Entertainment - Foreign TV Crime and Mys

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Foreign TV Crime and Mysteries

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This page contains an extensive list of foreign language crime and mystery television series and movies.  Though I am American, my appetite for these series and movies is insatiable and beyond an addiction level.  As compared to their American counterparts, these foreign language series and movies tend to rely less on glitz and gimmicks, and focus more on the investigation, procedure, sub-plots, and character development.  One key factor that enables this is the program length, which can range up to multiple hours per case or story.  Due to the sheer number, they are divided into some very rough categories, which are summarized below. 

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  • Police Detectives:  The theme of this category concerns murder, and the main characters are one or more police detectives.

  • Private Detectives:  The theme of this category concerns private detectives that solve mysteries and cases which involve a crime or murder.

  • Citizen Sleuths:  The theme of this category concerns private citizens who are sleuths that solve mysteries involving crime or murder.

  • Forensics:  The theme of this category concerns forensic experts that assist police detectives with murder investigations.

  • Profilers:  The theme of this category concerns profilers or criminal psychologists, and they assist the police with solving serial murders.

  • Policing:  The theme of this category is policing of crime, and uniformed police or non-murder detectives are the predominant characters.

  • Legal:  The theme of this category concerns the legal aspect, the legal team, or the resulting trial of crimes including murder.

  • Journalists:  The theme of this category concerns journalists who investigate crime, murder, or political corruption.

  • Espionage, Terrorism & Political:  The theme of this category concerns espionage, terrorism, or political intrigue and scandal.

  • Heists & Organized Crime:  The theme of this category concerns heists, where thieves are the predominant characters, or organized crime.

  • General Mysteries & Crime:  The theme of this category is mystery or crime, and the predominant characters are generally not the police.

 

Repeat visitors can visit the Update History on the About page to see what was added by date.  The summaries and my comments about each series are dynamic, and might be updated over time, so a date is listed when each was updated.  

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Police Detectives

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The general theme of this particular collection concerns murder or serial murders, and the primary characters are police detectives.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

The Simple Heist (TV Series 2017-2019)

The Simple Heist is a Swedish language television series from Sweden. The title in Swedish is Enkelstöten. The story concerns two female friends nearing retirement, who are down on their luck monetarily, and decide to rob a bank. The series aired from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, and each consists of six episodes that run about an hour each.
This was a series that I viewed via Acorn TV. It is a light hearted and entertaining series,. There are comedic elements and situations throughout, and my only criticism would be that there are some parts which were slow moving. The second series was dull and slow moving, so I did not even finish it. If you enjoyed The Simple Heist, consider the series Dicte. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



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Citizen Sleuths

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The general theme of this category concerns citizen sleuths that solve mysteries and cases generally involving crime or murder.  Some of these sleuths may operate cooperatively with the police, while others may have antagonistic relationships with the police.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

L’Accident (TV Mini-Series 2016)

L’Accident is French language television mini-series from French television network France 3. The French title translates in English to The Accident. The story begins with a woman who is killed in a car accident, and the police dismiss the accident as a case of drunk driving. The rest of the story follows her husband, who does not believe the police findings, and begins to investigate on his own. The mini-series aired in 2016, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a below average drama, which I watched via Acorn TV. I found the pace to be far too slow, and the plot to be shallow. If you enjoyed L’Accident, consider trying Dicte or The Disappearance. Summary updated February 14, 2021



    

Forensics

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The general theme of this category concerns forensic experts that are the predominant characters of murder investigations, and may have antagonistic relationships with the police.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

Before We Die (TV Series 2017-2019)

Before We Die is a Swedish language television series from television network SVT in Sweden. The title in Swedish is Innan vi Dör. The primary character is an police detective with the organized crime unit, who investigates a missing colleague and possible involvement with a motorcycle gang. The series ran from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with ten episodes that run about an hour each.
Without giving away any spoilers, the plot is completely over the top. But given that, there was good character development, and it was still somewhat entertaining. I’ve only seen the first season, and not planning on viewing the second season. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Black Spot (TV Series 2017-2019)

Black Spot is a French language television series from television network France 2 in France. The title in French is Zone Blanche, which actually translates into English as White Zone. It is reference to a dead spot where cellular networks do not function. The story follows a police Major Laurène Weiss, who is the sheriff of her remote hometown in wooded mountains. As the murder rate is high, a prosecutor is sent to the area to investigate why. The series ran from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with eight episodes that run about an hour each. This was a very different and entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Amazon Prime. It was unique as there is some dry humor interjected throughout, particularly with the public prosecutor’s character. If you enjoyed Black Spot, consider trying Trapped, The Invisible Guardian, or Monster. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Borderliner (TV Series 2017)

Borderliner is a Norwegian language television series from television network TV 2 in Norway. The title in Norwegian is Grenseland. The story concerns a police officer who returns to his home town to investigate a murder. Fans of the series The Last Kingdom will recognize lead actor Tobias Santelmann. The series ran in 2017, and there are a total of eight episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. The biggest annoyance was that it was not renewed for a second season, so a major sub-plot was left unfinished. If you enjoyed Borderliner, consider trying The Invisible Guardian, or Monster. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Bordertown (TV Series 2016-2020)

Bordertown is a Finnish language television series from television network Yle TV1 in Finland. The title in Finnish is Sorjonen. The primary character is Kari Sorjonen, who is a national police detective. He moves his family to a rural part of Finland near the Russian border, wishing for a more quiet life. Instead, he becomes involved with some major cases in the area. Sorjonen is portrayed by Finnish actor Ville Virtanen. The series ran from 2016 to 2020, and there are a total of 31 episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. I’ve seen the first season, and plan on watching the other seasons. One very minor aspect that I found somewhat annoying was the need to use fake computer screens with scrolling data, similar to American television. If you enjoyed Bordertown, consider trying The Break, Lava Field, or Dicte. If you like actor Kari Sorjonen, he has a role in the Swedish series Rebecka Martinsson. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Break (TV Series 2016-2019)

The Break is a French language television series from television network La Une in Belgium. The title in French is La Trêve (“The Truce”). The primary character is Yoann Peeters, who is a police detective from Brussels, who transfers back to his hometown in the Ardennes. A death occurs, which appears to be a suicide to everyone else, but Peeters suspects it was murder. Peeters is portrayed by French actor Yoann Blanc. The series ran in 2016 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with a total of ten episodes that run about an hour each.
This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. I’ve seen the first season, and plan to watch the second season. The series has a subplot that includes a psychological element concerning Peeters, so it leaves you guessing until the conclusion. The cinematography and scenery of the Ardennes is outstanding. If you enjoyed The Break, and another series with a psychologically flawed character is Rebecka Martinsson Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Bridge (TV Series 2011-2018)

The Bridge is a combination Swedish and Danish language television series from television networks in Sweden and Denmark. The title in Danish is Broen, and the title in Swedish is Bron. The series begins with a dead body found on a bridge, half on the Sweden border and half on the Denmark border. A police detective duo from both countries is assigned to solve the murder. The primary characters are Saga Norén, who is the police detective from Sweden, and Martin Rohde, who is the police detective from Denmark in the first two series. Saga is portrayed by Swedish actress Sofia Helin, and Martin is portrayed by Danish actor Kim Bodnia. The series ran from 2005 to 2018, and there are four series. Each series contains an independent story, and is spread across ten episodes that run about an hour each. The Bridge is a solidly entertaining series, which I watched via Hulu. This series was remade into an American version, as well as combination British and French language version called The Tunnel. If you enjoyed The Bridge, some other series to consider include The Killing, Modus, Public Enemy, and Department Q. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Deadwind (TV Series 2018-2020+)

Deadwind is a Finnish language television series from television network Yle TV2 in Finalnd. The title in Finnish is Karppi, and named after the primary character Sofia Karppi, who is portrayed by Finnish actress Pihla Viitala. After the death of her husband, Karppi move to Helsinki. The series has run since 2018, and so far there are 20 episodes across two seasons. It was renewed for a third season. Deadwind was entertaining series, which I watched via Netflix. My biggest criticism was that it was too long and moved too slow. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Department Q (Theatrical Movies 2013-2016)

Department Q is a series of Danish language theatrical movies from Denmark. The movies follow two police detectives, Carl Mørck and Assad, who are from a cold case unit. There are three movies, Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (Danish: Kvinden i buret) released in 2013, Department Q: The Absent One (Danish: Fasandræberne) released in 2014, and Department Q: A Conspiracy of Faith (Danish: Flaskepost fra P) released in 2016. Mørck is portrayed by Danish actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and Assad is portrayed by Danish actor Fares Fares. These are very entertaining and well produced movies, which I watched via Netflix. There is an appealing noir feel to them, including their office being in a dark basement. If you enjoyed Department Q, some other series to consider include The Bridge and Trapped. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Disappearance (TV Mini-Series 2015)

The Disappearance is a French language television mini-series from French television network France 2. The title in French is Disparue. The two primary characters are police detectives Bertrand Molina and Camille Guerin, who investigate the disappearance of a young woman. Molina is portrayed by French actor Francois-Xavier Demaison and Guerin is portrayed by French actress Alice Pol. The mini-series ran in 2015, and there are a total of eight episodes that run about an hour each.
This was a highly entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Acorn TV. Every person involved has something to hide, and eventually becomes a suspect at some point. Some online reviews describe it as a French version of Broadchurch, which is a complimentary comparison, as I thoroughly enjoyed both. If you enjoyed The Disappearance, consider Spiral, Bordertown, or Rebecka Martinsson. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Forest (TV Series 2017)

The Forest is a French language television series from French television network France 3. The title in French is La Forêt. The two primary characters are police officers Gaspard Decker and Virginie Musso. Decker is portrayed by actor Samuel Labarthe, and Musso is portrayed by actress Suzanne Clément. When a young girl disappears in the forest, the police begin to investigate, and commonalities with past incidents in the forest come to light. The series aired in 2017, and is spread across six episodes that run about an hour each.
This series was entertaining, but is a bit over the top. Without giving away any spoilers, Musso’s daughter previously went missing, but she is still allowed on the case. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Frozen Dead (TV Series 2017)

The Frozen Dead is a French language television series from French television network M6. The title in French is Glacé. The two primary characters are police detective commander Martin Servaz and captain Irène Ziegler. Servaz is portrayed by French actor Charles Berling, and Ziegler is portrayed by French actress Julia Piaton. While investigating the decapitation of a prized horse of a wealthy businessman, at the scene is found the DNA of a convicted serial killer, who is in a psychiatric prison. The series ran in 2017, and runs about six hours.
This series contains an overused and over the top plot, so it is not one that I particularly enjoyed, but the cinematography and scenery were a saving grace. If you enjoyed The Frozen Dead, consider the series The Mantis, The Bridge, or The Killing. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Invisible Guardian (TV Movies 2017-2019)

The Invisible Guardian is a Spanish language television movie from Spain. The title in Spanish is El Guardián Invisible. The primary character is Amaia Salazar, who is a police detective that is forced reluctantly to return to her hometown to investigate a murder. Salazar is portrayed by Spanish actress Marta Etura. The movie aired in 2017, and runs about two hours. There is a second movie titled Legado en Los Huesos (Legacy of the Bones), and a third movie titled Ofrenda a la Tormenta (Offering to he Storm). The was solidly entertaining movie, which I watched via Netflix. The detective’s hometown is rural and there are a number of local legends, so there is a minor supernatural element as a subplot. If you enjoyed the Invisible Guardian, another series to try with a slight supernatural element is the British mini-series Mayday. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Killing (TV Series 2007-2012)

The Killing is a Danish language television series from television network DR1 in Denmark. The title in Danish is Forbrydelsen. The primary character is Sarah Lund, who is a police detective in Copenhagen. Each series concerns a single serial murder case. Lund is portrayed by Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl. The series ran from 2007 to 2012, and there were three series, each with an independent story.
This was solidly entertaining. The series was remade to an English language version in the USA by the AMC network. If you like actress Sofie Gråbøl, she has a role in the British series Fortitude. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



  

Profilers

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The general theme of this particular category concerns a profiler or criminal psychologist, who assists the police with solving serial murders.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

L’Accident (TV Mini-Series 2016)

L’Accident is French language television mini-series from French television network France 3. The French title translates in English to The Accident. The story begins with a woman who is killed in a car accident, and the police dismiss the accident as a case of drunk driving. The rest of the story follows her husband, who does not believe the police findings, and begins to investigate on his own. The mini-series aired in 2016, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a below average drama, which I watched via Acorn TV. I found the pace to be far too slow, and the plot to be shallow. If you enjoyed L’Accident, consider trying Dicte or The Disappearance. Summary updated February 14, 2021



   

Legal

 

The general theme of this category concerns the legal aspect, where the primary characters are lawyers or judges, and the resulting trial of crimes including murder.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

Before We Die (TV Series 2017-2019)

Before We Die is a Swedish language television series from television network SVT in Sweden. The title in Swedish is Innan vi Dör. The primary character is an police detective with the organized crime unit, who investigates a missing colleague and possible involvement with a motorcycle gang. The series ran from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with ten episodes that run about an hour each.
Without giving away any spoilers, the plot is completely over the top. But given that, there was good character development, and it was still somewhat entertaining. I’ve only seen the first season, and not planning on viewing the second season. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Black Spot (TV Series 2017-2019)

Black Spot is a French language television series from television network France 2 in France. The title in French is Zone Blanche, which actually translates into English as White Zone. It is reference to a dead spot where cellular networks do not function. The story follows a police Major Laurène Weiss, who is the sheriff of her remote hometown in wooded mountains. As the murder rate is high, a prosecutor is sent to the area to investigate why. The series ran from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with eight episodes that run about an hour each. This was a very different and entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Amazon Prime. It was unique as there is some dry humor interjected throughout, particularly with the public prosecutor’s character. If you enjoyed Black Spot, consider trying Trapped, The Invisible Guardian, or Monster. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Borderliner (TV Series 2017)

Borderliner is a Norwegian language television series from television network TV 2 in Norway. The title in Norwegian is Grenseland. The story concerns a police officer who returns to his home town to investigate a murder. Fans of the series The Last Kingdom will recognize lead actor Tobias Santelmann. The series ran in 2017, and there are a total of eight episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. The biggest annoyance was that it was not renewed for a second season, so a major sub-plot was left unfinished. If you enjoyed Borderliner, consider trying The Invisible Guardian, or Monster. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Bordertown (TV Series 2016-2020)

Bordertown is a Finnish language television series from television network Yle TV1 in Finland. The title in Finnish is Sorjonen. The primary character is Kari Sorjonen, who is a national police detective. He moves his family to a rural part of Finland near the Russian border, wishing for a more quiet life. Instead, he becomes involved with some major cases in the area. Sorjonen is portrayed by Finnish actor Ville Virtanen. The series ran from 2016 to 2020, and there are a total of 31 episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. I’ve seen the first season, and plan on watching the other seasons. One very minor aspect that I found somewhat annoying was the need to use fake computer screens with scrolling data, similar to American television. If you enjoyed Bordertown, consider trying The Break, Lava Field, or Dicte. If you like actor Kari Sorjonen, he has a role in the Swedish series Rebecka Martinsson. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Break (TV Series 2016-2019)

The Break is a French language television series from television network La Une in Belgium. The title in French is La Trêve (“The Truce”). The primary character is Yoann Peeters, who is a police detective from Brussels, who transfers back to his hometown in the Ardennes. A death occurs, which appears to be a suicide to everyone else, but Peeters suspects it was murder. Peeters is portrayed by French actor Yoann Blanc. The series ran in 2016 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with a total of ten episodes that run about an hour each.
This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. I’ve seen the first season, and plan to watch the second season. The series has a subplot that includes a psychological element concerning Peeters, so it leaves you guessing until the conclusion. The cinematography and scenery of the Ardennes is outstanding. If you enjoyed The Break, and another series with a psychologically flawed character is Rebecka Martinsson Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Bridge (TV Series 2011-2018)

The Bridge is a combination Swedish and Danish language television series from television networks in Sweden and Denmark. The title in Danish is Broen, and the title in Swedish is Bron. The series begins with a dead body found on a bridge, half on the Sweden border and half on the Denmark border. A police detective duo from both countries is assigned to solve the murder. The primary characters are Saga Norén, who is the police detective from Sweden, and Martin Rohde, who is the police detective from Denmark in the first two series. Saga is portrayed by Swedish actress Sofia Helin, and Martin is portrayed by Danish actor Kim Bodnia. The series ran from 2005 to 2018, and there are four series. Each series contains an independent story, and is spread across ten episodes that run about an hour each. The Bridge is a solidly entertaining series, which I watched via Hulu. This series was remade into an American version, as well as combination British and French language version called The Tunnel. If you enjoyed The Bridge, some other series to consider include The Killing, Modus, Public Enemy, and Department Q. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Deadwind (TV Series 2018-2020+)

Deadwind is a Finnish language television series from television network Yle TV2 in Finalnd. The title in Finnish is Karppi, and named after the primary character Sofia Karppi, who is portrayed by Finnish actress Pihla Viitala. After the death of her husband, Karppi move to Helsinki. The series has run since 2018, and so far there are 20 episodes across two seasons. It was renewed for a third season. Deadwind was entertaining series, which I watched via Netflix. My biggest criticism was that it was too long and moved too slow. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Department Q (Theatrical Movies 2013-2016)

Department Q is a series of Danish language theatrical movies from Denmark. The movies follow two police detectives, Carl Mørck and Assad, who are from a cold case unit. There are three movies, Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (Danish: Kvinden i buret) released in 2013, Department Q: The Absent One (Danish: Fasandræberne) released in 2014, and Department Q: A Conspiracy of Faith (Danish: Flaskepost fra P) released in 2016. Mørck is portrayed by Danish actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and Assad is portrayed by Danish actor Fares Fares. These are very entertaining and well produced movies, which I watched via Netflix. There is an appealing noir feel to them, including their office being in a dark basement. If you enjoyed Department Q, some other series to consider include The Bridge and Trapped. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Disappearance (TV Mini-Series 2015)

The Disappearance is a French language television mini-series from French television network France 2. The title in French is Disparue. The two primary characters are police detectives Bertrand Molina and Camille Guerin, who investigate the disappearance of a young woman. Molina is portrayed by French actor Francois-Xavier Demaison and Guerin is portrayed by French actress Alice Pol. The mini-series ran in 2015, and there are a total of eight episodes that run about an hour each.
This was a highly entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Acorn TV. Every person involved has something to hide, and eventually becomes a suspect at some point. Some online reviews describe it as a French version of Broadchurch, which is a complimentary comparison, as I thoroughly enjoyed both. If you enjoyed The Disappearance, consider Spiral, Bordertown, or Rebecka Martinsson. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Forest (TV Series 2017)

The Forest is a French language television series from French television network France 3. The title in French is La Forêt. The two primary characters are police officers Gaspard Decker and Virginie Musso. Decker is portrayed by actor Samuel Labarthe, and Musso is portrayed by actress Suzanne Clément. When a young girl disappears in the forest, the police begin to investigate, and commonalities with past incidents in the forest come to light. The series aired in 2017, and is spread across six episodes that run about an hour each.
This series was entertaining, but is a bit over the top. Without giving away any spoilers, Musso’s daughter previously went missing, but she is still allowed on the case. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Frozen Dead (TV Series 2017)

The Frozen Dead is a French language television series from French television network M6. The title in French is Glacé. The two primary characters are police detective commander Martin Servaz and captain Irène Ziegler. Servaz is portrayed by French actor Charles Berling, and Ziegler is portrayed by French actress Julia Piaton. While investigating the decapitation of a prized horse of a wealthy businessman, at the scene is found the DNA of a convicted serial killer, who is in a psychiatric prison. The series ran in 2017, and runs about six hours.
This series contains an overused and over the top plot, so it is not one that I particularly enjoyed, but the cinematography and scenery were a saving grace. If you enjoyed The Frozen Dead, consider the series The Mantis, The Bridge, or The Killing. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Invisible Guardian (TV Movies 2017-2019)

The Invisible Guardian is a Spanish language television movie from Spain. The title in Spanish is El Guardián Invisible. The primary character is Amaia Salazar, who is a police detective that is forced reluctantly to return to her hometown to investigate a murder. Salazar is portrayed by Spanish actress Marta Etura. The movie aired in 2017, and runs about two hours. There is a second movie titled Legado en Los Huesos (Legacy of the Bones), and a third movie titled Ofrenda a la Tormenta (Offering to he Storm). The was solidly entertaining movie, which I watched via Netflix. The detective’s hometown is rural and there are a number of local legends, so there is a minor supernatural element as a subplot. If you enjoyed the Invisible Guardian, another series to try with a slight supernatural element is the British mini-series Mayday. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Killing (TV Series 2007-2012)

The Killing is a Danish language television series from television network DR1 in Denmark. The title in Danish is Forbrydelsen. The primary character is Sarah Lund, who is a police detective in Copenhagen. Each series concerns a single serial murder case. Lund is portrayed by Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl. The series ran from 2007 to 2012, and there were three series, each with an independent story.
This was solidly entertaining. The series was remade to an English language version in the USA by the AMC network. If you like actress Sofie Gråbøl, she has a role in the British series Fortitude. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Lava Field (TV Series 2014)

Lava Field is an Icelandic language television series from Iceland. The title in Icelandic is Hraunið. The primary character is police detective Helgi Marvin Runarsson from Reykjavik, who is sent to a remote area to investigate a murder. Helgi is portrayed by Björn Hlynur Haraldsson. Another detective is portrayed by Icelandic actress Heida Reed, recognizable from the series Poldark. The series aired in 2014, and runs about three hours. The was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. There are some great scenic views of Iceland. If you enjoyed Lava Field, others Icelandic series to consider are Trapped and Case. If you like actor Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, consider the series Trapped and Fortitude. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



La Mante (TV Series 2017)

La Mante is an French language television series from television network TF1 in France. The title in English is The Mantis. The primary character is police detective Damien Carrot who harbors a big secret. His mother, Jeanne Deber, is a convicted and imprisoned serial killer, known as the Mantis. When an apparent copycat killer appears, Deber offers to assist the police. The series aired in 2017, and runs about six hours. The was an average series, which I watched via Netflix, where it is listed under the French title. It contains the overused serial killer assisting the police plot line, and an excessive amount of individual subplot lines that when combined, made it far too over the top for my taste. If you liked The Mantis, consider the series The Bridge, Modus, and Public Enemy. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Monster (TV Series 2017)

Monster is a Norwegian language television series from Norway. The primary character is a Hedda Gilbert, who is police detective that moves back to her rural hometown. When a murder occurs, she wants to investigate it, but another detective Joel Dreyer is brought in. Gilbert is portrayed by Norwegian actress Ingvild Holthe Bygdnes, and Dreyer is portrayed by Norwegian actor Jakob Oftebro. The series ran in 2017, and there are seven episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Starz. If you enjoyed Monster, some other series to consider include Modus, Public Enemy, and The Killing. If you like actor Jakob Oftebro, he does have a minor role in one of the series of The Bridge. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Paris by Night (TV Movie 2012)

Paris by Night is a French language television movie from France. The title in French is Une Nuit. The primary character is Simon Weiss, who is a night shift detective who patrols various clubs. Weiss is portrayed by French actor Roschdy Zem. The movie aired in 2012, and runs about 90 minutes. This was a below average movie that I watched via Netflix. While it has a noir type of feel, this movie was a very slow moving and dull. I kept thinking that the plot would pick up, and it never did. Summary updated on January 30, 2021



Public Enemy (TV Series 2016-2019)

Public Enemy is a French language television series from television network La Une in Belgium. When a serial killer is released from prison on parole, Chloe Muller, a local police detective is assigned for his safety. Then another murder occurs, and he obviously becomes a suspect. Muller is portrayed by Belgian actress Stéphanie Blanchoud. The series ran from 2016 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with ten episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, and I have yet to see the second season, but hope to soon. If you enjoyed Public Enemy, some other series to consider include Modus, The Killing, Monster, Trapped, and The Bridge. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Rocco Schiavone (TV Series 2016-2019)

Rocco Schiavone is a Italian language television series from Italy. The primary character is police detective Rocco Schiavone, who moves from Rome to a remote Alpine village. Schiavone is portrayed by Italian actor Marco Giallini. The series has run since 2016, and there are three seasons. The first season has tweleve episodes that run about an hour each, and the other two seasons have eight episodes each. This was an entertaining police detective procedural that I loved. It is somewhat gritty, as Schiavone swears, drinks, smokes (weed, and in his office!), and is a womanizer. There is some dry humor, especially with how he messes with some ignorant police officers, and learning about his “ball busters” which are on a scale of ten. If you enjoyed Rocco Schiavone, some other series to consider include Balthazar, who also speaks with his dead wife, or Spiral, Department Q, and Bordertown. Summary updated on February 14, 2021 Internet Movie Database (IMDb)



Serial Killer 1 (Theatrical Movie 2015)

Serial Killer 1, also known as SK1, is a French language theatrical movie from France. The title in French is L’Affaire SK1. The series follows a team of detectives solving serial murders with one of the first usages of DNA. The movie was released in 2015, and runs about two hours.
This was a solid and entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. If you enjoyed Serial Killer 1, consider the British series Code of Killer, which also concerns one of the first usages of DNA. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Spiral (TV Series 2005-2021)

Spiral is a French language television series from television network Canal+ in France. The title in French is Engrenages. This series is a difficult one to fit into my categories, as the recurring characters include three police detectives, a judge, a prosecutor, and a lawyer. The series ran from 2005 to 2021, and there are a total 88 episodes that run about an hour each.
This a highly entertaining series, that features inter-weaved and evolving stories. It portrays the police, lawyers, and judges. They all severely bend the rules, for both positive and negative reasons. So far, I have seen six of the eight seasons or series. If you enjoyed Spiral, some other series to consider include The Disappearance. If you like actress Audrey Fleurot, she appears in the second series of Witnesses. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Thou Shalt Not Kill (TV Series 2015-2018)

Thou Shalt Not Kill is an Italian language television series from television network Rai 3 in Italy. The title in Italian is Non Uccidere. The primary character is police detective Valeria Ferro, who investigates murder cases, and is portrayed by Italian actress Miriam Leone. The series ran from 2015 to 2018, and there two seasons, each with twelve episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining series, which I watched via the PBS channel on Amazon Prime. The series features what is becoming an overused subplot, where the police detective is the child of a convicted murderer. Regardless, the series was still a good production and entertaining. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Trapped (TV Series 2015-2019)

Trapped is an Icelandic television series from television network RÚV in Iceland. The title in Icelandic is Ófærð. The series concerns a body that is found in the harbor of a remote village in Iceland, at the same time a ship comes in port to dock. A major winter storm begins, trapping everyone in village. The primary character is chief of police Andri Olafsson, who is portrayed by Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. The series aired from 2015 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with a total of 10 episodes that run about an hour each.
This was an entertaining police procedural, with some unique plot lines. It was specifically recommended by a friend from Australia. I absolutely loved the first series, but did not enjoy the second series. If you enjoyed Trapped, consider the series Lava Field, or Case, or the other British series Fortitude, based in the arctic. If you like actress Steinunn Ólína Þorsteinsdóttir, consider the the series Case. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Wallander (TV Series 2005-2013)

Wallander is a Swedish language television series from television network TV4 in Sweden. The series is based on novels from Henning Mankell. The series follows a Kurt Wallander, police detective who solves murders in the area of Ystad, Sweden. Wallander is portrayed by Swedish actor Krister Henriksson. The series ran from 2005 to 2013, and there are a total of 32 independent stories or cases that run about 90 minutes each. I’ve seen a few episodes, and plan to watch more. The series was also remade by the BBC into an English language version, featuring Kenneth Branagh. If you enjoyed Wallander, consider the series Spiral, Lava Field, and The Disappearance. If you like actor Krister Henriksson, consider the series Modus, where he has a minor role. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Witnesses (TV Series 2015-2017)

Witnesses is a French language television series from television network France 2 in France. The title in French is Les Témoins. The primary character is police detective Sandra Winckler, who investigates a serial killer in each series. Winckler is portrayed by French actress Marie Dompnier. The series ran from 2015 to 2017.
This was an entertaining police procedural, that I watched via Netflix. If you enjoyed Witnesses, consider the series Spiral and Dicte. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



  

Journalists

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The general theme of this category concerns journalists as the primary characters, and they investigate crime, murder, or political corruption.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

No Second Chance (TV Mini-Series 2015)

No Second Chance is French language television mini-series from French television network TF1. The title in French is Une Chance de Trop. The story was adapted from a novel by Harlan Coben. The main character is Alice Lambert, a mother, who is attacked along the River Seine. When she wakes up in a hospital after the attack, she determines that her child is missing. Lambert is portrayed by French actress Alexandra Lamy. The mini-series aired in 2015, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a solid drama and thriller, which I watched via Netflix. Some of the components of the plot are definitely over the top, and bear some similarity with American thrillers, but this was still entertaining to watch. There is some great cinematography of the city of Paris throughout the series. If you enjoyed No Second Chance, consider trying The Bridge, The Disappearance, or Department Q. Summary updated February 14, 2021



No Second Chance (TV Mini-Series 2015)

No Second Chance is French language television mini-series from French television network TF1. The title in French is Une Chance de Trop. The story was adapted from a novel by Harlan Coben. The main character is Alice Lambert, a mother, who is attacked along the River Seine. When she wakes up in a hospital after the attack, she determines that her child is missing. Lambert is portrayed by French actress Alexandra Lamy. The mini-series aired in 2015, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a solid drama and thriller, which I watched via Netflix. Some of the components of the plot are definitely over the top, and bear some similarity with American thrillers, but this was still entertaining to watch. There is some great cinematography of the city of Paris throughout the series. If you enjoyed No Second Chance, consider trying The Bridge, The Disappearance, or Department Q. Summary updated February 14, 2021



 

Espionage, Terrorism & Political

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The general theme of this category concerns espionage, terrorism, or political corruption and scandal.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

Before We Die (TV Series 2017-2019)

Before We Die is a Swedish language television series from television network SVT in Sweden. The title in Swedish is Innan vi Dör. The primary character is an police detective with the organized crime unit, who investigates a missing colleague and possible involvement with a motorcycle gang. The series ran from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with ten episodes that run about an hour each.
Without giving away any spoilers, the plot is completely over the top. But given that, there was good character development, and it was still somewhat entertaining. I’ve only seen the first season, and not planning on viewing the second season. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Black Spot (TV Series 2017-2019)

Black Spot is a French language television series from television network France 2 in France. The title in French is Zone Blanche, which actually translates into English as White Zone. It is reference to a dead spot where cellular networks do not function. The story follows a police Major Laurène Weiss, who is the sheriff of her remote hometown in wooded mountains. As the murder rate is high, a prosecutor is sent to the area to investigate why. The series ran from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with eight episodes that run about an hour each. This was a very different and entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Amazon Prime. It was unique as there is some dry humor interjected throughout, particularly with the public prosecutor’s character. If you enjoyed Black Spot, consider trying Trapped, The Invisible Guardian, or Monster. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Borderliner (TV Series 2017)

Borderliner is a Norwegian language television series from television network TV 2 in Norway. The title in Norwegian is Grenseland. The story concerns a police officer who returns to his home town to investigate a murder. Fans of the series The Last Kingdom will recognize lead actor Tobias Santelmann. The series ran in 2017, and there are a total of eight episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. The biggest annoyance was that it was not renewed for a second season, so a major sub-plot was left unfinished. If you enjoyed Borderliner, consider trying The Invisible Guardian, or Monster. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Bordertown (TV Series 2016-2020)

Bordertown is a Finnish language television series from television network Yle TV1 in Finland. The title in Finnish is Sorjonen. The primary character is Kari Sorjonen, who is a national police detective. He moves his family to a rural part of Finland near the Russian border, wishing for a more quiet life. Instead, he becomes involved with some major cases in the area. Sorjonen is portrayed by Finnish actor Ville Virtanen. The series ran from 2016 to 2020, and there are a total of 31 episodes that run about an hour each. This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. I’ve seen the first season, and plan on watching the other seasons. One very minor aspect that I found somewhat annoying was the need to use fake computer screens with scrolling data, similar to American television. If you enjoyed Bordertown, consider trying The Break, Lava Field, or Dicte. If you like actor Kari Sorjonen, he has a role in the Swedish series Rebecka Martinsson. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Break (TV Series 2016-2019)

The Break is a French language television series from television network La Une in Belgium. The title in French is La Trêve (“The Truce”). The primary character is Yoann Peeters, who is a police detective from Brussels, who transfers back to his hometown in the Ardennes. A death occurs, which appears to be a suicide to everyone else, but Peeters suspects it was murder. Peeters is portrayed by French actor Yoann Blanc. The series ran in 2016 to 2019, and there are two seasons, each with a total of ten episodes that run about an hour each.
This was an entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Netflix. I’ve seen the first season, and plan to watch the second season. The series has a subplot that includes a psychological element concerning Peeters, so it leaves you guessing until the conclusion. The cinematography and scenery of the Ardennes is outstanding. If you enjoyed The Break, and another series with a psychologically flawed character is Rebecka Martinsson Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Bridge (TV Series 2011-2018)

The Bridge is a combination Swedish and Danish language television series from television networks in Sweden and Denmark. The title in Danish is Broen, and the title in Swedish is Bron. The series begins with a dead body found on a bridge, half on the Sweden border and half on the Denmark border. A police detective duo from both countries is assigned to solve the murder. The primary characters are Saga Norén, who is the police detective from Sweden, and Martin Rohde, who is the police detective from Denmark in the first two series. Saga is portrayed by Swedish actress Sofia Helin, and Martin is portrayed by Danish actor Kim Bodnia. The series ran from 2005 to 2018, and there are four series. Each series contains an independent story, and is spread across ten episodes that run about an hour each. The Bridge is a solidly entertaining series, which I watched via Hulu. This series was remade into an American version, as well as combination British and French language version called The Tunnel. If you enjoyed The Bridge, some other series to consider include The Killing, Modus, Public Enemy, and Department Q. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Deadwind (TV Series 2018-2020+)

Deadwind is a Finnish language television series from television network Yle TV2 in Finalnd. The title in Finnish is Karppi, and named after the primary character Sofia Karppi, who is portrayed by Finnish actress Pihla Viitala. After the death of her husband, Karppi move to Helsinki. The series has run since 2018, and so far there are 20 episodes across two seasons. It was renewed for a third season. Deadwind was entertaining series, which I watched via Netflix. My biggest criticism was that it was too long and moved too slow. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



Department Q (Theatrical Movies 2013-2016)

Department Q is a series of Danish language theatrical movies from Denmark. The movies follow two police detectives, Carl Mørck and Assad, who are from a cold case unit. There are three movies, Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (Danish: Kvinden i buret) released in 2013, Department Q: The Absent One (Danish: Fasandræberne) released in 2014, and Department Q: A Conspiracy of Faith (Danish: Flaskepost fra P) released in 2016. Mørck is portrayed by Danish actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and Assad is portrayed by Danish actor Fares Fares. These are very entertaining and well produced movies, which I watched via Netflix. There is an appealing noir feel to them, including their office being in a dark basement. If you enjoyed Department Q, some other series to consider include The Bridge and Trapped. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Disappearance (TV Mini-Series 2015)

The Disappearance is a French language television mini-series from French television network France 2. The title in French is Disparue. The two primary characters are police detectives Bertrand Molina and Camille Guerin, who investigate the disappearance of a young woman. Molina is portrayed by French actor Francois-Xavier Demaison and Guerin is portrayed by French actress Alice Pol. The mini-series ran in 2015, and there are a total of eight episodes that run about an hour each.
This was a highly entertaining police procedural, which I watched via Acorn TV. Every person involved has something to hide, and eventually becomes a suspect at some point. Some online reviews describe it as a French version of Broadchurch, which is a complimentary comparison, as I thoroughly enjoyed both. If you enjoyed The Disappearance, consider Spiral, Bordertown, or Rebecka Martinsson. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Forest (TV Series 2017)

The Forest is a French language television series from French television network France 3. The title in French is La Forêt. The two primary characters are police officers Gaspard Decker and Virginie Musso. Decker is portrayed by actor Samuel Labarthe, and Musso is portrayed by actress Suzanne Clément. When a young girl disappears in the forest, the police begin to investigate, and commonalities with past incidents in the forest come to light. The series aired in 2017, and is spread across six episodes that run about an hour each.
This series was entertaining, but is a bit over the top. Without giving away any spoilers, Musso’s daughter previously went missing, but she is still allowed on the case. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Frozen Dead (TV Series 2017)

The Frozen Dead is a French language television series from French television network M6. The title in French is Glacé. The two primary characters are police detective commander Martin Servaz and captain Irène Ziegler. Servaz is portrayed by French actor Charles Berling, and Ziegler is portrayed by French actress Julia Piaton. While investigating the decapitation of a prized horse of a wealthy businessman, at the scene is found the DNA of a convicted serial killer, who is in a psychiatric prison. The series ran in 2017, and runs about six hours.
This series contains an overused and over the top plot, so it is not one that I particularly enjoyed, but the cinematography and scenery were a saving grace. If you enjoyed The Frozen Dead, consider the series The Mantis, The Bridge, or The Killing. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Invisible Guardian (TV Movies 2017-2019)

The Invisible Guardian is a Spanish language television movie from Spain. The title in Spanish is El Guardián Invisible. The primary character is Amaia Salazar, who is a police detective that is forced reluctantly to return to her hometown to investigate a murder. Salazar is portrayed by Spanish actress Marta Etura. The movie aired in 2017, and runs about two hours. There is a second movie titled Legado en Los Huesos (Legacy of the Bones), and a third movie titled Ofrenda a la Tormenta (Offering to he Storm). The was solidly entertaining movie, which I watched via Netflix. The detective’s hometown is rural and there are a number of local legends, so there is a minor supernatural element as a subplot. If you enjoyed the Invisible Guardian, another series to try with a slight supernatural element is the British mini-series Mayday. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



The Killing (TV Series 2007-2012)

The Killing is a Danish language television series from television network DR1 in Denmark. The title in Danish is Forbrydelsen. The primary character is Sarah Lund, who is a police detective in Copenhagen. Each series concerns a single serial murder case. Lund is portrayed by Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl. The series ran from 2007 to 2012, and there were three series, each with an independent story.
This was solidly entertaining. The series was remade to an English language version in the USA by the AMC network. If you like actress Sofie Gråbøl, she has a role in the British series Fortitude. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



   

Heists & Organized Crime

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The general theme of this category concerns heists where thieves and grifters are the predominant characters, or organized crime where gangsters or hitmen are the predominant characters.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

L’Accident (TV Mini-Series 2016)

L’Accident is French language television mini-series from French television network France 3. The French title translates in English to The Accident. The story begins with a woman who is killed in a car accident, and the police dismiss the accident as a case of drunk driving. The rest of the story follows her husband, who does not believe the police findings, and begins to investigate on his own. The mini-series aired in 2016, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a below average drama, which I watched via Acorn TV. I found the pace to be far too slow, and the plot to be shallow. If you enjoyed L’Accident, consider trying Dicte or The Disappearance. Summary updated February 14, 2021



The Simple Heist (TV Series 2017-2019)

The Simple Heist is a Swedish language television series from Sweden. The title in Swedish is Enkelstöten. The story concerns two female friends nearing retirement, who are down on their luck monetarily, and decide to rob a bank. The series aired from 2017 to 2019, and there are two seasons, and each consists of six episodes that run about an hour each.
This was a series that I viewed via Acorn TV. It is a light hearted and entertaining series,. There are comedic elements and situations throughout, and my only criticism would be that there are some parts which were slow moving. The second series was dull and slow moving, so I did not even finish it. If you enjoyed The Simple Heist, consider the series Dicte. Summary updated on February 14, 2021



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General Mysteries & Crime

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The general theme of this category concerns general mysteries or crime, and the predominant characters are generally not the police. The themes of these series and movies do not readily fit into the other categories, so this is simply a catch-all category.  Click on each toggle to expand it and show further details.

L’Accident (TV Mini-Series 2016)

L’Accident is French language television mini-series from French television network France 3. The French title translates in English to The Accident. The story begins with a woman who is killed in a car accident, and the police dismiss the accident as a case of drunk driving. The rest of the story follows her husband, who does not believe the police findings, and begins to investigate on his own. The mini-series aired in 2016, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a below average drama, which I watched via Acorn TV. I found the pace to be far too slow, and the plot to be shallow. If you enjoyed L’Accident, consider trying Dicte or The Disappearance. Summary updated February 14, 2021



No Second Chance (TV Mini-Series 2015)

No Second Chance is French language television mini-series from French television network TF1. The title in French is Une Chance de Trop. The story was adapted from a novel by Harlan Coben. The main character is Alice Lambert, a mother, who is attacked along the River Seine. When she wakes up in a hospital after the attack, she determines that her child is missing. Lambert is portrayed by French actress Alexandra Lamy. The mini-series aired in 2015, and there are a total of six episodes that run about an hour each. This was a solid drama and thriller, which I watched via Netflix. Some of the components of the plot are definitely over the top, and bear some similarity with American thrillers, but this was still entertaining to watch. There is some great cinematography of the city of Paris throughout the series. If you enjoyed No Second Chance, consider trying The Bridge, The Disappearance, or Department Q. Summary updated February 14, 2021



      

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© Copyright  -  Timothy J. Barron  -  Updated March 3, 2021
 

   
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