Elisa Viihde Commissions Comedy Series Perfect Commando

Elisa Viihde has ordered the new original comedy series Perfect Commando, which will star Kian Lawley (Zac & Mia, Before I Fall) and Katherine C. Hughes (My Dead Ex, Kingdom, Blue Bloods).

An English- and Finnish-language series, Perfect Commando follows Van and Rachel, whose carefree lives in California are turned upside-down after Van visits his mother’s home country of Finland and is subsequently thrown into military service due to his dual citizenship. Joining Lawley and Hughes in the cast are Finnish actors Johannes Holopainen (Heavy Trip, All The Sins), Fanni Noroila (HasBeen) and Tommi Korpela (Bullets, Deadwind). Jalmari Helander (Rare Exports) is directing, with scriptwriting credits going to Mikko Pöllä (Black Widows, Easy Living).

Perfect Commando is slated to premiere on Elisa Viihde’s Aitio streaming service early next year. Fire Monkey is producing the ten-part series in collaboration with Business Finland, while Red Arrow Studios International is in charge of the international distribution.

Helander said: “When I read the script, I immediately decided to take the job. The concept of the show, as well as the unusual combination of a comedy and drama really impressed me. It is great to be involved in making a series with such a strong cast.”

Roope Lehtinen, executive producer from Fire Monkey, added: “We wanted to make a comedy that would be youthful, international and edgy. Even though the main characters are American, the series also represents a contemporary Finland. The comedy effect stems from the interests of individuals and a community colliding. Pieces fly here and there.”

Ani Korpela, head of content at Elisa Viihde, said: “Finnish drama attracts more and more viewers from abroad, and we’re now seeing Finnish comedy rousing a lot of international interest. Perfect Commando is the first Finnish comedy series to be co-financed by an international distributor right from its inception. Our slate of original series are our most popular content, so it’s fantastic to be involved in developing such high-quality drama and comedy shows that meet international standards.”

Alex Fraser, executive VP of acquisitions and content investment at Red Arrow Studios International, commented: “Original Finnish content—particularly from Elisa Viihde—is really starting to make a name for itself internationally, and we are delighted to be partnering with them and producers Fire Monkey to bring Perfect Commando to the small screen. A combination of quirky, younger-skewing storylines and the well-known cast will really help open doors around the world.”