The excitement for "Cyklopernas Land Uppesittarkväll 2023" continues to build as the beloved holiday special prepares to air on December 23, 2023. This year, the show will once again be hosted by Christopher Garplind, who aims to bring joy and festive cheer to viewers during the Christmas season.
Garplind, known for his vibrant energy and creativity, will lead the evening filled with entertainment, music, and delightful surprises. This marks the second consecutive year for the program, which has swiftly established itself as a contender against TV4's well-loved "Bingolotto" special.
Just days before the much-anticipated live broadcast, Garplind faced an unexpected setback as he fell ill. Speaking to Aftonbladet, he described his condition as, "It’s a catastrophe, of course. I’ve got quite the cocktail from the doctor and will be on my feet by Monday.” He expressed confidence about bouncing back, assuring fans, "It will resolve itself and is not a major crisis."
Despite his health challenges, preparations for the show have been actively underway. "There’s much to do, but it’s not like I’m doing it all on my own. It’s quite a compact team, though," Garplind explained. His team has been busy finalizing arrangements, booking guests, and scripting segments for the show. Garplind's two personal assistants, Viggo and Tom, have been instrumental, traveling around Stockholm to tie up loose ends.
This year’s edition promises to retain the engaging elements from 2022's airing, with added enhancements to keep viewers delighted. Among the highlights will be the band Terra, hailed as one of Sweden's top musical acts, performing along with various guest artists who will showcase their interpretations of popular Christmas songs. Garplind emphasized the excitement of this addition, stating, "We will have the band Terra performing, and they will be joined by different guest artists."
A returning feature will be the intriguingly quirky "bockpanel" segment where panelists try to guess the identity of someone disguised as the Christmas goat. With illustrated humor typical of Garplind's style, it’s sure to bring laughter and lighten spirits.
Fans can expect some well-known profiles from the entertainment world to join the festivities as they gather for this unique celebration. Among them is SVT's own Camilla Kvartoft, and Aftonbladet’s Oisín Cantwell will also take part, contributing their insights and wit.
Last year’s "Cyklopernas Land" was celebrated for its unpredicted and unpredictable atmosphere, something Garplind aims to replicate. The event was marked by memorable interactions and charming chaos—essential ingredients for making lasting holiday memories. Garplind shared his wish for the show to offer unique experiences, saying, “I just hope we could have more unique TV experiences. I want some memorable moments from 'Uppesittarkvällen 2023'!”
Reflecting on the imprint of festive traditions on Swedish television, Garplind’s ambition is to carve out space for originality amid show formats often plagued by monotony. The balance between tradition and innovation is delicate, yet Garplind insists on making this year captivating enough to stand out.
Viewers can tune in to "Cyklopernas Land Uppesittarkväll 2023" live at 20:00 on SVT2 and SVT Play for what promises to be another memorable evening of holiday joy, filled with upbeat entertainment, friendly competition, and delightful surprises. With Garplind at the helm amid his health challenges, this year's special will surely be one to watch.
