Scandinavian series you shouldn’t miss, with original stories that break through their gloomy atmospheres and natural landscapes that mirror human psychology.
Scandinavian series remain at the forefront of the genre with their original storytelling. With long silences, natural landscapes that reflect the inner conflicts of their characters and gloomy atmospheres, they do much more than simply tell a crime story. Although such series dominate the genre, there are many productions that capture the spirit of Scandinavia. Some uncover secrets buried beneath the snow, while others explore human psychology in their own distinctive way. Let’s take a step into the cold yet fascinating world of the North. Here are the Scandinavian series you shouldn’t miss.
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Skam
IMDb: 8.5
The Norwegian teen drama Skam, which aired between 2015 and 2017, is first on our list. Set in a high school in Oslo, the series follows a group of teenagers as they navigate love, friendship, sexuality, parties, identity struggles and problems with their families. Its similarities to the legendary British teen drama Skins are sure to appeal to fans of the genre. There is, however, one important distinction: while Skins is chaotic, harsh and provocative, Skam focuses on more natural, introspective conflicts and relationships that develop slowly. Created by Julie Andem, the series, much like Skins, follows a different character’s story each season. Meaning “shame,” Skam stands apart from similar productions thanks to the realism of its characters. Its success led to local adaptations in countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States. The cast also includes young actor Herman Tømmeraas, whom viewers may remember from Ragnarok.
Midnattssol / Midnight Sun
IMDb: 7.4
If you enjoy Scandinavian crime dramas such as The Killing, The Bridge and Trapped, Midnight Sun is just the series for you. The story begins in Kiruna, a Swedish town near the Arctic Circle. Known for its enormous iron mines, it is a place where the sun never sets during the summer months. A French citizen is brutally murdered after being tied to the rotor of a helicopter. Experienced police officer Kahina Zadi arrives from Paris to investigate the murder. She is joined by Anders Harnesk, a Swedish prosecutor of Sámi origin. As the pair begin their investigation, they soon realise that things are not at all as they seem. If you particularly enjoy dark and gloomy atmospheres, in other words, Nordic noir, this series is worth a chance.
Kampen om tungtvannet (The Saboteurs)
IMDb: 7.9
One of Norway’s most famous series is The Saboteurs, also known as The Heavy Water War. Written by Petter S. Rosenlund, the series takes place in 1940, during the Nazi German occupation of Norway. One of the reasons for Germany’s interest in Norway was the Vemork factory in the southern town of Rjukan. This was because the factory was one of the world’s most important heavy water production facilities. But what exactly is heavy water? Heavy water is a special type of water that can be used to slow down neutrons in nuclear reactors. German scientists needed this substance for their nuclear research. While Nobel Prize-winning physicist Werner Heisenberg and his team work on Germany’s nuclear programme, Norwegian scientist Leif Tronstad begins to suspect the Nazis’ interest in heavy water. Tronstad escapes to Britain, where he collaborates with British intelligence to prepare a sabotage operation that will stop production at the factory. But there is a serious problem: the factory is located high in the mountains, surrounded by steep cliffs and guarded by German soldiers. A six-part miniseries, The Saboteurs is an excellent choice for those who enjoy historical dramas.
Bron / Broen (The Bridge)
Imdb: 8.6
If you’re tired of overhyped, flashy thrillers, “Bron” is a refreshing change with its straightforward, clean narrative. The story begins on the famous bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, where a gruesome discovery is made: a dead body. This discovery sets the homicide detectives of both countries into action. Swedish detective Saga Noren is an unconventional character with poor social skills and an obsessive focus on her work, while her Danish counterpart, Martin Rohde, is recovering from a recent surgery. Together, they begin unraveling the mystery behind the murder, only to realize that the case is far more complicated than it initially appeared. As they dig deeper, the investigation takes unexpected turns. Fans of “True Detective” will feel right at home with “Bron.” The series aired from 2011 to 2018 and has an IMDb score of 8.6.
Forbrydelsen / The Killing
IMDb: 8.4 / 8.3
Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, “Forbrydelsen” (also known as “The Killing”) follows Detective Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) through a series of murder investigations. Each season revolves around a different case, and each episode covers a 24-hour period in the investigation. What sets this series apart are its unexpected twists, the depth of its seasonal story arcs, and the dark, immersive atmosphere. The trauma experienced by the victim’s family and the political implications of each case are explored in great detail.
The series has earned numerous accolades, including BAFTA and International Emmy awards. There’s also a highly successful U.S. adaptation, “The Killing,” which stars Mireille Enos and is available on Disney Plus. “Forbrydelsen” aired from 2007 to 2012 with an IMDb score of 8.4, while the U.S. version holds a score of 8.3.
Ofaerd / Trapped
IMDb: 8.0
We can’t talk about Nordic TV series without visiting Iceland! “Ofaerd” kicks off with the journey of Hjörtür and his girlfriend, Dagny, through a snow-covered landscape on Iceland’s east coast. Their love blooms in the eerie atmosphere of an abandoned factory, until an unexpected fire turns their world upside down. Dagny tragically falls victim to the flames, and Hjörtür disappears.
Fast forward seven years, and the same port town is shaken by a grisly discovery: a mutilated body is found in the net of fishermen aboard a ferry between Hirtshals and Iceland. The Icelandic police are immediately drawn into the investigation, but due to harsh weather conditions, they are forced to leave the case to the inexperienced officers in the small town. Adding to the tension, the ferry captain sabotages the investigation by shutting down the ship’s heating system. If you love watching snow and unraveling mysteries in isolated, harsh landscapes, “Ofaerd” is the perfect pick. You can find this series on Netflix, where it holds an IMDb score of 8.0.
Borgen
IMDb: 8.5
Brigitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen) is a rising star in Danish politics. Set in Borgen, the Danish parliament, this gripping political drama follows Nyborg’s rise to the position of prime minister, even though her party is in the minority. A charismatic leader who’s won the hearts of the people, Nyborg is not just an eloquent orator but also renowned for her honesty and intelligence. The series immerses you in her world as she faces political intrigue, relentless media criticism, and tough decisions. While she works harmoniously with her team, Nyborg remains an idealistic leader who trusts her inner voice above all.
In Borgen, you’ll witness Nyborg’s strategic brilliance, her ability to balance parenting and politics, and her graceful ability to step back when necessary, all while navigating the high-stakes world of journalism. Created by the team behind Forbrydelsen (The Killing), this show is a must-watch for political drama fans. Borgen is available on Netflix with an IMDb score of 8.5.
Rita
IMDb: 8.0
When you think of Nordic dramas, you might immediately think of crime fiction, but Rita offers a refreshing twist. This delightful series transports you to a charming little town in Denmark and follows Rita Madsen, a headstrong, independent teacher beloved by her students but struggling to connect with adults.
A mother of three, Rita is known for her no-nonsense approach, sporting leather jackets and plaid shirts, yet she has a soft spot for her students’ troubles. Despite her personal quirks, she’s not always the best parent, making her character all the more relatable. What truly makes Rita shine is Mille Dinesen’s exceptional performance. The series, in which you will often hear the word “Skål!” (Danish for “Cheers”), started in 2012. “Rita” lasted four seasons and has an IMDB score of 8.0 and we strongly recommend you to give this series a chance. You can watch “Rita” on Netflix.
Exit
IMDb: 8.2
Exit offers a captivating look at the lives of four wealthy Norwegian stockbrokers, immersing viewers in their high-octane world. This series goes beyond the financial sphere, diving into the complex relationship dynamics, especially the resistance of a woman manipulated by her husband.
With its compelling narrative and shocking twists, Exit is sure to keep you hooked for all four seasons. Set in one of the world’s most prosperous countries, the series has an IMDb rating of 8.2 and is available on Blu TV.
Störst av allt/ Quicksand
IMDb: 7.4
Based on Malin Persson Giolito’s novel, this is the first Swedish-language series to be released on Netflix. The plot centers around a school attack at Djursholm High School, where 18-year-old Maja Norberg is arrested on suspicion of murder after her ex-boyfriend, Sebastian “Sibbe” Fagerman, dies at the scene. Maja confesses to the murder early on but denies the charge. The trial shifts its focus not on whether the murder occurred, but on why it happened. As in the novel, the story is told from Maja’s perspective, with events alternating between the present day and her memories leading up to the attack.
The six-part series tackles the central question of complicity: As the only student to survive, did Maja conspire with her boyfriend to plan the attack, or was she an innocent bystander? Fagerman’s death thrusts Maja into the international media spotlight. Margareta Ardéhn delivers an exceptional performance in this series, which is translated into English as The Swamp and has an IMDb rating of 7.4.
Karppi / Deadwind
IMDb: 7.3
If you’re looking to satisfy your longing for snow by immersing yourself in the breathtaking winter landscapes of Finland, you’re in the right place. Karppi is one of the most captivating Northern European crime dramas, moving at a slow pace while effectively capturing the dramatic perspective of the Nordic countries.
Watching this series will give you a deeper understanding of why Scandinavian people rarely show their emotions. Here’s a glimpse of the plot: After the sudden death of her husband, Detective Sofia Karppi struggles to cope with her grief. Returning to work months later, she’s assigned to a new case when the body of a young woman is discovered at a construction site. However, as the investigation unfolds, Sofia begins to suspect that a major construction company’s dark secrets may be tied to the death. Karppi boasts an IMDb rating of 7.3, and Pihla Viitala deserves credit for bringing Sofia Karppi’s character to life. You can watch the series on Netflix.
Rebecka Martinsson
IMDb: 7.1
Based on the bestselling novel series by Swedish author Åsa Larsson, Rebecka Martinsson is a gripping crime drama that follows the journey of a successful lawyer who returns to her childhood town of Kiruna.
Here’s a brief overview: Rebecka Martinsson, a high-powered lawyer in Stockholm, returns to her hometown after the death of a childhood friend. Her return forces her to confront unresolved issues from her past while working alongside local police to solve a series of crimes. As she delves into the investigation, Rebecka must navigate her own emotional trauma and the dark secrets of Kiruna. While Ida Engvoll originally portrayed Rebecka in the first season, Sascha Zacharias takes over the role in the second season. With an IMDb rating of 7.1, Rebecka Martinsson is available to watch on Apple TV.
