SkyShowtime Sets Original Crime Drama ‘National Homicide Unit’ in Sweden

SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Paramount and Comcast’s Sky, has announced production on its latest original drama. The eight-part Swedish crime series, National Homicide Unit (working title: Riksmord), is inspired by real-life investigations and promises gripping suspense set against the country’s striking landscapes.

Inspired by Elite Police Investigations

The series follows Sweden’s National Homicide Unit, an elite group of investigators deployed nationwide to assist local police in solving the country’s most complex murder cases. According to the synopsis, the show will highlight the team’s expertise while exploring the darker layers of Swedish society.

Star-Studded Cast

The drama features a strong ensemble cast, including Pernilla August (Blackwater, Star Wars: Episode I & II), Jonas Karlsson (Beck, Riding in Darkness), Nina Zanjani (Hamilton, Beck), and Alexander Abdallah (Easy Money, Paradise City). August plays Ing-Britt “Ib” Larsson, Karlsson portrays Ulf Lindholm, Zanjani stars as Franka Durand, and Abdallah takes on the role of Vincent Kisel.

Filming Across Sweden

Production has begun in Helsingborg, with additional filming planned in Höganäs, Luleå, and Borlänge. SkyShowtime emphasized that the series will showcase Sweden’s diverse regions, from vast forests to picturesque coastlines, creating a visually rich backdrop for each investigation.

Creative Team Behind the Series

The show is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Sweden in collaboration with SkyShowtime, TV4, Film i Skåne, Film i Dalarna, and Filmpool Nord. Gunnar A.K. Järvstad (Garden Lane, Orca) created the series and wrote six of the eight episodes, while Axel Stjärne penned the remaining two. Direction is led by Olof Spaak (Those Who Kill, The Thin Blue Line), who helms six episodes, with Caroline Ingvarsson (Unmoored) directing two. Producers Sofie Palage and Niklas C. Siöström oversee the project, with Johan Hedman serving as executive producer.

SkyShowtime’s Expanding Slate

Kai Finke, chief content officer at SkyShowtime, described National Homicide Unit as “an exciting addition to our growing slate of SkyShowtime originals.” He highlighted the series’ blend of suspense, authentic police work, and familiar Swedish settings. The drama joins other SkyShowtime Swedish originals, including the crime thriller Veronika, the comedy-drama Where the Sun Always Shines (Där solen alltid skiner), and the upcoming The Trio (Trion).

A Vision for Authentic Storytelling

Producer Sofie Palage noted that the cast and crew will travel across Sweden to film various cases, mirroring the mobility of the fictional police unit. “Our vision is to create a crime drama that is thrilling, visually rich, and credible – while also moving the audience,” she said. With production underway, National Homicide Unit is set to deliver a compelling mix of realism, suspense, and cinematic storytelling, further cementing SkyShowtime’s commitment to original European programming.