Latest news with #Scandi
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'I wish more shows were like this': Your favourite underrated crime dramas
Police procedurals, legal dramas and Scandi noir. Whatever your poison, you've probably binged one or two TV crime shows in your time. Line of Duty, The Fall and Broadchurch are just a few of the most popular in the genre, keeping viewers gripped episode after episode with their complex conspiracies and sudden twists. But while they're certainly deserving of the praise, sometimes the most bingeable series are those that fly under the radar, despite glowing reviews. We asked Metro readers to share their favourite underrated crime dramas, and these are the lesser-known series they recommend adding to your watch list… One user, called Evan_Underscore, heaped praise on Mr Inbetween, an Australian TV series that follows a criminal for hire. 'The dialogues and the situations feel so realistic that everything feels theatrical compared to it,' they wrote. 'It's also great in mixing terrible and funny in a way that they only complement each other.' Another user, wobbsey, recommended Giri/Haji, a BBC production from 2019 that is available on Netflix. In their glowing assessment of the series, they wrote: 'Set in Japan and the UK. Family loyalty and conflict. Yakuza mobsters. Cops. It's suspenseful and moving. Gorgeous cinematography which is something I rarely even notice!' They added: 'The last episode is particularly stunning. Not enough people know this show, under appreciated gem.' Meanwhile, AltruisticCableCar is clearly a fan of Scandi noir, recommending three Swedish crime dramas. They suggested Wallander, both the original series and the British remake, though they added 'I prefer the remake'. They went on 'Also Glaskupan (The Glass Dome). Just recently watched this and whoa. Åremorden (The Åre Murders) is another one.' Other lesser-known crime series recommended by Metro readers included Damages, starring Glenn Close, 2019 BBC series The Capture and American police procedural Major Crimes. Looking for more TV recommendations? We also asked Metro readers about their favourite underrated TV thrillers, and these series came out top: House of Cards — No, not the Kevin Spacey series, but the original British version following a fictional Chief Whip of the Conservative Party. — No, not the Kevin Spacey series, but the original British version following a fictional Chief Whip of the Conservative Party. Edge of Darkness — Policeman Ronald Craven attempts to solve the brutal murder of his daughter, leading him to uncover a government conspiracy. — Policeman Ronald Craven attempts to solve the brutal murder of his daughter, leading him to uncover a government conspiracy. River — A brilliant police officer attempts to hunt down his colleague's killer, all while dealing with her estranged family, his new partner and a psychiatric evaluation. — A brilliant police officer attempts to hunt down his colleague's killer, all while dealing with her estranged family, his new partner and a psychiatric evaluation. Stag — A black comedy following an obnoxious group of friends in the Scottish Highlands on a deer hunting weekend. Things turn sinister when they find themselves being picked off one by one. — A black comedy following an obnoxious group of friends in the Scottish Highlands on a deer hunting weekend. Things turn sinister when they find themselves being picked off one by one. Collateral — DI Kip Glaspie investigates the murder of a pizza delivery driver, who was gunned down by a masked shooter while delivering to the ex-wife of a politician. — DI Kip Glaspie investigates the murder of a pizza delivery driver, who was gunned down by a masked shooter while delivering to the ex-wife of a politician. The Worricker Trilogy — The three films star Bill Nighy as MI5 officer Johnny Worricker, whose life is turned upside down when his boss and best friend dies suddenly. Read all about these underrated TV thrillers. This dark comedy follows Ray Shoesmith (Scott Ryan), a father who's struggling to juggle his relationship, parental responsibilities, friendships and a sick brother — all while working as a criminal for hire. Inspired by the cult film The Magician, in which a hitman hires a student to document his life, Mr Inbetween has proved extremely popular with viewers, earning a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and a near-perfect 98% audience score. Fans have called it 'criminally underrated', with many comparing it to smash hit series Breaking Bad. Where to watch: Seasons one to three are available to stream on Disney Plus. Giri/Haji's perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score speaks for itself. Cruelly axed by BBC and Netflix after just one series (despite being nominated for three Baftas), this series is a true hidden gem. It follows a Tokyo detective (Takehiro Hira) who is searching for his missing brother in London's underworld, after he became mixed up with the Yakuza, a Japanese organised crime syndicate, and accused of murder. If you're a fan of Netflix's Black Doves, which stormed up the streamer's most-watched chart in December last year, Giri/Haji is worth checking out, as both dramas were created by screenwriter Joe Barton. In a review, The New Yorker called the series 'violently stylish' and a 'sexy police thriller', while the Daily Telegraph called it 'bold, bewitching and slightly bonkers'. Where to watch: All eight episodes are available to stream on Netflix. The BBC's Wallander stars Kenneth Branagh as a Swedish detective who investigates a series of gruesome murders. The series, which first aired on BBC One in 2008 and is an adaptation of the mystery novels by Henning Mankell, has been hailed as 'wonderful' and 'terrific', with plenty of praise for Branagh as the lead. Viewer Anthony Pearce wrote in a Google review: 'Having watched this series for the second time I can only say it was as wonderful and fantastically acted as I had remembered. Kenneth Branagh is undoubtedly one of our finest actors'. And Anne Norton added: 'Wallander was terrific!!! My first Swedish crime show, and it didn't disappoint. Kenneth Branagh's acting is just outstanding'. Last month, Variety reported that Wallander is set to return to screens in a reboot, which will see detective Kurt Wallander, now 42, struggle to get his life under control, having separated from his wife and become estranged from his daughter. Where to watch: Series one to four are available for free on BBC iPlayer. A much more recent release, The Glass Dome (Glaskupan in Swedish) landed on Netflix in April this year. The six-part series follows a criminologist (Léonie Vincent) who returns to her small hometown and 'becomes wrapped up in the investigation of a missing girl and its haunting similarities to her own childhood abduction'. Perhaps less of a hidden gem than the others on this list, it quickly climbed the ranks on Netflix to peak at number two on the streamer's weekly round-up of most-watched shows. But, as non-English language shows can sometimes go overlooked by British viewers, The Glass Dome remains unfamiliar to some. Don't let the language barrier put you off, though, it's been praised as 'gripping' and 'tanatalising' by critics, while viewers have called it 'haunting' and 'brilliant'. Where to watch: Stream all six episodes on Netflix. Another hit from Sweden, The Åre Murders is based on a popular series of books by author Viveca Sten. The Nordic noir follows a detective who has been suspended from duty (Carla Sehn), seeking solace in the idyllic but eerie ski resort town of Åre. But she soon becomes wrapped up in investigating the mysterious disappearance of a young woman. Netflix subscribers clearly love a Scandi drama, as this series achieved a whopping 11,000,000 views in one week when it landed in February this year. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised the drama as well as its Scandinavian setting. Common Sense Media's review read: 'This is an edge-of-your-seat crime series that spans two separate murders in one small, snowy, Swedish town.' And Decider wrote: 'The Åre Murders features all the hallmarks of the Nordic noir genre… throw in some fantastic location shots of Sweden's mountainous north, and we're all the way in on this investigation.' Where to watch: Stream all five episodes on Netflix. Glenn Close stars as Patty Hewes, a brilliant but ruthless lawyer whose life is changed forever when she hires a young, ambitious protégé (Rose Byrne). Though the series focuses on the complex relationship between the two professionals, it also charts the cases they work on — taking a three-pronged approach as a legal thriller, gripping murder mystery and an adrenaline-fueled character study. The series has an impressive 91% average score on Rotten Tomatoes, with series three and four both receiving a 100% rating. A review from the Los Angeles Times called Damages 'one of the best shows on television', while New York Daily News wrote 'few shows on television are written and acted with such fascinating mystery.' Where to watch: Available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video from £2.49. Starring Callum Turner, Ben Miles and Paapa Essiedu, this BBC crime thriller explores the 'terrifying world of deepfake technology' through the eyes of an 'ambitious young Detective Inspector' (played by Holliday Grainger). The first season sees a soldier's past conviction of murder, which was overturned due to flawed video evidence, come back to haunt him, while season two follows a new conspiracy involving Chinese spies and a British politician. Fans have praised it as 'stunningly good', with one anonymous user writing on Rotten Tomatoes: 'Absolutely gripping show. Moves at a great pace with great actors and a great storyline. Twists and turns and super realistic to the current world.' Another said: 'One of the best series I've ever watched. Thought the first season was good but the 2nd takes it to the next level. Need more series like this. The ending was sublime, left me utterly speechless.' Where to watch: Series one and two are available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. If you're a fan of American police procedural The Closer, you might also want to check out Major Crimes, which is set in the same police department. Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) leads the team in the LAPD's Major Crimes Division, and is attempting to repair burned bridges and win the trust of her colleagues while dealing with high-profile crimes and building air-tight cases. More Trending On Google reviews, Sherel Hallford wrote of the series: 'Such an Outstanding show! Characters and actors are admirable and realistic. The storylines [are] so enjoyable. Mary McDonnell portrayed Captain Raydor so well, showing dignity, integrity, strength and intelligence.' And Lesly S called Major Crimes 'one of my favorite shows of all time.' They added: 'This show was a classic and I wish more shows were like this.' View More » Where to watch: Available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video from £2.49. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Rob Brydon announces return of much-loved comedy
Rob Brydon announces return of much-loved comedy Everyone's favourite comedy duo will be returning, and this time they are going up North Rob Brydon will be returning to our screens, as Sky announce another season of his comedy series (Image: PA ) Rob Brydon will be reuniting with comedian and friend Steve Coogan to deliver a new season of The Trip. Five years on from their Grecian adventures, the duo are back together for 'The Trip to the Northern Lights'. This will be the fifth season of their award winning Sky Original series, and will highlight the stark beauty of Northern Europe. Filming will begin in the picturesque landscapes of Scandinavia later this year, but for now the broadcaster have teased the start of the series. Sky shared on Instagram: "Steve's here for the acclaim. Rob's here for the Scandi saunas." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . A blend of sitcom, travel documentary, and contemplation of midlife, 'The Trip to the Northern Lights' presents Steve and Rob at their argumentative and ingenious peak. Content cannot be displayed without consent In the past the pair have ventured to Italy, Spain, Greece and the original film was set across a restaurant tour of Northern England. In 2010, the first season/film of The Trip from the BBC received an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it's critical acclaim meant it was later picked up by Sky. Article continues below Fifteen years later the new season will follow them as they embark on a journey across the untamed landscapes of northern Europe, from avant-garde Swedish hotels to secluded Norwegian fishing cabins, showcasing their signature mix of humour, competitive spirit, and introspective musing. The six part series will be under the direction of acclaimed British filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, known for works like 'This England' and '24 Hour Party People', and produced by Revolution Films, Baby Cow Productions (Stever Coogan's company), and Small Man in collaboration with Sky Studios. Both Rob and Steve will be joining Michael as executive producers on the show. Steve Coogan remarked: "I'm delighted that Michael Winterbottom has managed to persuade me at the age of 59 to join Rob, aged 60, to squeeze the last few drops of comedy from a bottle that we both thought was pretty much empty." Their travels prompt discussions on life topics such as ageing, aspirations, family, and fame, often reflecting on their own experiences with podcasting disputes, BAFTA rivalries, and musings on James Bond, Ingmar Bergman, and thoughts of retirement. Rob Brydon expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming project, saying: "I'm so pleased to be heading out on a Trip once again, this time to beautiful Scandinavia and how lovely to do it while Steve Coogan, Michael Winterbottom and I still have most of our faculties." Meghan Lyvers, executive director of Original Scripted at Sky UK and Ireland, shared her excitement: "We're excited to continue this iconic series with Steve, Rob and Michael. Their singular blend of comedy, character and cultural commentary feels as fresh as ever. Article continues below "The Trip to the Northern Lights promises to be a smart, surprising and brilliantly funny new chapter." Despite there being no confirmation of when the series will be aired, it will be available to watch on Sky and NOW TV in the UK and Ireland upon its release.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Midsummer celebrations: the best place to be for a pagan-esque party
Mal will try to per-swede you otherwise, but I've seen the movie Midsommar and that Scandi solstice didn't end well. Somebody was set alight in a bear carcass. In England, we only do that on May Day. And in real life, pickled herring and pole dancing just can't outshine the world's top temple to the sun. You visit Stonehenge to see solstice because that is its whole point, just as you go to IKEA if you want furniture with funny names and a side of meatballs. Stick to the flatpacks, Stockholm - you don't have the stones for solstice.
Toronto Sun
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Toronto Sun
Nordic calm
Canadians have seen a significant rise in spa-inspired backyards over the past few years. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Canadian homeowners are transforming their backyards into wellness retreats with saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunges – all inspired by Nordic living This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Did you make any meaningful purchases during the pandemic? For our family, it wasn't a pet or sourdough starter – it was a sauna kit. Inspired by the Nordic tradition of hot and cold therapy, we decided to bring a touch of Scandi wellness to our home. What began as a creative project during lockdown has become a lasting ritual that continues to ground us, restore us and bring a little calm to even the busiest days. Call it the 'Covid effect,' but for many, creating wellness at home has shifted from novelty to necessity. Interior designer Jessica Cinnamon of Jessica Cinnamon Design who is currently reimaging her own backyard into a wellness escape, has observed growing interest in home spa features. 'What used to be exclusive to gyms and resorts is now something clients want integrated into their everyday lives,' she says. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As more Canadians choose to invest in local experiences and comfort-driven upgrades, there's a growing movement toward transforming outdoor spaces into restorative retreats. The focus? Backyards that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From cedar saunas (barrel styles are particularly popular) to cold plunges and hydrotherapy tubs, Nordic-inspired outdoor living is gaining in popularity as a meaningful, everyday wellness investment. 'The Nordic spa lifestyle aligns beautifully with the Canadian ethos: it's about resilience, connection to nature, and finding peace in solitude,' says Glendon Evans, Founder of British Columbia-based Backcountry Recreation. 'Canadians spend a lot of time outdoors year-round, and increasingly, they want to replicate the restorative, meditative spa experience in their backyards.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The sauna is at the core of Nordic well-being, a small but mighty space that promotes deep relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation. Many homeowners are adding cold plunge tubs or outdoor showers to complement the heat and complete the hydrotherapy cycle. The ritual of warming the body, cooling it down and repeating it has been shown to boost energy, support immunity, and reduce stress– benefits that feel particularly appealing during our darker months. 'We've seen a significant rise in spa-inspired backyards over the past few years,' says Lisa Biefer, General Manager of Ontario-based Canadian Hot Tubs. 'There's increased awareness around the benefits of contrast therapy, a broader shift toward wellness-driven lifestyles, and a desire to invest in experiences that support long-term well-being.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As Biefer puts it, 'Creating a personal Nordic spa allows you to bring intention into your everyday routine. And that kind of self-care isn't just nice to have in today's world –it's essential.' For a gentler approach to outdoor wellness, wood-fired or electric hot tubs are a popular choice. Crafted from cedar or stainless-steel materials, their deep soaking design offers a quiet, grounding experience that keeps you connected to nature. Thinking of a wellness glow-up for your backyard? Evans recommends starting with how you want to feel, not just what you want to install. 'Is your goal to energize your morning with cold therapy? Unwind after work with a sweat and soak? Entertain guests year-round? These insights will help you This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. choose the right mix of elements.' He also encourages thinking long-term. 'Choose materials such as thermowood (timber that has been treated with heat), clear Western red cedar, and marine-grade stainless steel that will stand up to Canadian moisture cycles,' he says. 'Most importantly, invest in what makes sense for 90 per cent of your lifestyle.' Equally important is the setting. A Nordic-inspired space isn't about maximalism. It's about mindfulness. 'Using natural materials, soft outdoor lighting, minimalist furniture and even forested landscaping to create an atmosphere that feels both organic and intentional,' says Cinnamon. Think gravel pathways, warm wood tones, wool throws, and outdoor fire features that invite year-round use. 'Avoid overcrowding the space and instead add elements that add to the presence without clutter,' she explains. That ethos extends into the details. Biefer emphasizes customization as the key to both beauty and function. 'Because our products are custom-made, we can tailor every aspect – from wood finish to placement– to seamlessly complement the home's layout and aesthetic,' she says. The result is a space that feels considered and cohesive. Whether you're unwinding in a cedar sauna or cold-plunging Wim Hoff style, it's about cultivating calm, connection, and care — all within the comfort of your everyday environment. Toronto Maple Leafs Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Columnists World
Fashion Network
10-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
J.Lindeberg to launch first women's fashion collection next year, teaser campaign begins
Sweden's is moving into women's ready-to-wear. The Swedish brand that's been known until now for its sports-linked men's and womenswear but its men's-only fashion lines, will launch its first women's fashion collection in January next year. The 30-year-old label said it's 'a key step in the brand's continued evolution into a lifestyle brand'. Since 1996, has bridged the worlds of sport and fashion via its golf, ski and tennis clothing and already has a foundation in womenswear through high-performance collections for those specific sports. And it said the new RTW line 'builds on that momentum, offering a sharp, versatile wardrobe designed for modern lives in constant motion'. We're told the collection reflects its Scandi roots 'while looking outward with a progressive, global mindset. It speaks to individuals with high expectations, who lead active lives and expect their clothes to reflect that drive. Each piece is made to support dynamic routines, from city streets and creative spaces to the clubhouse, mountains and beyond'. Despite not launching globally for another six months, 'to build early momentum, is teasing the collection through key global profiles, such as model Georgia Fowler, Desiré Inglander, Gabrielle Richardson and Stella Xu – offering an early glimpse of standout styles in real lifestyle settings across core markets'. The full campaign will roll out closer to launch. The news comes in a year when the brand is heavily focused on global expansion. Back in April it opened its largest flagship store to date in Seoul, South Korea. Spanning five floors in the Gangnam district, the new space was a significant step in the brand's expansion to the Asian market with South Korea one of the fastest-growing markets for both sports and fashion, 'making it a strategic location for latest retail investment'.
