21 Great Nordic Noir & Scandi Drama Series To Binge (Ranked)

Last Updated on Categorized as Culture
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Looking for a new Nordic or Scandinavian TV show to dive into? You’re not alone, and you’ve definitely reached the right place! Below I’ve compiled 21 of my favorite Nordic Noir and Scandinavian Drama series, along with critic ratings and a short description that doesn’t spoil too much. Binge away!

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It is a golden age for Nordic and Scandinavian crime drama, which means it’s harder than ever to sift through all the options and decide what to watch next.

After all, following a show can be a bit of a commitment, even more so if it’s in a foreign language. And there’s nothing worse than getting invested into a show that seems promising, only to see it drop drastically in quality after a season or two.

So I’ve listed my favorite Nordic Noir and Scandi Drama series below that I think you should check out of you’re into the Scandinavian genre (sorted by a combined average rating).

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ℹ️ I’ve sorted this list based on cumulative average ratings from services such as IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and JustWatch. I’ve also included a trailer for each series, my opinion on why you should watch the series, and finally a link that will take you to all available streaming options in your country.

The 21 Best Nordic Noir & Scandi Drama Series:

Many of these shows are on Prime Video
They offer a 30-day trial for free through this link, so you’ll have enough time to watch any Nordic Noir series they have (along with the thousands of other movies and shows available).
1

Bron/Broen (The Bridge): 9.1/10

Watch the trailer for Bron / Broen above

9.1NP Score
Bron/Broen (Sweden/Denmark)
Release Year: 2011
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 38
Starring: Sofia Helin, Kim Bodnia, Rafael Pettersson, Sarah Boberg, Thure Lindhardt
Synopsis: A body found on the bridge between Denmark and Sweden, right on the border, forces Danish inspector Martin Rohde and Swedish Saga Norén to share jurisdiction and work together to find the killer.
IMDb Rating
8.6
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
9.4
JustWatch Rating
9.6

Why is Bron worth watching?

You might know it as Bron (Swedish), Broen (Danish), or The Bridge (not to be confused with the US remake from 2013), either way, Bron/Broen is likely the best Nordic Noir series out there, and a must-watch if you haven’t already seen it.

The series is a joint Swedish/Danish collaboration project through and through;

  • It’s co-produced by SVT and DR (each country’s respective public service TV station),
  • The whole story is centered around the Swedish city of Malmö and the neighboring Danish capital Copenhagen across the sound (the two cities are connected by the bridge behind the series’ name)
  • It’s based around the countries cooperating and solving the murder of a body found on the two countries’ exact border (thus falling within both countries jurisdiction)
  • The basis of the story is a collaboration of Swedish police detective Saga Norén and her Danish counterpart Martin Rohde.

The show features both beautiful and moody imagery from the cities of Malmö and Copenhagen (and their surroundings), and a modern and dynamic soundtrack that fits the setting perfectly. It touches on interesting themes and subjects such as betrayal, seeking validation from others, taking responsibility, finding your identity, and living within the autistic spectrum.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

2

Borgen: 9.1/10

Danish Political Drama

Watch the trailer for Borgen above

9.1NP Score
Borgen (Denmark)
Release Year: 2010
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 38
Starring: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Freja Riemann
Synopsis: A Danish political drama centered around a prime minister’s rise to power, and the changes that bring to a person.
IMDb Rating
8.5
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
9.4
JustWatch Rating
9

Why is Borgen worth watching?

Borgen is a gripping political story with excellent characters and storylines, providing an interesting insight into the best and worst of human tendencies when power is involved. A central theme of the show is balancing work and personal life, an important part of the Scandinavian culture (and a battle many of us are familiar with).

The series is centered around Danish politics and media and is primarily set in Copenhagen, the country’s capital.

It dives into complex subjects such as political strategy, navigating morals and ethics when you are in a position of power, and handling the consequences of ones actions.

The characters are complex and believable, and if you ever wanted to watch a Scandinavian hybrid of West Wing and Newsroom, this would be the closest thing you’ll find.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

Many of these shows are on Prime Video
They offer a 30-day trial for free through this link, so you’ll have enough time to watch any Nordic Noir series they have (along with the thousands of other movies and shows available).
3

Ófærð (Trapped): 8.9/10

Watch the trailer for Ófærð (Trapped) above

8.9NP Score
Ófærð (Iceland)
Release Year: 2015
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 28
Starring: Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Ilmur Kristjánsdóttir, Ingvar Sigurdsson, Elva María Birgisdóttir
Synopsis: In a remote town in Iceland, Police desperately try to solve a crime as a powerful storm descends upon the town.
IMDb Rating
8
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
9.5
JustWatch Rating
9.2

Why is Trapped worth watching?

Trapped offers Icelandic scenery, a haunting score, engaging and believable characters, and a dark small-town murder mystery—an excellent combination for a gripping Nordic Noir series from Icelandic Baltasar Kormakur.

You will get an insight into the secluded Icelandic reality of life on a remote part of a remote island, with ruthless weather, unavoidable isolation, and very dark secrets.

I love the layered characters and complex storyline, and can safely say that if you’re into dark, moody Nordic Noir, you’ll love this.

(Free Trial Available)

4

Forbrydelsen (The Killing): 8.7/10

Watch the trailer for Forbrydelsen (The Killing) above

8.7NP Score
Forbrydelsen (Denmark)
Release Year: 2007
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 40
Starring: Sofie Gråbøl, Morten Suurballe, Lars Mikkelsen
Synopsis: Danish Police detective Sarah Lund investigates difficult cases with personal and political consequences.
IMDb Rating
8.4
JustWatch Rating
9.1

Why is Forbrydelsen worth watching?

The Killing is a realistic and thrilling depiction of the dark worlds of finance and politics. With great characters, beautiful photography, and excellent acting, it’s a joy biting your nails as you follow Sarah Lund’s investigations of dirty business and mysterious murders.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

5

Tunna Blå Linjen (Thin Blue Line): 8.6/10

A human perspective of Malmö

Watch the trailer for Tunna Blå Linjen above

8.6NP Score
Tunna Blå Linjen (Sweden)
Release Year: 2021
Number of Seasons: 2 (Season 3 in 2024)
Number of Episodes: 10
Starring: Amanda Jansson, Oscar Töringe, Per Lasson, Anna Sise, Sandra Stojiljkovic, Gizem Erdogan
Synopsis: A down-to-earth and sobering story about the daily life of four police officers, and an insight into life in the animated and lively Swedish city of Malmö.
IMDb Rating
8
JustWatch Rating
7.9

Why is Tunna blå linjen worth watching?

Having grown up in and lived in Malmö för most of my life, Tunna Blå Linjen is one of the first series that has actually managed to capture and portray an honest and modern Malmö story, with believable characters and a human side to it that feels genuine. Sure, it has it’s moments when I feel like the writers are straying a bit too far away from the real world, but all in all this is aheartfelt tv production that reflects life in Malmö fairly well.

We get to follow surprisingly believable police characters in their day-to-day life in one of the more controversial cities in Sweden; Malmö. The city is often featured in media as a crime-ridden place without hope, but as both the show and reality will reveal — it’s not that black and white.

Malmö can be both beautiful and ugly (culture-wise and city-wise), and Tunna blå linjen does a decent job presenting this complexity. I’ve written an article listing all the reasons you need to go visit Malmö if you want to find out more about the city in general.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

6

Kalifat (Caliphate): 8.6/10

Watch the trailer for Kalifat above

8.6NP Score
Kalifat (Sweden)
Release Year: 2020
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 8
Starring: Gizem Erdogan, Amed Bozan, Aliette Opheim
Synopsis: Agent Fatima gets a tip that a terrorist act is planned in Sweden. At the same time, the teenager Sulle has opened her eyes to her student assistant who opens the doors to a new fascinating world.
IMDb Rating
8.2
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
8.8
JustWatch Rating
8.8

Why is Kalifat worth watching?

A fresh and controversial perspective on the global and specifically Scandinavian battle with terrorism, with great characters, acting, and an extremely gripping story.

The series features powerful scenes from life as an IS soldier, and does not rely on epic effects to keep you at the edge of your seat. It is extremely hard to stop watching it, and the director and actors all do a phenomenal job throughout the first season.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

7

Sorjonen (Bordertown): 8.3/10

Watch the trailer for Sorjonen above

8.3NP Score
Sorjonen (Finland)
Release Year: 2016
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 31
Starring: Ville Virtanen, Matleena Kuusniemi, Anu Sinisalo
Synopsis: A quirky Sherlock-esque police detective from Finland tries to solve crimes while also keeping his family together.
IMDb Rating
7.6
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
8.4
JustWatch Rating
8.8

Why is Bordertown worth watching?

The complexities of border areas is something we have gotten familiar with in other Nordic Noir series (the obvious example being The Bridge), and Bordertown delivers a very interesting perspective of the Finnish/Russian border town of Lappeenranta/Villmanstrand.

We get to follow the hyper-intelligent investigator Kari Sorjonen and the familiar dark shades of murder mysteries and psychopathic killers.

If you’re into Sherlock Holmes and American Psycho, this series will likely scratch your Nordic Noir itch perfectly.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

8

Wallander: 8.2/10

Watch the trailer for Wallander above

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Why is Wallander worth watching?

This may feel a bit weird, but an English series made it on the Nordic Noir list! Kenneth Branagh nails the best portrayal of Henning Mankell‘s southern Swedish police detective Kurt Wallander in this series that takes place and was filmed in Ystad, Sweden.

There are Swedish adaptations of the books that are also really good, but I think the BBC series does it really well and deserves its own spot this list.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

9

Okkupert (Occupied): 8.2/10

Watch the trailer for Okkupert above

8.2NP Score
Okkupert (Norway)
Release Year: 2015
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 24
Starring: Henrik Mestad, Ane Dahl Torp, Eldar Skar
Synopsis: Norway is occupied by Russia when a new environmentally friendly Norwegian government stops all production of oil and gas.
IMDb Rating
7.6
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
9.2
JustWatch Rating
8.2

Why is Okkupert worth watching?

What will happen if a country all of a sudden stops pumping oil for environmental reasons? This is a very interesting question that we get to explore in Occupied, which handles tender subjects such as global warming, Russian influence on Europe, and national autonomy — definitely relevant subjects in today’s violent political climate.

The show even had an impact on our real world, as the premiere resulted in Russia’s embassy handing in a formal protest against Swedish network SVT for streaming the show to Swedes, which should tell you something about the story and themes of the show.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

10

Rejseholdet (Unit One): 8.1/10

Watch the trailer for Resjeholdet (Unit One) above

8.1NP Score
Rejseholdet (Denmark)
Release Year: 2000
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 32
Starring: Charlotte Fich, Mads Mikkelsen, Lars Brygmann
Synopsis: A mobile investigative unit in Denmark solves complicated cases that always seem to take an unexpected turn.
IMDb Rating
8.1
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
8
JustWatch Rating
6.9

Why is Rejseholdet worth watching?

Rejseholdet feels like old-school Nordic Noir, and features a set of great characters that all feer very real and relatable, with their own challenging baggage that they deal with in their daily life as a police investigator.

Each episode centers around a new crime, and almost always contains twists that keep you glued to the TV throughout, and looking forward to the next episode.

Unlike most of the other Danish shows on this list, we also get to see a bit more of Denmark than just Copenhagen, which is refreshing and a big plus in my book.

The cast includes an excellent Mads Mikkelsen (from international hit franchises such as James Bond, Star Wars, and Hannibal) in his first big TV role after breaking through with smaller Danish movies such as Pusher, Bleeder, and Flickering Lights (all worth a watch too!).

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

11

Hjem til jul (Home for Christmas): 7.9/10

Watch the trailer for Hjem til jul above

7.9NP Score
Hjem til jul (Norway)
Release Year: 2019
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 12
Starring: Ida Elise Broch, Gabrielle Leithaug, Hege Schøyen
Synopsis: The societal pressure against single life finally gets to 30 year old Johanne, as she starts a hunt for a partner to bring home to her family for Christmas.
IMDb Rating
7.7
JustWatch Rating
8.1

Why is Home for Christmas worth watching?

Home for Christmas is something a bit different; a witty but engaging drama taking us on a Norwegian Love Actually-esque love story, where we follow Johanne on her quest for a partner.

The show looks great, and Ida Elise Broch does an excellent job portraying the more and more desperate Johanne.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

Many of these shows are on Prime Video
They offer a 30-day trial for free through this link, so you’ll have enough time to watch any Nordic Noir series they have (along with the thousands of other movies and shows available).
12

Den som dræber (Those Who Kill): 7.8/10

Watch the trailer for Den Som Dræber above

7.8NP Score
Den som dræber (Denmark)
Release Year: 2011
Number of Seasons: 2 (+ 1 movie)
Number of Episodes: 16
Starring: Natalie Madueño, Kenneth M. Christensen, Tobias Santelmann
Synopsis: Investigator Jan and profiler Louise constantly move around in the thrilling periphery of a murderer’s view as they link a series of killings.
IMDb Rating
7.5
JustWatch Rating
8

Why is Den som dræber worth watching?

Those Who Kill is a fast-paced, thrilling Nordic Noir series following a special unit within the Copenhagen police.

Good characters, solid story, and great episodes where we get to follow the hunt for a serial killer on the loose.

(Free Trial Available)

13

Jägarna (The Hunters): 7.8/10

Watch the trailer for Jägarna above

7.8NP Score
Jägarna (Sweden)
Release Year: 2018
Number of Seasons: 2 (+ 2 movies)
Number of Episodes: 12
Starring: Rolf Lassgård, Johan Marenius Nordahl, Annika Nordin
Synopsis: Erik returns to the northernmost of Sweden after a lifetime with Stockholm police save Jägarna (1996) and Jägarna 2 (2011). Retirement doesn’t become him so he helps his nephew Peter, a rookie at the local police.
IMDb Rating
7.4
JustWatch Rating
8.1

Why is Jägarna worth watching?

When the first Jägarna movie came out, it gave a moody, depressing, but gripping account of life in Northern Sweden (Norrland) that spread across Sweden like a wildfire.

The uniquely melancholic, remote, and beautiful Norrland is rarely the setting of Swedish productions so it’s a treat to get an insight into the nuances of life in the deep and dark north.

Since then another movie has come out plus a recent series with many of the same actors, keeping up the dark and suspenseful style of the movies (which are considered classics by many Swedes).

(Free Trial Available)

14

Gåsmamman: 7.7/10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqg7-4tBVlE

Watch the trailer for Gåsmamman above

7.7NP Score
Gåsmamman
Release Year: 2015
Number of Seasons: 6
Number of Episodes: 46
Starring: Alexandra Rapaport, Clara Christiansson Drake, Edvin Ryding, Tommy Körberg
Synopsis: Sonja lives a carefree life with her family near Stockholm and works as an accountant in the family business at the marina. One day Sonja is drawn into the criminal underworld to save her family.
IMDb Rating
7.5
JustWatch Rating
7.8

Why is Gåsmamman worth watching?

This is an interesting story in the mold of Bron and Wallander, in which we follow “Goose mother” Sonja from a mostly normal life to one in which she is balancing organized crime and protecting her family.

Kind of a cross between Erin Brockovich and Breaking Bad, if you want to believe the promotional work of the showmakers.

(Free Trial Available)

15

Midnattssol (Midnight Sun): 7.7/10

Watch the trailer for Midnattssol above

7.7NP Score
Midnattsol (Sweden)
Release Year: 2016
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 8
Starring: Leïla Bekhti, Gustaf Hammarsten, Albin Grenholm, Peter Stormare
Synopsis: The brutal murder of a French citizen sees French homicide investigator Kahina Zadi go to Kiruna, Sweden. Together with Rutger Burlin she begins an investigation that soon takes on staggering proportions.
IMDb Rating
7.5
JustWatch Rating
7.8

Why is Midnattssol worth watching?

This is a unique French and Swedish collaboration centered around a mysterious murder in the arctic northern Sweden. It touches on Sami culture and dark myths of the north.

In true Scandinavian Noir fashion, the series leaves you at the edge of your seat as you follow along in the thrilling investigation by Swedish and French police.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

16

Beck: 7.7/10

Watch the trailer for Beck above

7.7NP Score
Beck
Release Year: 1997
Number of Seasons: 7
Number of Episodes: 42
Starring: Peter Haber, Ingvar Hirdwall, Rebecka Hemse, Mikael Persbrandt,
Synopsis: Commissioner Martin Beck and his eccentric partner Gunvald Larsson investigate murders in Stockholm, Sweden.
IMDb Rating
7.4
JustWatch Rating
7.9

Why is Beck worth watching?

Beck is a classic Swedish crime drama, with famous characters and a longevity few other series can match.

The rage of Gunvald and the calculated police work of Martin creates a great chemistry on screen, and although it doesn’t quite reach the heights of more modern Nordic Noir, it’s still worth checking out if you have the time!

(Free Trial Available)

Many of these shows are on Prime Video
They offer a 30-day trial for free through this link, so you’ll have enough time to watch any Nordic Noir series they have (along with the thousands of other movies and shows available).
17

Bedrag (Follow the Money): 7.7/10

Watch the trailer for Bedrag (Follow the Money) above

7.7NP Score
Bedrag / Follow the Money (Denmark)
Release Year: 2016
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 30
Starring: Esben Smed, Thomas Hwan, Thomas Bo Larsen
Synopsis: A body of a Ukrainian guest worker washes ashore, and an investigation leads to Energreen; one of Denmark’s leading renewable energy companies, where a police investigation led by Mads leads him down a road of corruption, insider trading, and general shadiness.
IMDb Rating
7.6
JustWatch Rating
7.7

Why is Bedrag (Follow the Money) worth watching?

Follow the Money is a Danish series focusing on greed, financial crime and not-so clean energy, and when it’s created by “Borgen” author Jeppe Gjervig Gram you know it’s definitely worth the watch.

Inside Energreen’s very Scandinavian and minimalist offices we get to follow corporate ambition and greed, coupled with loads of shady dealings and inter-office drama.

We also get to follow the fate of young mechanic and new father Nicky, who falls into old car-thieving habits in order to make a quick buck for his family.

Bedrag is a steely, elegant, and suspenseful show that delivers intricate plots and revelations as soon as it has warmed up after a slightly heavy-handed start.

It’s professional, well-acted, and expertly directed by Per Fly – but perhaps not immediately gripping in the way we’ve come to expect from other Scandinavian crime series.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

18

Innan vi dör (Before We Die): 7.6/10

Watch the trailer for Innan vi dör above

7.6NP Score
Innan vi dör (Sweden)
Release Year: 2017
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 18
Starring: Marie Richardson, Adam Pålsson, Magnus Krepper
Synopsis: A police inspector in the organised crime unit disappears after meeting with a mysterious informer.
IMDb Rating
7.7
JustWatch Rating
7.4

Why is Innan vi dör worth watching?

This shows sheds some light on the Stockholm underworld of drugs, gangs, and organized crime, along with an interesting perspective within a police investigative unit.

A police investigator’s son spirals out of control after he is put in jail by his own mother, and we get to explore the grimy world of Stockholm’s organized crime in an eerily fascinating way.

We follow the struggle between a police mother and a criminal son, and we get an insight into how the darker side of the Swedish capital looks.

The characters feel real enough, and the story definitely keeps you on your toes as it progresses through storylines and subjects you don’t expect across the three seasons.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

19

Efterforskningen (The Investigation): 7.6/10

Watch the trailer for Efterforskningen above

7.6NP Score
Efterforskningen (Denmark)
Release Year: 2021
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 6
Starring: Søren Malling, Pilou Asbæk, Pernilla August, Rolf Lassgård
Synopsis: Copenhagen Police’s Homicide unit, headed by Jens Møller, tries to solve the murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall.
IMDb Rating
7.6
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
7.2
JustWatch Rating
8.1

Why is Efterforskningen worth watching?

The series documents the mysterious real-world case from 2017 when a Swedish journalist went missing after doing research for an article on a submarine with a Danish contractor. The sub is found with traces of murder, but the journalist is missing.

From the creators of Borgen, the Investigation delivers a similar mood and style with some familiar faces. You find yourself gasping and wanting more after each episode, and it is very interesting finding out more about this most peculiar real-world case.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

20

The Valhalla Murders: 7.6/10

Watch the trailer for The Valhall Murders above

7.6NP Score
The Valhalla Murders
Release Year: 2019
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 8
Starring: Aldís Amah Hamilton, Bergur Ebbi Benediktsson, Edda Björgvinsdóttir
Synopsis: Police profiler Arnar is sent back home from Oslo to his native Iceland to investigate the country’s first serial killer case. He teams up with the local senior cop Kata.
IMDb Rating
7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
8
JustWatch Rating
7.8

Why is The Valhalla Murders worth watching?

The Valhalla Murders is a solid Nordic Noir mini series that follows the genre very well, with a gripping story and complex characters that grow as the show goes on.

Along with the main character we are taken to Iceland, for a beautiful and dark setting that fits the mysterious murders perfectly.

↗️ Find where to stream on JustWatch

21

Dicte: 7.6/10

Watch the trailer for Dicte above

7.6NP Score
Dicte (Denmark)
Release Year: 2013
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 30
Starring: Iben Hjejle, Lærke Winther, Dar Salim
Synopsis: Dicte is a dedicated reporter and refuses to give up before she has her story. Her stubbornness gives her problems immediately with the policeman John Wagner, and they often get into clashes with each other.
IMDb Rating
7.2
JustWatch Rating
7.9

Why is Dicte worth watching?

If you liked Borgen, you’ll most likely enjoy Dicte as well, with many familiar faces and a story that holds you tight throughout the show.

We get to follow the interesting battle between a reporter trying to protect her sources, and a police investigator trying to find the truth.

(Free Trial Available)


Summary:

The Nordic Noir & Scandi Drama genres have spawned a ton of really good quality shows that capture that uniquely dark, minimalistic, grounded, warm, and ultimately human feeling you can only get in the modern Nordic sagas.

I’ve watched more than I’d like to admit and can personally recommend all of the series in this article for your next Nordic-themed TV binge!


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By Karl Andersson

As a native Swede with a Finnish mother, Karl identifies as both Nordic and Scandinavian. He left Sweden at 19 to explore the world, and stayed abroad for almost 8 years—during which he backpacked, worked every job there was, earned a degree from UC Berkeley, and met the future mother of his children. He ultimately returned to his native Malmö with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world.

37 comments

  1. I would add the Danish series, “Seaside Hotel” to the list, although it is not strictly a drama or crime show, nor is it noir – more of a comedy with a bit of drama and crime. The central character is a young woman who arrives at the hotel to work as a cook and a maid, serving an eclectic cast of vacationers, including an actor with a roving eye and his pregnant wife, a wealthy businessman and his family that includes a wild set of twins and their hapless nanny, and an overbearing mother with her adult naturalist son. I have not yet viewed the entire series, as it is aired season by season in the US on public television. One can subscribe to a streaming service.

    I would love to see another season of “Before We Die.”

    1. Many thanks for the suggestion Ellen, “Seaside Hotel” does indeed look good and I haven’t heard of it before. Looking forward to watching it and likely including it here (after all it’s not solely Noir or drama in this list). I love discovering new shows so your tip is really appreciated!

      Have a great day,

      –Karl

  2. Great list of “Nordic noirs” and I have enjoyed many them especially the ones with 90 minute episodes. And, while I am not Scandinavian, fortunately many of them are available with excellent English subtitles.
    However you have left out my all time favorite (albeit not technically noir…) “Johan Falk” (20 films)
    Possibly the best crime series of all time, Scandinavian or North American with excellent plots,lots of action and great acting. Unfortunately the subtitles on some episodes were quite poor

    1. Yeah I loved the Falk movies with Jakob Eklund, but haven’t had a chance to watch the more recent ones. I’ll have to take your word for it and check them out too!

      Thanks for the tip Felice!

  3. The Wallander series with Krister Henriksson in the title role is the best version.

    Not exactly noir (but plenty dark enough) the Danish “Arvingerne” (“The Legacy”) is excellent.

    Thanks for your list!

  4. I totally agree with Kim. The UK version can’t hold a candle to the Swedish version.
    Another series that doesn’t seem to get much recognition but I found very entertaining is Rejseholdet – Unit one. Any comments on it?

    1. Rejseholdet looks very intriguing – love the cast! I also see that they released a continuation in 2020. I’ll definitely have to check it out, thanks for the tip Felice!

  5. Nice list, Karl. Besides the extra suggestions already mentioned, I would include the Danish Bedrag (a.k.a. Follow the Money) and one of my favourites (from your country) Jordskott, wonderfully knitting investigative and supernatural elements.

  6. Thanks so much for the list Karl, it is evident that you have put in a lot of time into a quality presentation and summary from multiple sources.
    I find myself here in Australia increasingly turning to Nordic TV series(and Movies) as the current and recent offerings of the western crime genre are inevitably packed with woke themes and diversity PC quotas which really kills the originality and authenticity which is essential to creating an atmosphere of believability of ‘real life’ settings.
    I would like to recommend the Danish TV series Wisting, which in the first series manages to place an already infamous US serial killer into Denmark where he has secretly wreaked bloody havoc for years until his secret cache of young girls bodies is discovered…

    1. No worries! I like to get nerdy about this stuff and am happy to help others in search of some good Nordic Noir.

      And thanks yourself for the recommendation Dave!

      Wisting looks promising (and is available to stream) so I’ll have to check it out for sure.

  7. I’m unsuccessfully searching for a Scandinavian noir series I enjoyed a few years ago. Can you help? A heavily tattooed prestigious attorney was set up in a human trafficking murder mystery/ legal procedural. In addition to the murder mystery, another drama unfolds between protagonist’s law firm and his wife’s corrupt father’s law firm. I believe the drama’s title was 1 word & the protagonists’ family name. Can you direct me? Many thanks guiding me to great drama with superb cast.

    1. Hello Terri!

      I don’t know the series unfortunately but I’ll keep my eyes open and let you know if I stumble across it.

    2. Hi Terri – Aber Bergen? I think this is the one (heavily tattooed lawyer, law firm named after the husband and wife)

  8. Thank you so much ! I love noir. In my searching for more noir series to watch I have constantly found repetitive listings . I am so happy to find here so many I haven’t seen . Thank you for the many hours I will now be able enjoy. I am grateful for your help

    1. My pleasure Robert! I really appreciate you taking the time to write these kind words. I too love Nordic Noir, and will continue to add shows to this list as I watch new ones. So whenever you run out of shows to watch, just come back around and there’ll likely be a few new ones here for you to binge. 🙂

    1. Thanks Pat, as a result of so many people recommending it I’ve started watching it now, and it’s definitely going up on the list!

  9. I love Scandinavian police series.They’re far better than any U.S or U.K fare.
    Unfortunatley they’re hard to come by.
    I found a website from which I download everything.Except I can never find complete Series which is a pity.The problem are the subtitles though.I speak German and Dutch and manage to piece together what they say somehow.But I prefer good subtitles…less of a headache…

  10. How can you not include The Killing on that list? Surely it’s right up there with The Bridge…

    1. I agree and it’s definitely included, coming in at #4! So not too far away from The Bridge. 😊

      I titled it with its original Danish name first (Førbrydelsen) so that’s probably why you missed it! Great show…

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