SkyShowtime Launches Production on ‘National Homicide Unit,’ a New Swedish Crime Drama
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A new eight-part Swedish crime drama, National Homicide Unit (Riksmord), is now in production from SkyShowtime, the streaming joint venture of Paramount and Comcast. The series, inspired by real-life investigations, promises a gripping look into the world of Sweden’s elite homicide investigators.
SkyShowtime is bolstering its original content slate with this latest offering, signaling a continued investment in localized storytelling. According to a company release, National Homicide Unit will combine “gripping suspense with stunning, familiar Swedish locations and authentic police work.”
Elite Investigators at the Heart of the Story
The series centers around a specialized unit within the Swedish police force – the Riksmord – comprised of the nation’s most skilled homicide detectives. “Within the Swedish police force, there is a small but elite group consisting of the finest homicide investigators in the country, ready at all times to deploy nationwide whenever and wherever their expertise is needed,” reads a synopsis of the show. These investigators are dispatched to assist local forces in tackling the country’s most challenging murder cases.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Leading the cast are several well-known Swedish actors, including Pernilla August (Blackwater, Star Wars: Episode I & II), Jonas Karlsson (Riding in Darkness, Beck), Nina Zanjani (Hamilton, Beck), and Alexander Abdallah (Easy Money, Paradise City). They will portray Ing-Britt “Ib” Larsson, Ulf Lindholm, Franka Durand, and Vincent Kisel, respectively.
The series is the work of creator Gunnar A.K. Järvstad (Garden Lane, Orca), who penned six of the eight episodes, with Axel Stjärne contributing the remaining two. Olof Spaak (Those Who Kill, The Thin Blue Line) will direct six episodes, while Caroline Ingvarsson (Unmoored) will helm the other two. Sofie Palage and Niklas C. Siöström are producing, with Johan Hedman serving as executive producer.
Filming Across Sweden’s Diverse Landscapes
Filming has commenced in the Helsingborg area of Sweden, but production will extend to several other visually striking regions. The series will showcase the country’s diverse scenery, “ranging from Sweden’s mighty forests to its picturesque coastline,” with additional shooting locations including Höganäs, Luleå, and Borlänge.
“Set against Sweden’s vast and striking landscapes, each [two-episode] investigation offers a window into the many layers of Swedish society, revealing its beauty, contradictions, and darkest secrets,” SkyShowtime stated. The production team intends to mirror the show’s mobile investigative unit by traveling to Skåne, Norrbotten, and Dalarna during filming.
Expanding SkyShowtime’s Swedish Originals
National Homicide Unit joins a growing list of SkyShowtime originals produced in Sweden. These include the crime thriller Veronika, the comedy-drama Where the Sun Always Shines (Där solen alltid skiner), and the upcoming series The Trio (Trion). “We’re thrilled to continue our collaborative approach, working closely with local creatives to bring powerful, original storytelling to life,” said Kai Finke, SkyShowtime’s chief content officer.
According to Palage, the production team is committed to delivering a crime drama that is “thrilling, visually rich and credible – while also moving the audience.” The series promises to offer a compelling blend of suspense, authentic police procedure, and the captivating beauty of the Swedish landscape.
