly say that all 5 points that I've awarded this show go firmly to the actors who play the family of Josephine Bornebusch. Hopefully one of the Poehlers is reading this.

... don't know what happened.. maybe the pandemic... maybe realization of climate disruption.. watching the first time enjoyed it... then watching again had quite a different reaction ... all the actors are not the problem... just the writing now seems a lot more inane-wearisome ... will not be viewing it again.

I've seen too many people taking the stereotypes in a too negative way. This is comedy, and in the end this show is about love and finding peace among differences -with humor on the side. The humor is very not-Swedish and that might come as a chock for Swedish audience.

The acting is often good if not amazing sometimes, but I will say that it isn't always on spot.

The directing reminds me of American shows like 'How I met your Mother'. I think all Swedish people should see Swedish media becoming more international as a positive thing.

People are way too quick with judging this show. I recommned it to anyone that is interested in foreign cultures or just want to see a show that is very heart warming and in the end; just a comedy show for consumtion.