This Is Amy Poehler's New Reality Show About Preparing For Death

August 2024 · 4 minute read

A reality TV binge is often a welcome distraction from the state of the world and the general tribulations of living. Television networks have released hundreds of shows to quench our thirst for comforting reality TV content. Although the shows are based on varying concepts, they are almost always an unadulterated celebration of youth and physical fitness. Rarely does reality television venture into the dark, uncomfortable, and morbid aspects of life, such as aging, disability, and dying.Peacock’s newest reality show departs from this paradigm by focusing on end-of-life planning. If aired, the show will demonstrate that reality TV can create an avenue for viewers to confront and navigate complex situations and overwhelming emotions. It could also illustrate that end-of-life planning does not have to be as disempowering as it is often portrayed in popular culture. Here’s everything we know about the new, seemingly morbid reality show.

8 NBC’s Peacock Has Ordered A New Reality Show About Death

NBC’s streaming platform Peacock recently greenlit a new unscripted reality show dubbed The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. The series will be co-produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, Scout Productions, and Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions.

According to Rod Aissa, executive VP of unscripted content at NBC Universal Television and Streaming, Peacock hopes that the new “compassionate and dynamic series sparks conversation within each household and breaks the stigma around mortality and the tough reality of letting things go.”

7 ‘The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning’ Narrator

Amy Poehler will serve as the show’s narrator in addition to her executive producer role. The acclaimed TV producer is incredibly enthusiastic about her new project. “We are so excited to work on such a life-affirming project with the genius creators at Scout. Swedish Death Cleaning reminds us to focus on what is truly important, and we couldn’t find a better team to take this journey with than Peacock and the incredible Scout Team.”

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6 The Show Is Based On A Swedish Practice

The Gentle Art of Swedish Cleaning is based on a Swedish practice of döstädning. The practice is premised on the assumption that people routinely accumulate material possessions throughout their lives.

The art of Swedish cleaning teaches people to periodically reorganize their life to dispense with things they no longer need. Death cleaning prevents loved ones from taking on the overwhelming responsibility of organizing possessions at the end of life.

5 What Will Happen On ‘The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning’?

The show’s hour-long episodes will feature interviews with homeowners and their families. Participants will be encouraged to declutter their lives and distribute mementos among their loved ones before their death.

According to NBC’s Rod Aissa, viewers should expect to “be taken on an honest and emotional journey as they watch everyday people conquer their worst fears and discover who they really are on the inside.”

4 ‘The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning’ Creators

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning comes from Queer Eye creators and Emmy Award winners Scout Productions and Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions.

NBC’s Rod Aissa commented on this collaboration saying, “The combination of working with Amy Poehler and her team, along with the fantastic folks at Scout Productions, is something you dream about, and I am so glad this dream came true for us.”

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3 ‘The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning’ Executive Producers

The show will feature several executive producers, including Scout Productions’ David Collins, Rob Eric, and Renata Lombardo and Paper Kite Productions’ Amy Poehler and Kate Arend.

Scout Productions co-founder David Collins is incredibly optimistic about the show. "What a full-circle moment to bring a splashy series to Peacock nearly twenty years after Queer Eye for the Straight Guy launched on Bravo. Queer Eye reshaped the way we look at life, and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning will transform the way we look at death."

2 ‘The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning’ Is Based On A Book By Margareta Magnusson

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning will be anunscripted adaptation of Margareta Magnusson‘s international best-selling book by the same title. Throughout the book, Magnusson encourages readers to embrace minimalism and explores decluttering strategies.

The book’s synopsis reads, “Whatever your age, Swedish death cleaning can be used to help you de-clutter your life, and take stock of what's important.

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1 ‘The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning’ Star And Release Date

The new show will star a Swedish death cleaner who will “turn each home upside down as they uncover and undo decades of collecting.” The show’s star, who is yet to be cast, is expected to have a “distinctly Swedish sensibility.” Although the show’s production team has received the green light from Peacock, an official release date is yet to be announced.

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