Beforeigners (2019)
A Norwegian sci-fi noir series where time-displaced people from the distant past must find their place in modern Oslo — and one Viking warrior becomes a cop.
Beforeigners - Series Information
- Original Title: Beforeigners
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Anne Bjørnstad, Eilif Skodvin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: Norwegian
- Spoken Languages: English, Norwegian
- First Air Date: August 21, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), August 21, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), August 21, 2019 (Germany - 12), August 21, 2019 (Brazil - 16), August 21, 2019 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: HBO Nordic, HBO Max
- Alternative Titles: 过来人 (CN), Fremvandrerne (NO), 先驅者 (TW), Beforeigners - Mörderische Zeiten (DE)
- Production Companies: Rubicon TV AS
- Production Countries: Norway
Beforeigners - Plot
In the near future a new phenomenon starts happening all over the world with powerful flashes of light occurring in the ocean and people from the past mysteriously reappearing. Called "beforeigners," these people come from three separate time periods: the Stone Age, the Viking era and late 19th century. A couple of years later, Alfhildr – who comes from the Viking Age – has to partner up with a burned-out police officer, Lars Haaland, to investigate the murder of a beforeigner. The pair begins to unravel a larger conspiracy behind the origin of the mysterious mass arrivals.
Beforeigners - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the world of Beforeigners:
The past catches up with us all.
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Beforeigners - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Anne Bjørnstad
- Eilif Skodvin
Main Cast
- Nicolai Cleve Broch
- Krista Kosonen
- Ragnhild Gudbrandsen
- Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin
- Stig R. Amdam
- Nader Khademi
- Lavrans Haga
- Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir
- Eili Harboe
- Jeppe Beck Laursen
Writers
- Eilif Skodvin
- Anne Bjørnstad
Executive Producers
- Anne Bjørnstad
- Eilif Skodvin
Beforeigners - FAQs
What makes Beforeigners different from other time travel shows?
Rather than sending characters back in time, Beforeigners flips the concept entirely: people from the Stone Age, Viking era, and late 19th century suddenly appear in modern Oslo. The show uses this premise as a sharp metaphor for immigration and social integration, wrapped in a gritty Nordic noir murder mystery.
Is Beforeigners worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Beforeigners earned strong critical praise for its inventive premise and sharp social commentary. The chemistry between Nicolai Cleve Broch and Krista Kosonen anchors the show, and the world-building is remarkably detailed. It’s a rare genre series that uses its sci-fi concept to say something genuinely meaningful.
Where can you stream or buy Beforeigners?
Beforeigners is not currently available on major subscription streaming services in the US. However, you can purchase episodes or seasons digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms for the latest options.
Who plays Alfhildr in Beforeigners?
Finnish actress Krista Kosonen plays Alfhildr Enginsdottir, a Viking-era woman who becomes a modern-day police officer. Her portrayal of a fierce, displaced warrior navigating contemporary Oslo is one of the show’s standout performances, earning widespread praise for its physicality and emotional depth.
Why was Beforeigners cancelled after two seasons?
HBO Max cancelled Beforeigners in 2022 after two seasons, ending the series without a formal conclusion. The decision was part of broader content restructuring at HBO Max in European markets. The cancellation disappointed fans, as the show had built a dedicated following and left several storylines unresolved.
Is Beforeigners based on a book or true story?
Beforeigners is an entirely original creation, not based on any book or real events. The series was conceived by Norwegian writers Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, who developed the concept as a speculative fiction allegory exploring themes of immigration, identity, and social belonging in contemporary Norway.
How many episodes does Beforeigners have in total?
Beforeigners ran for 12 episodes across two seasons, with each season consisting of six episodes. Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes. The compact, tightly written format gives the series a cinematic quality, with little filler and a consistent narrative momentum throughout both seasons.
What are some shows similar to Beforeigners?
If you enjoyed Beforeigners, Ragnarok and Norsemen offer Norse mythology and dark Scandinavian humor, while Wallander and Wisting deliver classic Nordic noir detective drama. For genre-blending mystery with a supernatural edge, Torchwood and Grimm are strong picks. Lilyhammer also shares the fish-out-of-water comedy-drama tone.
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