The Week That Was: Still the Best Political Entertainment in Town – Now on Season 6
By now, it's almost redundant to introduce The Week That Was to anyone even remotely familiar with Finnish entertainment. When Jukka Lindström starts talking on a Saturday night, everyone knows it's time to listen. We're now well into the sixth season, and the show just keeps getting better. While many entertainment programs start to feel stale by their second season, this one is like that solid, dependable friend you can always count on for a great conversation – except in this case, it's a conversation that constantly tickles your funny bone.
The show's formula has remained consistent, and frankly, there's no need to change it. Every week, Lindström gathers a rotating group of commentators and a guest familiar from the week's biggest news stories. Together, they dissect the past week's events, and they don't just scratch the surface. The Week That Was is at its absolute best when it dives deep into the phenomena of politics and society – all while putting a wry smile on your face.
What Makes This Saturday Night Special?
When you look at the team behind the scenes, the show's high quality is no surprise. The writing is handled by a tight-knit group, including Lindström himself, along with mainstays like Niina Lahtinen, who has been there almost from the beginning, as well as Anders Helenius, Ursula Herlin, and Janne Zareff. Week after week, this team manages to distill even the most complex issues into sharp sketches and insightful discussions. Combined with the professional direction of Gitte Enjala and Maana Rahikainen, the pacing is flawless – there are no awkward silences or dragging moments in the studio.
The chemistry between the panelists changes weekly, but one thing is certain: they know their stuff. Whether the topic is the government's latest moves or the opposition's stance, they speak with authority. Yet, the vibe is never dry or preachy. On the contrary, it's some of the best Finnish humor, unafraid to go just a little over the top.
- Sharp political analysis without the malice: The show knows how to be critical without ever being cheap or mean-spirited.
- Rotating panelists bring fresh perspectives every week: From political veterans to cultural influencers.
- Topical and timely: They tackle the very issues the whole country is talking about right now.
- Quick on its feet: If something happens on Thursday, you can bet it will be analyzed and laughed about by Saturday.
The Awards Speak for Themselves
At the 2023 Golden Venla Awards, the show took home the awards for both Best Entertainment Program and Best Script. That's no small feat, given the fierce competition in the industry. The jury and the audience are unanimous: this is top-tier entertainment. Behind it all is a strong production team, and the touch of producer Juha Lahti is evident in the high-quality final product. He has been at the helm since the very beginning, and it truly shows.
Even on international forums, this Finnish gem has been noticed. Commentators often praise how a small language area can produce such intelligent and sharp satire that transcends local boundaries and resonates with a wider audience. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many wishing for similar programs in their own countries.
Why It Still Works in 2026?
The world around us changes, but the need for good satire never fades. If anything, right now, when the political climate can feel tense and the news cycle is overwhelming, we need someone to put things into perspective. The Week That Was does this masterfully. It doesn't moralize or point fingers; it simply gets the viewer thinking.
Fans rave on social media about how "a shared reason to laugh brings people together" and how "liberating it is to see that you can actually laugh at politics." Sure, there are always those who find it a bit superficial at times, but that's part and parcel – you can't please everyone all the time. The main criticism has been that some jokes might fly 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 spoon-feed you pre-chewed pieces; it challenges you to think.
What to Expect Next?
The sixth season has already crossed its halfway mark, and there are sure to be many classic episodes in store. Each week brings new topics, and the writing team has proven they can react quickly to ever-changing situations. You can catch up on past episodes on Yle Areena, but the best way to experience it is definitely live on a Saturday night. It's that moment when you can finally shake off the week's stress and let the professionals entertain you.
In the end, it has to be said: The Week That Was is more than just a TV show. It's a part of Finnish entertainment tradition, carrying forward the legacy that shows like Noin viikon uutiset once honed. It's a mirror through which we see ourselves and our society – sometimes a little skewed, but always recognizable. And that's exactly what you hope for from a great entertainment program.