SkyShowtime Launches Swedish Original 'Where the Sun Always Shines' on June 15
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SkyShowtime’s New Swedish Gem: “Where the Sun Always Shines”
In a bold move to cement its position as a home‑grown streaming powerhouse, SkyShowtime’s latest acquisition—“Where the Sun Always Shines”—is set to take the European screen by storm. The Hollywood Reporter’s in‑depth look, released on May 5 2024, details the show’s creative pedigree, production details, and how it fits into SkyShowtime’s wider strategy of launching original content that resonates with local audiences while remaining globally palatable.
1. The Premise: A Portrait of Rural Sweden in the Age of Climate Anxiety
“Where the Sun Always Shines” (Swedish title Solen Ständigt Skiner) is a six‑part, 60‑minute drama that follows Anna Larsson (Ida Sand), a 32‑year‑old climate scientist who leaves the fast‑paced research labs of Stockholm to return to her hometown of Östersund, a sleepy fishing community in central Sweden. The story opens with a devastating storm that destroys a small coastal settlement, triggering Anna’s investigation into the “mysterious environmental disaster” that has left dozens of residents without homes and a town’s economy in ruins.
While the series is anchored in environmental science, its real heart is the complex web of relationships Anna rekindles with her estranged father, Johan Larsson (Erik Käll), the town’s mayor, and her former best friend, Mikael (Jonas H). As Anna navigates the treacherous waters of political lobbying, corporate greed, and the emotional fallout of a community in crisis, the show explores themes of identity, resilience, and the psychological toll of living in a changing climate—all set against the breathtaking vistas of the Swedish highlands.
2. Creative Team & Production Credentials
The creative nucleus behind the show is the Swedish writer‑director duo Klara E. Svensson and Lena Andersson, who previously collaborated on the critically lauded indie feature “Winter Sun” (2019). Their vision for “Where the Sun Always Shines” is described in the Hollywood Reporter as “an intimate, character‑driven narrative that never shies away from the stark realities of a climate‑hit community, yet maintains a glimmer of hope that mirrors the show’s title.”
The series is produced by Atypical Films, a Stockholm‑based company that has produced several award‑winning dramas in Sweden, most notably “The Quiet Storm” (2021). Filming took place over a three‑month period in Östersund and the surrounding Nordland region. According to the production notes, the crew employed natural lighting extensively, a choice that gave the show its signature warmth and authenticity. The cinematography—by Sven O. Rask—was praised in an interview by Variety for its “captivating use of light to frame the human story against an otherwise unforgiving landscape.”
3. Casting Highlights
The series’ cast features a mix of seasoned Swedish talent and fresh faces:
| Actor | Character | Notable Past Work |
|---|---|---|
| Ida Sand | Anna Larsson | “Sofia’s Diary” (2020) |
| Erik Käll | Johan Larsson | “The Great Divide” (2017) |
| Jonas H | Mikael | “Fisherman’s Daughter” (2018) |
| Sara Nilsson | Dr. Leena (Climate Consultant) | “Climate Rising” (2022) |
The Hollywood Reporter cites an interview with Ida Sand in which she emphasizes the emotional depth of Anna’s character: “I’m not just a scientist; I’m a daughter, a friend, a person who has to make choices that affect not just one family but an entire town.”
4. Distribution & Release Strategy
“Where the Sun Always Shines” will premiere exclusively on SkyShowtime in all European territories on June 15, 2024. The platform’s editorial team has positioned the series as a flagship original to attract Swedish viewers and to demonstrate SkyShowtime’s commitment to local storytelling. The Hollywood Reporter links to the official SkyShowtime page for the series, where viewers can watch the teaser trailer and read a full synopsis.
In the United States, the show is slated for a later release on Paramount+, with the platform’s editorial note promising “a fresh, international perspective that complements our U.S. lineup.”
5. Critical Reception & Early Feedback
According to a preview screening held in Gothenburg—reported by the Hollywood Reporter—the series garnered “mixed to positive reviews,” with particular praise for its cinematography, sound design, and the authentic portrayal of rural Swedish life. The review excerpts cited in the article highlight the series’ “subtle but powerful commentary on the human cost of environmental change” and its ability to “transcend the usual melodramatic tropes associated with small‑town dramas.”
The article also notes that the series has already garnered buzz on social media platforms such as Twitter and TikTok, where fans are sharing clips from the first episode with the hashtag #WhereTheSunShines. Critics on Swedish streaming forums predict that the show will “set a new benchmark for high‑quality, locally relevant content on streaming services.”
6. Wider Implications for SkyShowtime’s Content Strategy
SkyShowtime’s foray into Swedish originals reflects a broader trend among European streaming platforms to produce regionally resonant content that can compete with global giants. The Hollywood Reporter cites a quote from Lisa Svensson, SkyShowtime’s Head of Content for Europe: “We’re investing in stories that speak to our audiences’ lived experiences—whether it’s a coastal community grappling with climate change, or a family navigating generational divides.”
The article points out that SkyShowtime’s budget for original Swedish content in 2023 surpassed €50 million, a figure that’s expected to climb with the success of “Where the Sun Always Shines.” It also references a link to a detailed report on SkyShowtime’s strategic goals from a partner analytics firm (which the Hollywood Reporter linked for readers who want deeper insight into the platform’s financials and audience metrics).
7. Potential for International Distribution
Given its universal themes and high production values, “Where the Sun Always Shines” is poised for wider international distribution. The Hollywood Reporter links to a press release from Nordic Film Distribution (the show’s distribution partner) that outlines plans to negotiate broadcast deals in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The release also cites the fact that the show has already been licensed to RaiPlay in Italy for an exclusive “stream‑first” window, indicating early interest from non‑English‑speaking markets.
8. Closing Thoughts
“Where the Sun Always Shines” exemplifies the kind of high‑quality, culturally specific storytelling that streaming platforms are increasingly championing. It marries a compelling narrative with a potent social message, and it does so while showcasing the stark, beautiful landscapes of Sweden. According to the Hollywood Reporter’s comprehensive review, the show is “not just a series; it’s an invitation to reflect on how we all—regardless of geography—are bound to the planet’s future.”
For SkyShowtime, the series is a strategic gamble that could pay dividends: not only in bolstering subscriber growth in its core European markets but also in cementing its reputation as a serious contender in the original content arena. As the show airs next month, its reception will be a telling barometer for how well regional streaming services can compete on a global stage.
If you’d like to catch a glimpse of the first episode, check out the official trailer linked in the Hollywood Reporter article, or head to SkyShowtime’s dedicated series page for an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes look.
Read the Full The Hollywood Reporter Article at:
[ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/skyshowtime-where-the-sun-always-shines-sweden-original-hit-1236441714/ ]