Wallander (2005)

Synopsis

Wallander is a Swedish television series adapted from Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander novels and starring Krister Henriksson in the title role. The 1st series of 13 films was produced in 2005 and 2006, with one taken directly from a novel and the remainder with new storylines suggested by Mankell. The 2nd series of 13 films was shown between 2009 and 2010. The stories are set in Ystad near the southern tip of Sweden. The three films Before the Frost, Mastermind, and The Secret were premiered in cinemas, with the rest first released as direct-to-DVD movies. The first episode of the second series, Hämnden, was released in Swedish cinemas in January 2009; the rest of the series was made for television. The BBC aired all 26 episodes of the Swedish television versions on BBC Four. A third and final season, containing six 90 minute episodes, will air in 2013 with Charlotta Jonsson as Linda Wallander. The first episode, adapted from the novel The Troubled Man, was released in cinemas in January 2013.

Where to watch

Stream

• MZ Choice Amazon Channel
• Mhz Choice

Buy

• Amazon Video

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Krister Henriksson as Kurt Wallander
• Mats Bergman as Nyberg
• Fredrik Gunnarsson as Johan Svartman
• Douglas Johansson as Jan Martinsson
• Marianne Mörck as Ebba
• Stina Ekblad as Karin Linder
• Johanna Sällström as Linda Wallander
• Ola Rapace as Stefan Lindman
• Lena Endre as Katarina Ahlsell
• Göran Aronsson as Grönqvist

If you liked Wallander, try

• Blood Sacrifice
• 21 Jump Street
• I Will Find You
• Cross
• 56 Days
• Beck
• Fool Me Once
• Jericho

BingeNext's take

If you’re into crime dramas with a strong sense of place and a thoughtful lead, Wallander is a solid pick. This Swedish series follows detective Kurt Wallander, played by Krister Henriksson, as he navigates mysteries set in the quiet town of Ystad. The show has a slow-burning, atmospheric vibe that pulls you into the chilly Scandinavian setting, making each case feel personal and grounded. With three seasons and 32 episodes, it’s perfect for those who like their mysteries detailed and character-driven rather than fast-paced. The stories mix adaptations of Henning Mankell’s novels with original plots, so there’s a nice balance of familiar and fresh. Watching Wallander feels like settling in for a thoughtful, moody crime story that’s as much about the people as the puzzles they’re trying to solve. If you appreciate shows that focus on the emotional weight of crime and the complexities of the detective’s life, this one’s worth your time.