Banijay Entertainment has announced "Popular Problems," a new 6 x 30-minute comedy series commissioned by SVT and produced by its Swedish label, Filmlance International. Created and starring Sissela Benn and Jonatan Unge, "Popular Problems" is a quirky and honest comedy series exploring the absurd complexity of continuing a relationship when you’ve decided to breakup, all because you happen to have a child together. The comedy delves into the bittersweet reality of co-parenting with someone you’re no longer in love with.
Hanne Palmquist, MD Filmlance, says: “Sissela Benn and Jonatan Unge are two of Sweden’s most-loved comedic voices, and this series brings their sharp wit to the forefront. 'Popular Problems' marks our move into original comedy, and the fact they chose to partner with Filmlance is testament to the creative trust we have with talent as we broaden our portfolio, with a relatable, character-driven series that is as hilarious, as it is heartfelt.”
The writing team includes Benn, Unge, Isabella Rodriguez and Andreas Nygård. The series is directed by Ernst De Geer, acclaimed for his award-winning feature film "Hypnosen," which picked up three Guldbagge Awards.
Filming will take place in Malmö and the surrounding area this spring, and the series will premiere on SVT in 2026. "Popular Problems" is produced by Sigrid Nordenhake for Filmlance, part of Banijay Nordic. The series was commissioned for SVT Humour, with Julia Törnberg and Mats Grimberg serving as executive producers. Co-produced with Film i Skåne, Joakim Rang.
Led by Hanne Palmquist, Filmlance is part of Banijay Entertainment’s network of over 60 scripted labels. The company is behind critically-acclaimed drama and films for the local and international market, such as long-running hits "The Sandhamn Murders" (CMore / TV4) and "Beck" (CMore / TV4), as well as a slate of new series like "Fallen," now in production for its second run, and "My Brother," a new 4-part drama for SVT to launch later this year. Recent successes include award-winning "Ronja the Robber’s Daughter" with Viaplay for Netflix.
As the number one European studio for scripted, Banijay Entertainment stands at the forefront of premium storymaking, with a slate of new and returning titles like "Carême" (Shine Fiction / Apple TV), "Astérix Le Combat des Chefs" (Montmartre / Netflix), "House of Guinness" (Kudos / Netflix), "The Law According to Lidia Poët" (Groenlandia / Netflix) "Elixer" (Topkapi / New 8), "Rogue Heroes" (Kudos / BBC One), "Bergerac" (Blacklight TV for U and U& Drama), "Culpa Mia and Culpa Tuya" (Pokeepsie / Prime Video) and more.