This undated photo, issued by SVT, showcases a moose in Junsele, Sweden, during the preparations for the highly anticipated livestream event titled 'The Great Moose Migration.' This unique production documents the annual migration of moose near Kullberg in northern Sweden, and viewers have been eagerly awaiting its return.

As the livestream kicked off on Tuesday, Ulla Malmgren, a 62-year-old avid fan, made sure to stock up on coffee and prepare meals in advance. Her commitment to the event is so intense that she declared, Sleep? Forget it. I dont sleep, indicating just how much she values this 20-day, 24-hour spectacle.

The show, locally known as Den stora lgvandringen, has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2019, attracting nearly a million viewers upon its launch. By 2024, the production reached an impressive milestone of 9 million viewers on SVT Play, the streaming platform operated by Swedens national broadcaster, SVT.

Interestingly, the livestream began a week earlier than scheduled due to unseasonably warm weather prompting early moose movement, a scenario Malmgren was more than prepared for.

From now until May 4, viewers can enjoy remote cameras capturing the majestic sight of dozens of moose swimming across the ngerman River, located approximately 300 kilometers (about 187 miles) northwest of Stockholm. This annual spring migration leads the moose toward summer grazing pastures, creating a magnificent display of nature.

While the livestream may feature long stretches of time where not much occurs, many fans find this to be the very essence of its charm. I feel relaxed, but at the same time Im like, Oh, theres a moose. Oh, what if theres a moose? I cant go to the toilet! shared William Garp Liljefors, a 20-year-old viewer who has amassed a collection of over 150 moose plush toys since he started watching in 2020.

The concept of slow TV, which gained traction in 2009 with Norwegian public broadcaster NRKs minute-by-minute airing of a seven-hour train journey, has seen a rise in popularity across various countries, including the UK and China. For example, in the Dutch city of Utrecht, a fish doorbell was set up on a river lock, allowing livestream viewers to alert authorities to fish that were hindered from migrating to their spawning grounds.

According to Annette Hill, a professor specializing in media and communications at Jnkping University, slow TV is rooted in reality television but presents itself in a more genuine manner, devoid of staging that can detract from authenticity. It became, in a strange way, gripping because nothing catastrophic is happening, nothing spectacular is happening, she explained. But something very beautiful is happening in that minute-by-minute moment.

As an expert and fan of The Great Moose Migration, Hill appreciates how the livestream allows her to slow down her day and attune herself to the natural rhythms of the spring season. This is definitely a moment to have a calm, atmospheric setting in my own home, and I really appreciate it, she added.

The calming effect of the show extends not only to viewers but also to the crew involved in its production. Johan Erhag, SVT's project manager for the livestream, pointed out, Everyone who works with it goes down in their normal stress.

The moose have been following their migratory path for thousands of years, making it relatively straightforward for the production team to install around 20,000 meters (nearly 12 miles) of cable and position 26 remote cameras and seven night cameras. A drone is also utilized to capture aerial views of these magnificent creatures.

A team of approximately 15 people operates from SVTs control room located in Ume, ensuring that they remain at a distance to avoid disrupting the natural migration of the moose.

While the exact production costs remain undisclosed, Erhag confidently stated that when considering the 506 hours of footage aired last year, the project is relatively economical.

The fascination with moose is deeply rooted in Swedish culture; the country is home to around 300,000 moose, the largest land animals in Scandinavia, often referred to as the King of the Forest. A bull moose can reach a staggering height of 210 centimeters (6 feet 10 inches) and weigh up to 450 kilograms (992 pounds). Despite their impressive size, these herbivorous animals are generally shy and solitary.

Hanna Sandberg, who is now 36, first tuned in to the show in 2019 but didnt spot any moose that year. Undeterred, she returned the following year and finally saw her first moose, becoming hooked on the experience. You can watch them and be a part of their natural habitat in a way that you could never be otherwise, she remarked.

As the hours drag on, and after extensive footage of an empty forest, a camera finally captures the thrill of a moose approaching the riverbank. Suddenly, the slow TV transforms into a moment of urgency.

SVT's app sends out a push notification declaring, Frsta lgarna i bild! which translates to First moose on camera! This causes the livestreams chat to explode with excitement as viewers worldwide rally behind the majestic creature navigating its way into the water.

I would actually like to be a little fly on the wall in every household that watches the moose migration. Because I think there is about a million people saying about the same thing: Go on! Yes, you can do it!" Malmgren expressed, illustrating the communal enthusiasm that the event has generated.

Dedicated fans like Malmgren, who participates in a Facebook group with over 76,000 fellow viewers, are determined to watch as many hours as possible. Many shared photos on social media of their petsdogs and catsenthralled by the moose on their screens.

I was late to school because I saw moose, and my teacher was like, What, you saw moose in the city? And I was like, No, its on the TV, Garp Liljefors recounted, emphasizing the profound impact the livestream has had on its audience.

Malmgren joked about how her friends and family have learned to respect her viewing time. When someone asks me, What are you doing? Oh, never mind, its the great migration, she said, noting that they have come to understand the significance of this annual event in her life.

(Source: FRANCE 24 with AP)