“This Went Hellishly Well,” Says Viaplay’s Head of Programming

When Hell Week premiered on Viaplay, it became an instant success. The series delivered the strongest reality premiere for a first-season format in Viaplay’s history and also became the most-watched premiere of any unscripted series on the streaming platform. The linear TV premiere also performed strongly, attracting 75,000 viewers on TV3 on its opening night.

For Stories AS, the company that created and produced the series for Viaplay, these record-breaking results confirm that original Norwegian formats with high production values and compelling human stories can resonate with a broad audience.

“From the very beginning, we had one clear ambition: to create a series that felt completely authentic. The participants weren’t there to play characters or build alliances—they were there to confront themselves under extreme conditions. The incredible response from audiences makes us immensely proud,” says

Peter Bryng, Producer at Stories AS.

Viaplay’s Head of Programming, Anine Johansen, summed up the reception by saying:

“It’s fantastic to see that Hell Week works—this went hellishly well.”

From Concept to Record-Breaking Success

Hell Week is an original format created by Stories AS and produced for Viaplay. From the outset, the vision was to develop a reality series centred on authentic reactions, genuine achievement and personal transformation.

Set within a military-inspired environment, the participants are challenged physically, mentally and emotionally—creating a distinctive format unlike anything else in the Norwegian reality landscape

Proof That Original Content Can Deliver

The record-breaking launch demonstrates that original Norwegian formats can compete at the highest level when strong ideas are matched with outstanding execution and compelling storytelling.

The success has already led Viaplay to commission a second season, and Stories AS is currently developing the next chapter of Hell Week.

For Stories AS, Hell Week represents the company’s largest and most successful original television production to date.

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Production Facts:

Client: Viaplay

Production Company: Stories AS

Format: 10 × 42 minutes

Premiere: 2026

Season 2: Currently in production