Those Who Kill (2011)
A gripping Danish crime drama pairing a Copenhagen detective with a forensic psychiatrist to unravel the minds of unconventional serial killers.
Those Who Kill - Series Information
- Original Title: Den som dræber
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Created by: Elsebeth Egholm, Stefan Jaworski
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (44 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Danish
- Spoken Languages: Danish
- First Air Date: March 13, 2011 (Germany - 16)
- Networks: TV 2
- Alternative Titles: Those Who Kill - Øje for øje (DK), Zabójcy (PL)
- Production Companies: TV 2, Miso Film
- Production Countries: Denmark
Those Who Kill - Plot
Based on an original idea by best-selling Danish novelist Elsebeth Egholm, the series follows the inquiries of a special unit at Copenhagen's police force, consisting of detective inspector Katrina Ries Jensen and forensic psychiatrist Thomas Schaeffer. The pair specialise in serial killers that do not fit within traditional behavioural patterns.
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Those Who Kill - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Elsebeth Egholm
- Stefan Jaworski
Main Cast
- Laura Bach
- Jakob Cedergren
- Lars Mikkelsen
- Frederik Meldal Nørgaard
- Lærke Winther
- Iben Dorner
- Benjamin Brüel
- Sergio Giovanni Gorgone
- Kim Bodnia
- Ulrich Thomsen
Writers
- Stefan Jaworski
- Elsebeth Egholm
- Siv Rajendram Eliassen
- Rikke De Fine Licht
- Morten Dragsted
Executive Producers
- Wolfgang Feindt
- Klaus Bassiner
- Michael Fleischer
- Peter Nadermann
- Keld Reinicke
Those Who Kill - FAQs
Is Those Who Kill based on a true story?
The series is not based on a specific true crime case, but it draws on the crime fiction of bestselling Danish novelist Elsebeth Egholm, who co-created the show. Egholm's work is known for its psychologically grounded portrayals of criminal behaviour, lending the series a sense of authenticity rooted in real forensic and investigative thinking.
What makes Those Who Kill different from other Nordic noir series?
Rather than focusing on a single case per season, Those Who Kill structures each episode around a distinct serial killer investigation. The pairing of a detective with a forensic psychiatrist gives the series a dual lens — procedural and psychological — that sets it apart from more conventional Scandinavian crime dramas of its era.
Where can you stream Those Who Kill?
Those Who Kill is available to stream via the Viaplay Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own or rent individual episodes, they are also available for purchase or rental through Amazon Video. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Who plays the lead roles in Those Who Kill?
Laura Bach leads the series as detective inspector Katrine Ries Jensen, while Jakob Cedergren plays forensic psychiatrist Thomas Schaeffer. The supporting cast includes Lars Mikkelsen, Kim Bodnia, and Ulrich Thomsen — all prominent names in Danish film and television with strong international recognition.
How was Those Who Kill received by critics?
The series earned solid praise for its atmospheric tension and strong lead performances, particularly from Laura Bach and Jakob Cedergren. Critics noted its confident blend of procedural storytelling and psychological depth. It was well regarded within the Nordic noir genre and helped cement Denmark's reputation for quality crime television in the early 2010s.
Did Those Who Kill inspire any international adaptations?
Yes. An American remake titled Those Who Kill aired on A&E in 2014, starring Chloe Sevigny and James D'Arcy. The US version retained the core premise of a detective-psychiatrist partnership investigating serial killers but was cancelled after a single season, unlike the original Danish series which concluded on its own terms.
How many episodes does Those Who Kill have?
The series ran for one season comprising 10 episodes, each with an average runtime of around 44 minutes. The show aired on Danish broadcaster TV 2 in 2011 and concluded that same year, offering a complete and self-contained viewing experience without unresolved cliffhangers.
What are similar series to Those Who Kill?
Fans of Those Who Kill tend to enjoy other Nordic crime dramas such as The Sommerdahl Murders and Hidden Assets, as well as British procedurals like Vigil and The Tower. These series share a similar appetite for psychologically complex investigations, morally layered characters, and tightly constructed mystery storytelling.
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