Finnish comedy series follows young farmer who starts a sperm bank to save the family farm

A new Finnish comedy series from public broadcaster Yle will follow a cash-strapped young farmer who resorts to opening a sperm bank to keep his struggling farm afloat. Filming for the eight-episode series, titled Ylä-Savon kerma (Cream of Upper Savo), begins this summer in the Pohjois-Savo region.

The series, described as a modern rural comedy aimed at young adults, is directed by Jukka Vidgren, known for films like Heavy Trip (Hevi reissu). Vidgren, a native of Vieremä, said the show explores contemporary challenges in the countryside, including job shortages, declining rural populations, and the difficulty of keeping young people—especially women—from leaving for cities.

“There’s still youth and life in the countryside, and that’s what we want to highlight,” Vidgren told Yle. The series will feature familiar landscapes from the region, with filming locations including private homes, farms, dairy plants, and local hospitals. Some scenes will also be shot in the Oulu area.

Production is supported by a new regional grant from the Pohjois-Savo Regional Council, designed to incentivise audiovisual projects outside major cities. Yle Drama, the series’ commissioner and primary funder, called the premise “refreshingly original” and noted its focus on current rural life. Additional financing comes from pre-sales abroad, bringing the total budget to €2.3 million.

Casting for lead roles is underway, with local extras also being recruited. The series is expected to air on Yle in 2025.