If you’re missing the dark mysteries of Shetland and need a new brilliant series to sink your teeth into, we’ve got your next watch sorted. Introducing Wisting – a dark, atmospheric Norwegian crime drama set in the close-knit coastal town of Larvik. With twist-filled investigations and an formidable detective at its lead, it’s the kind of addictive drama you’ll want to binge in a week.
The thriller, which first aired in Norway in 2019, follows the eponymous detective William Wisting (Sven Nordin), a dogged detective with an impressive track record. Whether he’s hunting a serial killer, investigating a kidnapping or reopening long-buried mysteries, Wisting never stops chasing a lead – even when it could jeopardise his own career and reputation.
With the brilliant series available to watch now, here’s everything you need to know about Wisting, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.
What is Wisting about?
Based on the bestselling novels by Jørn Lier Horst, Wisting follows dogged homicide detective William Wisting (Sven Nordin) as he takes on Norway’s most dangerous criminals in the coastal town of Larvik. Series 1, which first aired in 2019, follows Wisting as he attempts to track down an American serial killer who’s targeting young, blonde women.
FBI Agent Maggie Griffin (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Special Agent John Bantham (Richie Campbell) are drafted in from America to help Wisting and his team. Meanwhile, his journalist daughter Line (Thea Green Lundberg) is carrying out her own investigation.
As if that wasn’t enough to contend with, Wisting must also deal with a potentially career-ending accusation, which sees him suspended. But how can he stop a killer if he’s sidelined? The second series brings another set of chilling investigations, including the hunt for a killer who escapes from custody and the gruesome discovery of a young woman’s severed head displayed on a spike in Larvik.
The third series takes an equally sinister turn. The story begins on an idyllic summer’s evening when six-year-old Clifford Greenwood disappears from his wealthy family’s hotel. The following morning, an employee is found brutally murdered.
The kidnappers send ransom demands and cryptic messages, and Wisting begins to suspect there’s a personal motive behind the boy's disappearance. But with the case causing an international media frenzy, can he track down the child before it’s too late?
The second half of the series sees Wisting on sick leave after suffering a serious injury. But his recovery is interrupted when he receives an anonymous letter about an unsolved disappearance from 17 years earlier. As he begins digging into the past, he uncovers a disturbing mystery that could have far-reaching consequences.
Who’s in the cast of Wisting?
The cast of Wisting includes:
- Sven Nordin as Detective William Wisting
- Thea Green Lundberg as Line
- Mads Ousdal as Hammer
- Lars Berge as Benjamin
- Ulrikke Hansen Døvigen as Christine Thiis
- Smylie Bradwell as Clifford Greenwood
- Carrie-Anne Moss as FBI Agent Maggie Griffin
Is there a trailer for Wisting?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Wisting below.
Is Wisting any good?
Yes – if you’ve been missing Shetland, Wisting should be your next binge-watch. The Norwegian crime drama is every bit as atmospheric. With its slow-burning mysteries and atmospheric scenery, it’s the perfect series for fans of detective dramas to get lost in for hours.
How can I watch Wisting?
You can watch Wisting now on BBC iPlayer.
What other detective dramas can I watch now?
For another atmospheric mystery, we’d recommend Passenger, which follows former city detective Riya Ajunwa (Wunmi Mosaku), who finds herself stuck policing in her ex-husband’s sleepy village. But when a local girl mysteriously vanishes, Riya soon realises Chadder Vale is hiding a dark web of secrets and the disappearance is just the tip of the iceberg. Passenger is available to watch now on ITVX. Love a classic murder mystery? We’d suggest Campion. The series follows gentleman sleuth Albert Campion (Peter Davison) and his ex-criminal manservant Magersfontein Lugg (Brian Glover) as they unravel a series of weird and wonderful murder mysteries across England’s high society. Campion is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.