Imagine taking a group of Sweden’s most recognizable faces—people used to first-class flights, packed schedules, and public attention—and dropping them into a remote Buddhist temple in South Korea. No phones. No luxury. No chatter. That’s the premise of Shaolin Heroes, SVT’s bold new reality series that just hit SVT Play.
In this twelve-day adventure at the ancient Yongmunsa Temple, seven Swedish stars swap their comfort zones for a crash course in Shaolin discipline. The lineup is as eclectic as it is star-studded:
Under the watchful eyes of genuine Shaolin masters, the group will take on daily meditation, silent reflection, and physically punishing training routines. Gone are the creature comforts of home—and with them, perhaps, the egos that come from life in the spotlight.
Shaolin Heroes isn’t an entirely new idea. The format originally hails from Denmark, where it became a surprise hit for its raw look at personal growth through discomfort. SVT’s version keeps that spirit alive but adds a distinct Scandinavian twist, mixing travel, introspection, and humor. It’s not about surviving nature this time—it’s about mastering oneself.
Twelve days may not sound long, but when silence, self-discipline, and aching muscles are involved, it could feel like a lifetime. Will living like monks bring out the contestants’ calmer sides, or will ego-driven sparks start to fly in this unlikely setting? That tension is exactly what makes Shaolin Heroes so compelling.
The first episode is now streaming on SVT Play, with new chapters arriving each week.
So, will this be a story of transformation, or just a beautifully filmed breakdown? Either way, viewers are in for something refreshingly different.
(Photo: Lasse Winsløw Haynes / SVT)