Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uplifting series talks life, death, clutter.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on the book series by Margareta Magnusson, and narrated by Amy Poehler, THE GENTLE ART OF SWEDISH DEATH CLEANING is an unscripted reality series featuring three Swedes helping people in the United States declutter to live in the moment and in the future. Set designer Johan Svenson, interior designer Ellinor "Ella" Engstrom, and psychologist Katarina "Kat" Blom introduce eight participants to the Swedish practice of döstädning, a method of organizing and decluttering a home before one's passing to lessen the burden on the loved ones left behind. While Kat gently helps each individual identify some of the personal reasons that keeps them from letting go of material items, Ella helps them choose what items to let go of and organize what will remain in the home. Meanwhile, Johan redesigns the decluttered spaces so that they can be fully appreciated and enjoyed. The individuals they're helping share their personal stories, and the show underscores the importance of donation, upcycling, and recycling unwanted items.
Is It Any Good?
The title may seem slightly morbid by Western standards, but this an uplifting series that highlights the importance of living in the present while underscoring the fact that you don't have to hold on to material things to make you happy. Some of the featured The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning "clients" are struggling to find ways to live with a terminal illness or to move on after the passing of loved ones; here the Swedish trio highlight the fact that death is inevitable, and that we can make choices to face it in positive and constructive ways. But most folks are looking for ways to rid themselves of material accumulation that's dragging them down or keeping them from living in ways that are true to themselves. It gets a little heavy on occasion, but there's lots of well-timed humor to move things along, and the ideas are quite positive. Like in most organizing shows, a lot happens in a short time, and with a lot of assistance. If you love to organize, or are just looking for some decluttering inspiration, you'll be sure to find something here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways different cultures and communities deal with death and dying. What does the practice of "death cleaning" tell us about the way Swedish culture addresses these subjects? How is death dealt with in your culture or community?
The show makes a point of noting how people in the United States accumulate a lot of material things. Is this a fair assessment, or is it a stereotype? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 27, 2023
- Cast : Amy Poehler , Johan Svenson , Katarina Blom , Ellinor Engstrom
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 8, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate