Canneseries’ Norwegian competition entry “Nepobaby,” showrun by Henriette Steenstrup (“Pørni”) and Siri Seljeseth (“Young & Promising”), has been picked up by Be.tv for Belgium and RÚV for Iceland. The news was broken by sales outfit Oble as the French series festival, running April 24-29, hit full stride.
In “Nepobaby,” “Pørni” actor Vivild Falk Berg plays Emma whose “normal” life changes forever when she discovers that she’s the heiress of one of Norway’s oldest and wealthiest shipping dynasties.
Her estranged father, who recently passed away, secretly added her to his will and the family business. But her four newly discovered siblings aren’t over the moon about it. Steenstrup plays one of the siblings, next to Nicolai Cleve Broch (“The Sandhamn Murders”), Kristin Grue (“Countrymen”) and Helle Ryg Eia (“Peak TV”).
All are expected on the pink carpet on April 26 for the sneak peek of the series’ first two episodes, next to co-creator Seljeseth, co-helmers Gunnar Vikene and Hallvar Witzø, and producer Ida Håndlykken Kvernstrøm of Eldorado Content Club.
Oble co-founder Katia Sol said: “Nepobaby” is still in post-production, so it’s a great chance for those who will attend the premiere to discover the series upfront in the legendary Palais des Festivals in Cannes!”
“We are happy already to announce sales in Belgium with Be tv onboard, who are very enthusiastic about the series. As [head of programs] Alexandrine Duez says ‘you can choose your friends, but not your family,’ which is 100% true in this refreshing dramedy which perfectly mixes characters you love to hate with a business background.”
Other broadcasters on board include main commissioner TV2 Norway, as well as Iceland’s RÚV.
The pre-sale to the Icelandic public channel was closed by Nordisk Film which handles Nordic distribution. Sol who is in “active negotiations” in Europe and North America, said she will soon announce further deals. “The fact there’s a second season already in preparation is a strong asset to sell the show,” she stated.
Speaking to Variety about “Nepobaby,” Steenstrup said the idea for the show first came to her as she was eager to write a piece specifically for rising actor Falk Berg who plays her daughter in the hit comedy “Pørni.” “Vivild is extremely talented. She can be extremely funny and extremely emotional.” Steenstrup then came up with the title, which refers in Norway mostly to offspring of wealthy people.
An inheritance settlement in her own family was another inspiration. “It’s basically about family ties, inheritance, and how money can change you and those around you. Anyone can relate to that,” said the prolific actor and writer, known for her ability to mix comedy with heart-warming drama with underlying topical issues.
The six-parter is due to premiere on TV2 Norway later in October.
“Nepobaby” is the first greenlit TV show from Eldorado Content Club, set up in 2022 by Steenstrup with producers Håndlykken Kvernstrøm and Bård Fjulsrud, formerly at Monster Scripted.
The trio’s earlier smash hit “Pørni” is debuting in its fifth and final season on Netflix May 15.
Seasons 1, 2, 3 were originally produced by Monster Scripted for Viaplay, then Netflix ordered another two seasons. All seasons are now available on Netflix.
