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US comedy star to make Swedish TV series

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US comedy star to make Swedish TV series

US comedienne and star of Parks and Recreations Amy Poehler will be involved in a new TV series that will be filmed and aired in Sweden, an English language comedy starring Poehler's own brother.

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Poehler will be the executive producer of the programme, called Welcome To Sweden, together with her brother Greg, a comedian who has lived in Sweden for the past six years and is married to a Swede. Her brother will also be the star of the show.

"The show is based on my life, except I was a lawyer instead of an accountant," Greg Poehler told The Local.

"It's very much about the struggles encountered by an immigrant coming to Sweden, but it's also very much a romantic comedy, focusing on the relationship between the two main characters, Bruce and Emma (played by Swedish actress Josephine Bornebusch) and whether their love will be able to survive the culture clashes."

When asked if he thought Swedes would enjoy watching an American’s take on their country, Poehler was optimistic.

"I certainly hope so. I think the good thing about the show is we're showing both how an American perceives Sweden, but also how an American is perceived in Sweden. Hopefully, there will be something for everyone," he added.

The programme will be shown on Sweden's TV4 and will mark the channel's first English-language comedy series ever.

While the comedian can't confirm that his sister will get a role herself in the show, he admitted that she will play a part in the production, especially in helping bring in the talent for the planned cameo appearances, rumoured to include Aubrey Plaza and Gene Simmons.

Amy Poehler made a name for herself on US TV show Saturday Night Live, where she worked together with another American actor with a close connection to Sweden - Will Ferrell.

SEE ALSO: Famous half-Swedish marriages

However, despite the rumours of Ferrell's involvement on the programme, Greg Poehler remained tight-lipped about whether the funnyman would make any appearances, but he added that more names would be announced soon.

"We are very excited about those we have been able to secure as both guest stars and cameos," he told The Local.

Filming is set to begin on Monday, with the show to air in ten 30-minute episodes some time during 2014.

Oliver Gee

Follow Oliver on Twitter here

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