While Man in Room 301 is airing on the BBC, the streaming service continues to invest in a wide range of domestic shows for the local and global markets.

Finland’s leading OTT service carries on delivering 6-8 premium dramas a year through Elisa Viihde Viaplay, the joint platform launched with NENT Group in December.

“Many Finnish people are spending a lot of time at home right now, and our shows are warmly welcomed for their entertainment,” said Ani Korpela, Director of Content Business at Elisa Viihde. “This exceptional situation we find ourselves in, unfortunately means the Finnish cultural field has been struggling for the last 12 months. It’s a relief that we can start filming three new series, taking into account the authorities’ instructions and security measures. Employees’ safety is our top priority, and we’re following the situation closely,” she said.

The three new series reflect the wide range of content ordered by the Finnish streamer, and extended collaboration with local indie producers.

  • Are We Still Us (Kaikkea hyvää) is produced by Finland’s well-established film and documentary powerhouse Making Movies (The Fencer, Little Wing, The Good Postman). “We did a mini-series for Yle maybe 10 years ago, but this is our first show for any streamer,” told co-managing director Kaarle Aho to nordicfilmandtvnews.com. The collaboration with Elisa has been a really good experience…and I’m not saying this to please them! Everything has been very straight forward and direct in a positive way. The developing phase with the script was fruitful and inspiring, the whole pre-production including the financing has been effective and encouraging, and the communication with them has been easy.”

    Co-written by Aho himself and Bordertown’s Paula Mononen, the eight-part drama series is co-directed by Jan Forsström (The Princess of Egypt) and Ulla Heikkilä (Eden). The story follows therapist Johanna, specialised in mediating divorced couple’s disputes regarding child custody. She also helps them tackle a complicated issue: how to move on when you can’t hold on to love. Aho said he was inspired by HBO’s In Treatment, although the show will be more focused on the main character, with a Nordic edge.

    In the title roles are Pirjo Lonka (Ladies of Steel, Karkurit), Tommi Korpela (Bullets), Rea Mauranen (Downshifters, Cold Courage) and Ona Huczkowski (Eden).
  • My Son Joel (Poikani Joel) is a Finnish version of ITV’s UK show A Mother’s Son, produced by ITV Studios Finland. The two-part mini-series is directed by Saara Cantell (Karkurit, Devil’s Bride), centres on Roosa and her children who has just moved to live with her new partner and his own children, when a young girl is murdered in the city. Filming started February 24 and continues until mid-March in Tampere.
  • The Hired Hand (Renki) is an eight-part drama comedy about the change of the traditional male role, directed by Pete Riski (Bullets) for Tack Films. An impractical father in his 40s hires a handyman who becomes his main competitor. In the starring roles are Eero Ritala (Fanatics), Joonas (Welcome to Texas, White Lines) and Kreeta Salminen (All the Sins).

The three series will premiere on Elisa Viihde Viaplay in 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile the Finnish streamer is enjoying the global launch of its hit thriller series Man in Room 301 co-produced by Warner Bros In't Television Production Finland, Wall to Wall UK, Inkas Films, Greece. The first Finnish series picked up by UK pubcaster BBC, is playing on BBC Four’s prime time Saturday evening slot, since February 27. It will launch April 27 in the US and Canada on the streamer MHz Choice among others. The series is represented internationally by About Premium Content (APC).

Upcoming Elisa Viihde series include The Kiosk, Bad Apples and Bull by the Horns.