Danish public broadcaster DR Denmark has ordered two seasons of hit Norwegian short-form comedy series Couples Therapy from Magnify Media, acting on behalf of NRK.
In a move that Magnify says highlights the broadcaster’s confidence in the series, DR has immediately committed itself to two seasons of the scripted format: a first run of 6 x 12 mins, followed by four Christmas specials of 12 minutes. Danish production heavyweight Nordisk Film TV is now producing the first series, which is due to air on DR in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Each short-form episode of the programme sees a mismatched couple attend a therapy session in an effort to resolve an issue — money, sex, infidelity — that is causing them problems. All the primary characters are played by the same comedy actor in this funny, insightful and above all relatable exploration of relationship dynamics.
Couples Therapy was originally produced by Norwegian indie Seefood TV and is now heading into its fourth season on Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. It was Norway’s most-watched series of 2018.
The deal was brokered by Cecilia Ingebrigtsen, head of format sales for Germany and the Nordic territories for Magnify Media. She commented: “This deal with DR is further proof that short-form scripted entertainment — which is a far less risky financial investment than long-form scripted — is providing a real shot in the arm for the formats business. And it’s also true to say that a disproportionate number of these shows are coming out of the Nordic territories, which has a long and strong track record in ‘entertainment with a purpose’...This format will make you cry with laughter while revealing universal truths about relationships, what goes wrong with them and how they be put right.”
Aleksander Herresthal, chief content officer at Seefood TV added: “Couples Therapy has been a huge success for us in Norway... We are incredibly excited about Denmark making local versions of the series and believe the format has great potential to be produced in many territories. In Norway, Couples Therapy has led the digital shift as over 50% of viewers have viewed the format on NRK's streaming service. Hopefully the programme can have the same effect in other countries.”
A 10-episode run of Couples Therapy also premiered this weekend on Kanal 5 in Sweden, produced by Jarowskij withSwedish television hostess, actress and comedian. Swedish television hostess, actress and comedian. Swedish TV host, actress and comedian Swedish television hostess, actress and comedian.Christine Meltzer playing the lead.
Each short-form episode of the programme sees a mismatched couple attend a therapy session in an effort to resolve an issue — money, sex, infidelity — that is causing them problems. All the primary characters are played by the same comedy actor in this funny, insightful and above all relatable exploration of relationship dynamics.
Couples Therapy was originally produced by Norwegian indie Seefood TV and is now heading into its fourth season on Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. It was Norway’s most-watched series of 2018.
The deal was brokered by Cecilia Ingebrigtsen, head of format sales for Germany and the Nordic territories for Magnify Media. She commented: “This deal with DR is further proof that short-form scripted entertainment — which is a far less risky financial investment than long-form scripted — is providing a real shot in the arm for the formats business. And it’s also true to say that a disproportionate number of these shows are coming out of the Nordic territories, which has a long and strong track record in ‘entertainment with a purpose’...This format will make you cry with laughter while revealing universal truths about relationships, what goes wrong with them and how they be put right.”
Aleksander Herresthal, chief content officer at Seefood TV added: “Couples Therapy has been a huge success for us in Norway... We are incredibly excited about Denmark making local versions of the series and believe the format has great potential to be produced in many territories. In Norway, Couples Therapy has led the digital shift as over 50% of viewers have viewed the format on NRK's streaming service. Hopefully the programme can have the same effect in other countries.”
A 10-episode run of Couples Therapy also premiered this weekend on Kanal 5 in Sweden, produced by Jarowskij withSwedish television hostess, actress and comedian. Swedish television hostess, actress and comedian. Swedish TV host, actress and comedian Swedish television hostess, actress and comedian.Christine Meltzer playing the lead.
