The Most Unmissable Crime Dramas From Scandinavia
Dark, gripping, and endlessly bingeable - these are the Nordic noir essentials you need to watch
Hello fellow sleuths,
We’ve already shared our favourite Nordic Noir books, so we thought it was about time to share the best of the best when it comes to TV shows too. If you’ve not explored these crime shows from Scandinavia because you don’t like watching foreign language shows with subtitles, let’s just say you’re MISSING OUT. Once you’ve seen the beautiful icy landscapes, gruesome crimes and intense detective duos you will never be able to watch a light-hearted mystery again. In fact, the whole genre inspired shows such as Broadchurch, True Detective and all the other great crime dramas over the last 20 years.
One warning: the crimes can be VERY gruesome so be aware.
Here’s our recommended watch list:
1. The Bridge (Sweden/Denmark)
We’ve started with the best. When a body is found exactly halfway across the Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark, detectives from both countries, Saga Norén (our queen of bluntness) and Martin Rohde, are forced to team up. What follows is a gripping, multi-season mystery filled with moral complexity, political commentary, and characters you’ll become weirdly attached to. Saga is an absolute icon. That is all. Watch this immediately if you haven’t already!
(p.s. we have a whole piece coming out about The Bridge soon)
2. The Killing (Denmark)
Before the American remake, there was the original. When 19-year-old Nanna Birk Larsen is found murdered, Detective Sarah Lund (and her fabulous knit jumpers) embarks on a haunting investigation that twists through political and personal minefields. Each episode feels like it’s closing in on the truth, but you’re never quite there. It’s dark, methodical, and completely addictive. Also: Sarah Lund is one of the most quietly compelling characters in TV crime history.
3. The Chestnut Man (Denmark)
Creepy children’s toy? Check. Brutal murders? Check. A mysterious case that ties into a politician’s missing daughter? Double check. This six-part miniseries is one of Netflix’s strongest Nordic noir offerings - fast-paced, eerie, and full of twists we did not see coming. You’ll never look at a chestnut the same way again (seriously).
4. Trapped (Iceland)
This one takes isolation to the next level. When a torso washes up in a tiny Icelandic town, a snowstorm traps everyone, including the murderer, in place. Enter Andri, the local police chief who brings a low-key energy. The atmosphere is thick, the setting is stunning, and the sense of claustrophobic dread builds beautifully. Love Icelandic noir.
5. Deadwind (Finland)
A grieving detective, a murdered woman, and a shady energy company - Deadwind may sound like it’s hitting all the usual noir beats, but somehow it still feels fresh. Sofia Karppi (played by Pihla Viitala) is one of our favourite messy, emotionally complicated sleuths. There’s also a great dynamic with her partner, Nurmi, and a plot that keeps the intrigue high without going off the rails. Perfect for fans of The Killing looking for a Finnish fix.
So if you’re new to Nordic noir, these shows are the perfect intro. They remind us that under the surface of every quiet, snow-covered town lies something dark and that no secret stays buried forever…
Until next time,
the sleuthing girls <3