Harsh Week remains the best political entertainment on TV – now in its sixth season

At this stage, there's really no need to introduce Harsh Week to anyone with even a passing interest in Finnish entertainment. When Jukka Lindström opens his mouth on a Saturday night, plenty of people know they're about to hear some straight talk. The show is now in its sixth season, and it just keeps getting better. While many entertainment programmes start to wear thin by their second series, this one is like an old friend you can always rely on for a good chat – albeit one that really tickles your funny bone.

The show's recipe has stayed the same, and why would you change it? Every week, Lindström gathers a rotating cast of commentators in the studio, along with a guest familiar from the week's most interesting news stories. Together, they dissect the past week's events, and they don't just scratch the surface. Harsh Week is at its best when it delves deep into the phenomena of politics and society – while simultaneously putting a grin on your face.

What makes this Saturday night special?

When you look at the team behind it, the show's quality is no surprise. The writing is handled by a tight-knit group including, alongside Lindström himself, Niina Lahtinen, who's been there almost from the start, as well as Anders Helenius, Ursula Herlin and Janne Zareff. Week after week, this team manages to distil even the most complex issues into sharp sketches and snappy discussions. Combine that with the expertise of directors Gitte Enjala and Maana Rahikainen, and you've got perfect pacing – no awkward silences or dragging moments in the studio.

The chemistry between panelists changes weekly, but one thing's for sure: they know their stuff. Whether it's about government actions or the opposition, they're well-informed. Yet it never feels dry or like a lecture. On the contrary, it's some of the best Finnish humour around, not afraid to go a bit over the top now and then.

• Sharp political analysis without being mean-spirited – the show knows how to be critical without ever being cheap.
• Rotating panelists bring a fresh perspective every week – from seasoned political figures to cultural influencers.
• Topicality – they cover the very things the whole country is talking about right now.
• Quick on its feet – if something happens on Thursday, it's analysed and laughed about by Saturday.

The awards speak for themselves

At the 2023 Golden Venla Awards, the programme won both Best Entertainment Show and Best Script. That's no small feat, given how competitive the field is. The jury and the audience agree: this is top-tier stuff. A strong production team is behind it, and producer Juha Lahti's touch is evident in the quality of the final product. He's been steering the ship from the very beginning, and it shows.

International forums have also taken notice of this Finnish gem. They particularly praise how a small language area can produce such intelligent and sharp satire – one that doesn't remain a purely local phenomenon but resonates with a wider audience. Reviews are consistently positive, with many wishing for something similar in their own home market.

Why it still works in 2026

The world around us changes, but the need for good satire never goes away. If anything, right now when the political climate is tense in places and the news cycle is dizzying, we need someone who can put things into perspective. Harsh Week does that masterfully. It doesn't moralise or point fingers; it gets the viewer thinking for themselves.

Fans rave on social media about how "sharing a laugh brings people together" and how "it's liberating to see that you can even laugh at politics." Sure, there are always those who find it a bit shallow sometimes, but that's par for the course – nothing can please everyone all the time. Criticism has mostly been that some jokes go over your head if you haven't been following the news closely. But isn't that precisely a sign that the show demands something from its audience? It doesn't serve up pre-chewed bites; it challenges you to think.

What to expect from the rest of the season?

The sixth season has already passed the halfway mark, and there are sure to be many classic episodes to come. Each week brings new topics, and the writers have proven they can react quickly to rapidly changing situations. You can catch up on past episodes on the Yle Areena player, but the best experience is definitely watching live on a Saturday night. It's that moment when you can shake off the week's burdens and let the professionals entertain you.

Finally, it has to be said: Harsh Week is more than just a TV show. It's part of Finnish entertainment tradition, continuing the same path that Noin viikon uutiset once polished. It's a mirror through which we see ourselves and our society – sometimes a bit skewed, but always recognisable. And that's exactly what you hope for from a great entertainment programme.