Danish comedian Rasmus Wallbridge spent four months believing he was developing a horror-comedy feature film with his longtime creative partner, Martin Johannes Larsen, only to discover the entire project was an elaborate television prank captured with hidden cameras, Newser reported.
The resulting series, titled Everyone Loves Rasmus, premiered across Danish broadcaster TV 2’s platforms on October 26, 2026. Production methods relied on hidden lenses tucked behind mirrors, disguised as coffee cups and USB sticks, and sewn directly into Wallbridge’s own clothing to record his unscripted interactions with people he thought were fellow actors and collaborators.
Broadcaster Pulls Prank Series After Public Backlash
- Over 100 individuals, including various Danish celebrities, participated in the production knowing it was a prank show rather than a feature film.
- TV 2 pulled the series from its platforms less than a week after its October debut following a severe public backlash.
Concealed Cameras and a Four-Month Deception
The scale of the production involved extensive logistical coordination across Denmark. TV 2 confirmed that more than 100 people worked on the series, with the majority of the cast and crew fully aware of the deception.
Larsen defended the concept before the launch of the program. “Basically, it’s about having courage,” Larsen stated regarding the intent to push boundaries and create something unprecedented. Wallbridge, meanwhile, threw himself entirely into the work. “I threw myself 100 percent into the film project because it’s a huge dream for me, so I was deeply invested in the whole thing,” Wallbridge said.
Backlash and the Pulling of Everyone Loves Rasmus
Public reaction turned hostile almost immediately after the October 26 premiere. Observers and critics argued that Wallbridge had been gaslighted throughout the four-month shoot, raising concerns that the involvement of numerous influential industry figures left him with little practical choice when asked to clear the broadcast.
As criticism mounted, some participants and their families faced abusive messages and direct threats. By the end of October, Wallbridge addressed the controversy on Instagram by noting he was aware of the public debate while choosing to remain silent, and confirmed that his closest circle knew nothing about the true nature of the production.
Larsen Offers an Apology Amid Public Fallout
In response to the mounting outcry, TV 2 issued a formal apology to Wallbridge and pulled the series from its platforms less than a week after its release. Larsen also apologized, maintaining that the series was intended as an homage to his creative partner rather than an act of mockery.
Wallbridge acknowledged the unusual nature of the experience from a comedic standpoint, noting, “As a comedian, I can definitely see why it’s fun,” even as the broader industry debate over the ethics of the production continues.
