Welcome to Sweden

Welcome to Sweden is a comedic drama series by NBC that beautifully presents the life of an American man who moves to Sweden to live with his Swedish girlfriend. This series spans across two seasons from 2014 to 2015, and stars Greg Poehler, Josephine Bornebusch, Lena Olin, and Claes M.

The story is a humorous take on culture shock, assimilation, and the pursuit of love across different landscapes. The core of this engaging narrative revolves around Greg Poehler's character, Bruce Evans. Bruce is a successful money manager to the stars in New York City who decides to abandon his comfortable and protected life in the States to move to Stockholm with his sweetheart, Emma Wiik, portrayed by Josephine Bornebusch. What Bruce assumes would be a paradise soon turns into an exciting roller-coaster ride full of amusing twists and turns.

Greg Poehler's portrayal of Bruce brilliantly encapsulates a man who is in love and ready to move mountains for it but finds himself landlocked amid the scenic beauty yet starkly different traditions and lifestyle of Sweden. Bruce's trials and tribulations in synchronizing with a society with distinctive customs, language, and habits adds not only charm but also a splash of hilarity to the story.

Josephine Bornebusch, as Emma Wiik, gives a robust performance as a Swede returned from the US. Being somewhat familiar with both sides of the coin, her role plays a bridge between America and Sweden, providing an excellent support system and encouraging pathfinder for Bruce. The chemistry between Bruce and Emma beautifully binds the narrative together, enhancing the comedic charm and light-hearted brilliance of the show.

Lena Olin, as Emma's mother Viveka, and Claes M., as Emma's father Birger, have offered a potent portrayal of typical Swedish parents and have greatly enriched the cultural aspect of the show. Their reactions to their daughter’s American boyfriend adds another layer of comedy and cultural clashes.

The show draws on the comedic chemistry the characters share, finding humor in the subtleties of cross-cultural relationships, and the inherent incongruities between American and Swedish culture. But it also hinges on the raw emotionality of building a new life somewhere unfamiliar, coping with cultural differences, and the sweet, often confusing, chaos of love.

From dealing with officious Swedish bureaucracy, the unfamiliar economy, language issues to managing the relationship dynamics, repeated culture shocks, and trying to create a niche in the Swedish society - the show effectively and hilariously mirrors the practical challenges an immigrant might face. The tongue-in-cheek depiction of Swedish societal norms also adds to the relatability of the series.

Directed by Carl Åstrand and shot on location in Sweden, the show also offers beautiful landscapes – a veritable visual treat. Beyond the core narrative, the series also comes to life with cameos from well-known faces such as Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, Will Ferrell, and Gene Simmons, each bringing a delightful infusion of surprise and wit to individual episodes.

In conclusion, Welcome to Sweden is a heartfelt, funny, and often poignant portrayal of cross-cultural love, offering a unique insight into Swedish culture from an outsider's perspective. It entertains while making one think about the challenges of intercultural relationships and immigration, all harmoniously balanced with humor, romance, and beautiful Swedish landscapes. It is indeed a perfect blend of comedy and drama with an international appeal.