Wisting (2019), based on the novels by Jørn Lier Horst, is a gripping Norwegian crime drama that follows veteran detective William Wisting (Sven Nordin) as he tackles some of the most complex and chilling cases in Larvik, Norway. Blending the tense atmosphere of Nordic noir with tightly woven mysteries, the series offers a refreshing and intense take on the police procedural genre.

In the first season, Wisting teams up with FBI agents to track a notorious American serial killer believed to be hiding in Norway. As the investigation unfolds, Wisting’s journalist daughter, Line (Thea Green Lundberg), inadvertently becomes entangled in the case, creating a dangerous overlap between Wisting’s professional and personal life. Each season continues to explore dark crimes that test Wisting’s resolve and morality, from child abductions to political corruption.

Sven Nordin’s portrayal of Wisting captures the weary, principled detective with quiet strength and emotional depth. The show’s writing excels at building suspense slowly, focusing not only on the crimes but also on the psychological toll they take on the investigators and victims’ families.

Shot against the stark, beautiful backdrop of the Norwegian coast, Wisting pairs its chilling cases with a strong sense of place, enhancing the show’s moody and contemplative tone. The series’ deliberate pacing and meticulous attention to character development set it apart from typical crime dramas, offering a more nuanced, human look at the cost of justice.

Critically acclaimed for its strong performances, atmospheric storytelling, and authenticity, Wisting has earned its place as a standout in international crime television, appealing to fans of slow-burn mysteries and Scandinavian noir alike.