10/03/2022 - The eight-episode project, directed by Eddie Åhgren and portraying the complex balance between family life, self-fulfilment and social pressures, is now filming in Stockholm

Eddie Åhgren (the TV series Solsidan, Bonus Family [+see also:
interview: Marie Barraco
series profile] and Sjölyckan) is now filming Viaplay’s next original, an eight-part series titled The Meaning of Life. The show, created by Maria Nygren (the TV series The Lawyer) and Tove Eriksen Hillblom (the TV series Solsidan), recently entered production in Stockholm.

It follows Alva (played by Celie Sparre), who wants nothing more than to become a parent together with her boyfriend, Nico (Hannes Fohlin), but it’s just not happening. Meanwhile, her sister Ellen (Helena af Sandeberg) has three children with her husband, Alex (Ulf Stenberg) – and dearly wishes she didn’t. Co-starring are Chatarina Larsson (A Man Called Ove [+see also:
trailer
film profile]), Göran Ragnerstam (the TV series Harmonica), Johan Jonason (the TV series Snabba Cash [+see also:
interview: Evin Ahmad
series profile]), Nora Rios (the TV series Heartbeats), Jonatan Rodriguez (the TV series Bonus Family) and Madeleine Martin (the TV series Dystopia).

Speaking about the new series, actress Helena af Sandeberg said: “When I first read the script, I just said, ‘Yes!’. Ellen’s feelings of having lost herself in everything that comes with children and families will strike a chord with so many. It certainly did with me.”

Meanwhile, thesp Celie Sparre added: “This is a sympathetically told story about love, sisterhood, family ties and longing for children. It’s about understanding which life to lead – something that’s never easy.”

Finally, Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group’s chief content officer, stated: “Our latest Viaplay Original is based on its creators’ personal experiences. It handles sensitive questions with a deft touch and portrays characters that will be instantly recognisable for many viewers. The Meaning of Life is warm, difficult, humorous and unpredictable – just like relationships themselves.”

The Meaning of Life is being produced by Sussan Treshow for Sweden’s FLX. The series will be distributed globally by Viaplay Content Sales, and it will premiere exclusively on Viaplay in autumn 2022.