If you’re looking for a break from fictional detectives in hot pursuit of cold-blooded killers, you might want to check out some true crime instead. We’ve all been there, hitting “next episode” as fast as we can, convinced we have cracked the case on the third episode of a six-part series only for it to take an enormous twist.

In addition to its slate of Nordic films and TV series, Viaplay has also tapped into the “true crime” market. And while Scandinavian countries are frequently top polls of the happiest and fairest countries on earth, they still have their fair share of grisly murder and missing person cases.

So, if you’re ready to roll out the ready string and marker pen, tuck into these seven excellent examples of binge-worthy true crime.

Under the Radar

Following the exploits of Swedish serial killer Peter Mangs from Malmö to Florida, private detectives, filmmakers, psychologists, and family members all weigh in on “what makes a murderer” in this three-part series. Chillingly, there may be more crimes to uncover as director John Mork quite literally stumbles across a murder scene. A very thorough, interesting watch.

The Copenhagen Killer

Across three episodes, director Celeste Pedersen follows the case of Marcel Lychau Hansen, also known as “Amagermanden”, a murderer and rapist who committed his crimes between 1987 and 2010. According to police evidence, Amagermanden had more than ten inactive years where he did not commit any crimes. This series sets out to prove there are, sadly, more victims. A sinister, well paced documentary.

Crime Scene Sweden

Seasons 7 through 10 are currently available on Viaplay – but it’s not like you need to have seen the previous six for context. Each episode walks you through some of the most shocking crimes committed in Sweden, talking to journalists, criminologists, and eyewitnesses. If you like your true crime less “showy” and more in-depth, this is a must-watch.

In the Mind of a Criminal

Former journalist and police investigator Sebastian Richelsen dives into some of the most notorious crime cases in modern Danish criminal history in this five-part series. He selects a criminal in each episode and delves into childhood, youth life and adult behaviour with the help of sources, relationships, journalists and psychologists. With the help of these, he tries to answer the classic “nature versus nurture” debate.

Johanna Möller – Sweden’s Most Hated Woman

Johanna Möller was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and attempted murder of her parents. She would like you to hear her side of the story. Across three episodes, investigators and experts dig deeper into the case and debate the truth behind one of Sweden’s most notorious murder cases. A very chilling but interesting watch.

The Murder of Olof Palme

In February 1986, Sweden’s prime minister, Olof Palme, was assassinated on Stockholm’s busiest street. ​ Although more than 20 people witnessed the shooting and over 130 people have confessed to the murder, the killer has never been found. Over seven episodes, this documentary delves into a crime that is deep rooted in the national consciousness, piecing together an investigation like you’ve never seen before.

Norwegian Crime Stories

If you blitz your way through In The Mind of a Criminal, you’ll want to check out this series next. Focusing on some of the biggest crime headlines in Norway, each episode (five per series) focuses on one specific case, how it was solved and how it impacted those involved. And it’s not all murders and missing persons, either, there’s art heists, too.

There are so many true crime options available across different platforms so, if you like yours Scandinavian, these are definitely the “must watches” to head to on Viaplay