Forbrydelsen (The Killing)

Forbrydelsen (The Killing)
source
Show name	Forbrydelsen (The Killing)
Genre	Crime drama
Creator	Søren Sveistrup
Starring	Sofie Gråbøl
Country	Denmark
Language	Danish
Num episodes	30
Runtime	40–77 minutes
Company	DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation)
Original network	DR1
First aired	2007
Last aired	2012

Forbrydelsen (The Killing) is a Danish television crime drama series created by Søren Sveistrup and produced by DR for DR1. The series centres on complex homicide investigations led by Detective Inspector Sarah Lund, portrayed by Sofie Gråbøl, and features intersecting storylines involving politicians, journalists, and families. It established a model for Nordic noir television alongside works from Jo Nesbø, Stieg Larsson, and Henning Mankell, influencing international crime drama production.

Plot

Each season follows a single homicide investigation that unfolds over twenty episodes in the first two seasons and ten in the third, combining police procedure with political intrigue and media coverage. The inaugural arc follows the disappearance and murder of Nanna Birk Larsen, involving characters from Aalborg, Copenhagen, and institutions such as DR1 and the Danish Parliament. Later seasons entwine cases with the offices of figures analogous to the Prime Minister of Denmark, municipal authorities in Copenhagen Municipality, and investigative bodies resembling the Danish Police. The narrative structure emphasises slow-burn revelation, red herrings, and procedural detail influenced by traditions from British television crime series like Inspector Morse and Broadchurch, as well as Scandinavian literature including works by Per Petterson and Kjell Ola Dahl.

Cast and characters

The principal cast is led by Sofie Gråbøl as Sarah Lund, supported by actors portraying detectives, prosecutors, and political figures. Key recurring performers include Søren Malling, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Helle Fagralid, Lene Maria Christensen, Morten Suurballe, and Kristian Halken. Guest and supporting roles feature performers associated with Royal Danish Theatre, Odin Teatret alumni, and film actors who have worked with directors like Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, and Susanne Bier. Characters interact with institutions such as the Danish Royal Family in public reception scenes, media outlets resembling Politiken, Berlingske, and broadcasters like TV 2 (Denmark). The ensemble connects to portrayals found in series by HBO, BBC, and SVT.

Production

Created by Søren Sveistrup and produced by DR Drama, the series was filmed on location in Copenhagen, Aalborg, and other Danish locales, utilising cinematographers and crews who previously worked with Bille August and Per Fly. The production design drew on Scandinavian noir aesthetics showcased in exhibitions at institutions such as the Danish Film Institute and collaborations with costume designers linked to Royal Danish Ballet productions. Music and sound design involved composers with credits on projects for Zentropa and collaborations with orchestras like the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. International interest led to co-production consultations with companies associated with BBC Worldwide, AMC Networks, and ZDF.

Reception and impact

The series received critical acclaim and won awards including accolades at festivals such as the Canneseries-style events and recognition from institutions akin to the Robert Awards and Bodil Awards. It influenced the global popularity of Nordic noir alongside novels by Jo Nesbø and Larsson, prompting scholarly analysis in journals associated with University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University. Media outlets including The Guardian, The New York Times, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, El País, and The Sydney Morning Herald covered its cultural impact. The series boosted international profiles of Danish talent, contributing to careers that intersect with productions from Netflix, HBO, BBC Two, and film collaborations with IFC Films and Magnolia Pictures.

Episodes and seasons

The show originally ran for three seasons: the first season aired in 2007, the second in 2009, and the third in 2012, comprising a total of 30 episodes. Episode structure emphasises serialized investigation arcs, cliffhangers, and episodic newsroom segments reminiscent of storytelling in series produced by Channel 4, ITV, and Showtime. Broadcasting schedules varied by market, with international distribution through networks such as BBC Four, PBS (as part of Masterpiece Mystery!-style slots), and streaming services including early deals with region-specific platforms comparable to Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Adaptations and remakes

The series was adapted into an American remake titled The Killing, developed for AMC (TV network) and starring Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, with production ties to Veena Sud and distribution by Fox Television Studios and Netflix for later seasons. Other adaptations and format sales involved collaborations with producers linked to ZDF, France Télévisions, and TV 2 (Norway), as well as international remakes in countries influenced by Scandinavian formats. The show's format influenced subsequent crime dramas and inspired creators like Nic Pizzolatto and David Fincher-associated projects, and led to academic case studies at institutions such as King's College London and Columbia University.

Category:Danish television series Category:Crime drama television series Category:Nordic noir