For anyone who's ever looked around their house and wondered where all their stuff really came from, Peacock's latest show The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleansing is for you.
Hosted and produced by actress and comedian Amy Poehler, the show features three Swedish "death cleaners"—a home decorator, a designer, and a psychologist—whose mission is to help people tidy up their homes and lives.
It adopts the concept of "death cleansing" from the Swedish concept of döstädning, popularized by Stockholm author Margaretta Magnusson in her 2018 book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleansing.
"The idea is that we shouldn't leave our loved ones with mountains of trash to clean up when we die," he wrote in the 2022 follow-up, "The Swedish Art of Overaging: Life's Wisdom from someone you love (maybe) dies before you."
"Why should your family and friends take the time to clean up your mess when you can take care of it yourself?" asked Magnuson.
That's the question the series seeks to answer as three Death Cleanups travel to Kansas City, Missouri to help eight people physically and emotionally.
Each episode features tongue-in-cheek narration by Poehler, who tells viewers at the start of the show to "wash off your shit, so when you die nobody else has to. It's a very Swedish thing." Take it as you please."
Katarina Blom, a psychologist, told TODAY.com that the idea of eliminating death "is ingrained in our culture." He said he used to do this with his mom, who would suggest things like cleaning out one drawer at a time.
The idea, organizer Ella Engstrom told TODAY.com, is "an ongoing process."
"It's like doing it on a different level," he said. "So you have the tools to go in and do it."
Designer Johan Svensson added that the show wasn't really meant to be a model or guide for the audience.
"If you look at all the episodes – look at all the different people and destinies – (then) it can… turn on your inner voice, your compass, instead of an authority or an expert telling you what to do." Doing that and we don't. We don't. I don't really do that on the show," he explained. "We implemented something we felt we could share with someone."
But all three offer practical advice throughout the series. Engstrom says it's important to pay attention to where you are in life and "what helps you in the here and now. It takes change throughout life."
"It's so important to look at your home through the lens of, 'Wow, my whole life has gotten me this far,'" says Blom, adding that no one should be ashamed of being "a little too full". your current needs.
She says it's important to have spaces in the home that serve a purpose, "not just 'Oh, that was built up over time.'
The series introduces a new home and central character with each episode, which is filmed in the Kansas City area over approximately one week.
While other cleanup shows like "The Home Edit" and "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo" tended to create the gritty, but sometimes gritty, "Swedish Death Purge" aesthetic, this show leaned towards comedy. For example, the first episode stars Suzy Sanderson, a former lounge singer and self-proclaimed “old horned chick” who is reluctant to part with the eclectic sex arts she has accumulated over the years. (And the episode ends with the Cleaners of Death and Sanderson in a drag show in his old clothes!)
For its somewhat unnatural title, this show is surprisingly moving.
The cleaning process is "gentle", says Blom. "This takes time".
For those looking to organize their space, she recommends asking loved ones what they really want from their home and "asking for help."
“We met a lot of strong people who said, 'I am independent. I'm going to build muscle in this really, really tough situation," Blom said. No need to! Ask for help.""
Svensson added that there shouldn't be a "reveal" at the end of each episode.
"I hope people who watch the show (understand) that it's a vision and a process," he said. "When we go to people's homes, there's a journey we start with them. It's not like we just walk in and start pointing fingers at them."
She adds that it's more about listening to what's going on in her life right now—from battling cancer to loneliness. They hope that the people exposed to these great emotions will lead them to a better place.
"I hope (we help) people get closer to who they really are and make their homes more reflective of who they are and who they want to be," he said.
This article originally appeared on TODAY.com
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.
After exploring a few of the blog articles on your web site, I really like your way of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and let me know how you feel.
I’ve read several just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you set to create any such great informative site.
Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vibrant transparent concept
Hey! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Thank you!
Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
Ahaa, its pleasant conversation concerning this post here at this webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
What’s up to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views are pleasant in favor of new users.
This is very fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
My brother suggested I would possibly like this blog. He used to be totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.
whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your articles. Stay up the good work! You realize, a lot of individuals are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It appears like some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thank you
If you are going for best contents like I do, only visit this web site daily as it provides quality contents, thanks
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.
Hello, just wanted to mention, I liked this article. It was funny. Keep on posting!
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?
You should take part in a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the internet. I am going to recommend this website!
I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and exposure! Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
I don’t even know the way I ended up here, however I thought this publish used to be good. I don’t realize who you are however definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already. Cheers!
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before end I am reading this great piece of writing to increase my experience.
I like the valuable information you supply on your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and test again here frequently. I am somewhat certain I will be told plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the following!
I pay a visit daily some sites and websites to read articles or reviews, but this website provides quality based articles.
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious knowledge concerning unexpected feelings.
I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
This is very interesting, You are an overly professional blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for in search of more of your great post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
Неповторимый мужской эромассаж Москва цена
Wonderful website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!
It’s awesome in favor of me to have a site, which is beneficial designed for my knowledge. thanks admin
Fantastic site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks a lot!
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in internet explorer, could check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a good part of folks will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something concerning this.
Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.
I think the admin of this website is actually working hard in favor of his web site, since here every stuff is quality based stuff.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Every weekend i used to go to see this web site, as i want enjoyment, as this this web site conations actually good funny stuff too.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this website is really nice.
Very nice write-up. I definitely love this website. Continue the good work!
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way during which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something concerning this.
I’m not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or understanding more. Thank you for great information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
Hi great blog! Does running a blog similar to this take a great deal of work? I have very little expertise in programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I just needed to ask. Kudos!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
I really like it when individuals come together and share thoughts. Great blog, continue the good work!
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Best wishes! Where are your contact details though?
My brother suggested I would possibly like this blog. He used to be totally right. This publish actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!