Top 10 Scandinavian Crime Series to Add to Your Watch List
You may have heard about The Bridge, but what about others?
1. The Bridge (Bron/Broen) (2011-2018)
Welcome to the gateway series for all things Scandinavian crime. The Bridge throws us into a gritty collaboration between Swedish and Danish law enforcement, sparked by a particularly grisly crime – a body found exactly on the border of the two nations, laid out on the Øresund Bridge. The spotlight is on Saga Norén, a Swedish detective with poor social skills but a sharp mind, and Martin Rohde, a laid-back, empathetic Danish detective. The show's success spawned remakes in the US/Mexico, UK/France, and even Russia/Estonia.
2. The Killing (Forbrydelsen) (2007-2012)
A rainy city, a gruesome murder, a relentless detective – welcome to The Killing, a Danish export that revolutionized the world of crime dramas. Sofie Gråbøl plays Sarah Lund, a detective who couldn't care less about office politics, much to the chagrin of her superiors. The Killing spends its first season unraveling one single murder case – a novel approach that had audiences globally on the edge of their seats.
3. Wallander (2005-2013)
Adapted from Henning Mankell's books, Wallander introduces us to the eponymous Kurt Wallander (Krister Henriksson), a detective in Ystad, Sweden. Wallander is not your average maverick cop. He's a flawed, sometimes dour character, with a life as messy as the crimes he investigates. The show's grim but beautifully cinematic landscapes reflect Wallander's psyche. Its impact on global television has been so profound that it led to an English adaptation starring Kenneth Branagh.
4. Occupied (Okkupert) (2015-2020)
Occupied takes a detour from the usual crime series setup, venturing into the realm of political thrillers. In the near future, Norway decides to cease fossil fuel production, leading Russia (with the EU's tacit approval) to 'peacefully' invade to seize the oil resources. The series follows Norway's Prime Minister Jesper Berg (Henrik Mestad) as he grapples with the country's subtle occupation and growing resistance movements. Sure hits differently in 2023.
5. Dicte (2013-2016)
Not all detectives wear badges, as proven by Dicte, a series about a crime reporter, Dicte Svendsen (Iben Hjejle), who can't help but get involved in the investigations she covers. Set in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, Dicte offers an appealing blend of crime-solving, personal drama, and explorations of topical issues, from corruption to gender equality. The series is based on novels written by Danish author Elsebeth Egholm, who initially wrote the books while living in Aarhus.
6. Trapped (Ófærð) (2015-present)
Trapped sets itself apart by immersing us in the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. The story begins when a mutilated torso (yes, you read that right) washes ashore in a small town just as a ferry from Denmark arrives. As Andri Olafsson, the town's chief of police, investigates this horrifying incident, a severe snowstorm traps everyone in town.
Claustrophobic yet visually spectacular, Trapped uses Iceland's icy backdrop as another character in its engrossing narrative. If you're into unique filming locations, the series was shot in Siglufjörður, one of the most northerly towns in Iceland.
7. Borgen (2010-2013, 2022)
Borgen mixes detective format with political drama. Sidse Babett Knudsen stars as Birgitte Nyborg, who unexpectedly becomes Denmark's first female Prime Minister. Now, before you think that politics are dry, let me assure you, Borgen will keep you hooked with its sharp writing and exceptional performances. It offers a fascinating, albeit fictional, insight into the corridors of Danish power. Borgen translates to The Castle in English, a nickname for Christiansborg Palace where the Prime Minister's office is located.
8. The Eagle: A Crime Odyssey (Ørnen: En krimi-odysse) (2004-2006)
The Eagle is a multi-national crime series centered around Hallgrim Ørn Hallgrimsson, a half-Icelandic, half-Danish police officer with a knack for solving complex international crimes. Each episode sees 'The Eagle' and his team tackling cross-border cases that weave through the criminal underworlds of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and other European cities.
9. Beck (1997-present)
Based on characters from the popular novels by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, Beck offers us a more traditional procedural crime series. It features Martin Beck, a Stockholm detective who tackles all sorts of tricky cases alongside his hot-headed partner, Gunvald Larsson. This show's long run – over two decades and counting – speaks for its enduring popularity. And if you're into retro nostalgia, the series originally started as a set of movies in the mid-1990s!
10. Beforeigners (Førstefrem) (2019-present)
Beforeigners is a quirky Norwegian series where people from the past, including the Stone Age, the Viking era, and the 19th century, start appearing in modern-day Oslo. As you can imagine, this doesn't just cause historical hilarity, but also a fair share of crimes that detectives Lars Haaland and Alfhildr Enginnsdottir (who's a Viking, by the way) have to solve. It's a unique blend of crime, comedy, and social commentary that's unlike anything else you've seen.