Allt för Sverige
First Christian Church is excited to announce that our Senior Minister, the Reverend Brian Gerard, participated in and WON an exciting reality television show that aired in 2011 on Sweden’s largest television channel SVT.
The show, “Allt for Sverige,” tells the story of ten Americans of Swedish descent (Brian is 50% Swedish), who returned to Sweden to learn about their ancestral homeland and compete for the grand prize of meeting their living Swedish relatives. The show has become one of Sweden's most popular series and is now filming its fourth season. In 2012, Brian and his wife attended the Swedish Emmy Awards where the show was nominated as one of the year's best.
In order to win, Brian had to compete in both team and individual competitions that have
connections to Swedish history and culture. But this show was about much more than just a competition, it was about great personal discovery as each cast member learned about his or her ancestral family.
We invite you to join us as we watch Brian and his cast mates experience the journey of a lifetime that is filled with laughter, tears, and nail biting competitions. Below are complete episodes from the show as well as shorter video clips and local news coverage. Full episodes of the show are posted as well. Please note that while a family oriented show, there is language used and subject matter brought up that might not be appropriate for young children.
Episode 1: Skåne
In this episode, the cast arrives in Sweden after a harrowing boat ride from Denmark. Once there, they dig for their past, play tennis against Björn Borg's Garage Door, eat Swedish breakfast, and begin to fall in love with their homeland.
Episode 2: Småland
In this episode, the cast discovers what life was like for their ancestors in the 1800's by living like they did. They also experience some fun with Pippi Hockey, catching meatballs, and Brian makes an unforgettable trip.
Episode 3: Öland
In this episode, the cast travels to the island of Öland where they discover the great Swedish tradition of camping! They get dressed to impress, have a wild competition, party with some Swedes, and relax by the Baltic.
Episode 4: Stockholm
This episode marks the halfway point in the journey and takes the cast to the Swedish Capital of Stockholm. Here they get to know the city through a scavenger hunt that eventually drops them over 260 feet.
Episode 5: Birka
In this episode, the cast gets to live like vikings on the Swedish island of Birka. They experience viking games, cuisine, housing, and even get to race viking boats. There's a reason vikings are so tough.
Episode 6: Pietsjaure Sijdda
In this episode, the cast travels to the island of Öland where they discover the great Swedish tradition of camping! They get dressed to impress, have a wild competition, party with some Swedes, and relax by the Baltic.
Episode 7: Järvsö
Swedish Midsommer is a holiday like no other. In this episode, the cast gets to experience the fullness of the day including a chance to wear traditional dress. They also get to walk with wolves, drive epa tractors, and meet one of Sweden's most beloved celebrities.
Brian's Feature Segment
The cameras visit Louisville and Brian experiences one of the most powerful days of his life as he visits a sacred location in Sweden.
Episode 8: Üto/Finale
After a month of travel, the journey leaves 4 cast members competing for the grand prize. Watch as Brian wins a nailbiting competition, has a reunion with his Swedish family, and learns a little something about the meaning of life.
Appearance on
Great Day Live!
Brian appears on the local show, GDL! the day after victory.
WHAS 11 News Coverage
Melissa Swan covers Brian's participation and learns what the show is all about.
WHAS 11 Covers Victory
Melissa Swan covers the final victory and our church's response.