Cleve Broch made his film debut in 1995, in the Swedish-Norwegian coming-of-age film Sebastian. In 2002, Cleve Broch became well known for playing Roger, a kindergarten Teacher, on NRK's 2002 drama series Lekestue. Critics praised him for his "dreamlike charisma" and "expressive, awkward, body language", and he was nominated for an award in the category "Best male actor" in Gullruten for his performance. The following year, Cleve Broch got his big break in Buddy, a romantic comedy directed by Morten Tyldum. The film revolves around two friends, played by Cleve Broch and Aksel Hennie, and their ascent from being billboard hangers to getting their own segment in a popular talk show. According to Cleve Broch, "it was a challenge to make all the storylines affect my character and the way he sees things". The film was well received by critics, who highlighted its "perfect cast", and were impressed with what was coined a "new generation of [Norwegian] film actors".