Sweden’s TV landscape is getting a fresh dose of quick wit and unscripted laughter as the new show Gilla läget prepares to hit the air next spring. The premise is simple but ambitious: four comedians are dropped into bizarre, unplanned situations captured in pre-recorded segments, then brought back to the studio to answer questions and defend their improvisations in front of host David Hellenius.
What is Gilla läget?
In each episode, a quartet of Swedish comedians faces a series of unusual, spur-of-the-moment scenes. Whether it’s a run-in with the police, a hospital dash, a chaotic parlor dinner, or a real-estate agent gig, nothing is scripted in advance. The idea is to see how they think on their feet when the pressure is usually offstage, and how they navigate the tricky, sometimes delicate moments that arise from improvised improvisation.
How the format works
After the pre-filmed segments, the comedians return to the TV studio where they must account for their on-screen decisions and living with the fallout. Host David Hellenius leads the interrogation, grilling them on why they chose certain tactics and how they would steer the situation differently in hindsight. Throughout the show, the comedians perform against different actors who portray roles such as a police officer or a romantic partner, elevating the stakes and sharpening the improvisational challenge.
To cap each episode, there’s a final on-site improvisation built into a purpose-built set in the studio. The improvisation is intense and immediate, and the audience is invited to vote for the performer who delivered the most entertaining or clever improvisation. The result is a blend of quick thinking, character work, and audience engagement that feels both spontaneous and thoroughly prepared for television.
From Bäst i test to Gilla läget: Similarities and differences
David Hellenius notes parallels with Bäst i test, the show TV4 acquired from SVT, in its emphasis on performance under pressure and the appeal of a live-audience verdict. Yet the two programs diverge in structure and aim. Bäst i test centers on the performers facing tasks they must complete, often under time and format constraints, with contestants reflecting on their work. Gilla läget, by contrast, is built on the premise of escape and improvisation: the comedians aren’t completing a predefined mission but navigating unpredictable, unscripted scenarios against real actors. The rotating cast of opponents keeps the energy high and the unpredictability front and center, while retaining a familiar, audience-friendly setup that has proven successful in Swedish comedy television.
Why audiences will love Gilla läget
For fans of improvised comedy, the show promises rapid-fire humor, awkward social dynamics, and the thrill of watching performers react in real time. The format provides a stage for both bold character work and spontaneous comedic pivots, with the drama of each situation carrying through to the studio discussion. The involvement of a live studio audience adds a palpable energy as crowd reactions influence the post-segment banter and the final verdicts, which in turn affects how the comedians calibrate their approach in future episodes.
Production details and viewing outlook
Set to air next spring, Gilla läget blends pre-recorded improvisation with live studio moments, anchored by a charismatic host and a rotating lineup of Swedish comedians who bring distinct styles to the table. The program taps into a long-running Swedish appreciation for sharp, timely humor and the art of turning spontaneity into entertainment. While official broadcast dates and guest rosters are still under wraps, the concept already signals a refreshing addition to Sweden’s comedy slate.
Bottom line
With its mix of outrageous, unplanned situations, competitive improvisation, and the familiar voice of David Hellenius, Gilla läget has the feel of a crowd-pleasing success. It builds on a proven formula while offering a fresh, high-energy take on Swedish television comedy that celebrates quick thinking, collaboration, and laughter in the moment.
