Australia’s SBS to air Swedish dark comedy from Videoplugger after calling in Sick

Sjukt (Sick) is based on the experiences of creator Lisa Ambjörn

SBS in Australia has acquired Swedish comedy-drama series Sjukt (Sick), produced by Nexiko Drama, from UK-based sales house Videoplugger.

Created by Lisa Ambjörn, the 8×20′ series follows a woman, played by Carla Sehn, who is dumped by her boyfriend after recovering from cervical cancer.

With no job or a place to live, she must leave London with her tail between her legs and move back home to Stockholm, where, determined to get her life together, she reconnects with her annoying parents, old bullies and best friend.

Ambjörn has worked on a range of TV series as a script editor, episode writer, head writer and showrunner. She is currently working on season two of Netflix/Nexiko Drama show Young Royals. Sick is based on her own experience of surviving cervical cancer at the age of 24.

Ambjörn said: “I created Sjukt because I wanted another kind of cancer story to be heard – one that deals with what is called the ‘cancer hangover’ in a fun, lively and daring way. It’s a personal story based on my own experiences, but with a universal theme.”

Siddhant Sharma, programme assessment manager for scripted at SBS, added: “The series has a high production value and strong performances from the cast along with a witty dramedy tone that make this title a great candidate for SBS.”

Ebba Eriksson, creative director at Videoplugger, said the company came across the series at Serial Killer Festival in the Czech Republic and was “immediately taken in by its dark comedy and fresh approach to the difficult subject matter of cancer.