Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Popular Problems, a new 6 x 30’ comedy commissioned by SVT, and produced by 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.
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.
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.”
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.