Norway’s public broadcaster, NRK, is facing criticism over its new reality television series, “Kode rød” (Red Code), which premiered on February 21, 2026. Even as the display has drawn a substantial audience – exceeding 470,000 viewers for the first episode – it has likewise prompted complaints from viewers who feel the program fails to deliver on its premise of simulating a crisis situation and instead devolves into standard reality TV tropes.
“Kode rød” strands ten celebrities on Ryvingen fyr, a remote island off the coast of Norway, without electricity or communication with the outside world. Participants are tasked with navigating limited resources and competing in challenges, with one contestant eliminated each night until a single winner remains. The cast includes artist Emil Solli-Tangen, comedian Terje Sporsem and reality personality Rikke Isaksen, among others.
According to Nettavisen, NRK has received eight formal complaints regarding the show. One viewer, who had previously never lodged a complaint with the broadcaster, expressed disappointment that a program set in a “year of preparedness” – a reference to increased national focus on crisis readiness – focused more on alliances and elimination tactics than on genuine crisis management skills. “This isn’t about managing with limited resources, collaborating, or sharing knowledge. ‘Kode rød’ is about forming alliances before even getting settled, about who over 40 will be voted out first – and about lies and withholding information,” the viewer wrote in their complaint.
Criticism extends to social media, where viewers have described the series as a “bloodless reality show” and a waste of time. Some have also questioned the age demographic of the contestants, noting that seven of the ten participants are between 25 and 35, potentially alienating older viewers. “You might attract younger viewers with this, but you’re losing us who used to watch NRK,” one Facebook user commented.
Responding to the criticism, Kristin Werner Sandven, project leader for “Kode rød” at NRK, acknowledged the complaints and stated that the broadcaster is taking feedback into consideration. Sandven noted the show represents a new format and that it may take time for audiences to adjust. She also defended the program’s emphasis on interpersonal dynamics, arguing that the pressure created by limited resources reveals “interesting human reactions” in a simulated crisis. “We believe that the pressure that arises from scarcity of resources brings out interesting human reactions in a simulated crisis situation, and we want to stimulate viewers to discuss preparedness – and how they themselves would act in an emergency,” Sandven said.
NRK maintains that the program has been well-received and Sandven emphasized the broadcaster’s commitment to developing its concepts based on audience feedback. The broadcaster has not indicated whether it will alter the format of the show in response to the criticism, but stated it will continue to monitor viewer response as the series progresses.
