Arctic Circle (2018)
A gripping Finnish-German Nordic noir series where a detective and a virologist confront both a serial killer and a deadly virus in the frozen Arctic wilderness.
Arctic Circle - Series Information
- Original Title: Ivalo
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Olli Haikka, Petja Peltomaa et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 27
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Finnish
- Spoken Languages: German, English, Finnish
- First Air Date: December 21, 2018 (United States - NR), December 21, 2018 (Canada - 18+), December 21, 2018 (Germany - 16), December 21, 2018 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Elisa Viihde Viaplay, Elisa Viihde, Ruutu
- Alternative Titles: Arctic Circle (US), Arctic Circle (LT)
- Production Companies: Yellow Film & TV, Bavaria Fiction, Bavaria Film
- Production Countries: Finland, Germany
Arctic Circle - Plot
During a routine search of an old cabin in the remote and wintery back country, Finnish policewoman, Nina Kautsalo, discovers two dead prostitutes, with a third still fighting for her life. The ensuing investigation takes a surprise twist when an extremely rare and deadly virus is discovered in the surviving woman's bloodwork. When the Finnish Bureau of Investigation takes over the case, German virologist, Thomas Lorenz is called in to assist in identifying and containing the virus. Set within the endless white expanse of the arctic circle, Nina and Thomas must rely on each other to have any hope of saving the ones they love. But what takes precedence? A deadly virus or an active serial killer?
Arctic Circle - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the chilling world of Arctic Circle:
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Arctic Circle - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Olli Haikka
- Petja Peltomaa
- Joona Tena
Main Cast
- Taneli Mäkelä
- Iina Kuustonen
- Pihla Viitala
- Venla Ronkainen
- Elena Leeve
- Mikko Leppilampi
- Janne Kataja
- Susanna Haavisto
- Kari Ketonen
- Anna Ackerman
Writers
- Joona Tena
- Olli Tola
- Petja Peltomaa
- Jón Atli Jónasson
Executive Producers
- Alan Sim
- Moritz Polter
Arctic Circle - FAQs
Where can you stream Arctic Circle online?
Arctic Circle is available to stream in the United States through MHz Choice and MZ Choice Amazon Channel via flatrate subscription. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, and watched for free on Hoopla and Plex. Availability may vary by region.
Is Arctic Circle based on a true story?
Arctic Circle is not based on a specific true story. It is a fictional Nordic noir thriller created by Olli Haikka, Petja Peltomaa, and Joona Tena. However, its portrayal of remote Finnish landscapes, law enforcement procedures, and viral outbreak scenarios draws on realistic elements to create a grounded atmosphere.
Who are the main actors in Arctic Circle?
The series stars Iina Kuustonen as detective Nina Kautsalo and Maximilian Brückner as German virologist Thomas Lorenz. The supporting cast includes Pihla Viitala, Taneli Mäkelä, Mikko Leppilampi, Janne Kataja, Venla Ronkainen, Kari Ketonen, Susanna Haavisto, and Anna Ackerman.
What is Arctic Circle about?
Arctic Circle follows Finnish detective Nina Kautsalo, who discovers two dead women and a deadly rare virus in a remote cabin. Joined by German virologist Thomas Lorenz, she must simultaneously hunt a serial killer and contain a biological threat across the frozen Arctic wilderness of northern Finland.
How many seasons does Arctic Circle have?
Arctic Circle has four seasons. Season 1 consists of 10 episodes, Season 2 has 6 episodes, Season 3 has 6 episodes, and Season 4 has 5 episodes, bringing the total episode count to 27. The series is currently a returning production with new content still in development.
Is Arctic Circle cancelled or still ongoing?
Arctic Circle is still ongoing and classified as a Returning Series. The show remains in active production as of 2025, with its fourth season having aired and the series continuing to develop new content. It has not been cancelled.
What makes Arctic Circle a Nordic noir series?
Arctic Circle embodies Nordic noir through its bleak, snow-covered Finnish Lapland setting, morally complex characters, and slow-burn investigative tension. The series layers a serial killer hunt with a viral outbreak mystery, creating a uniquely oppressive atmosphere that critics have praised for its atmospheric authenticity and genre-blending ambition.
When did Arctic Circle first air?
Arctic Circle first aired on December 21, 2018. It premiered simultaneously in multiple territories, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Spain. The Finnish-German co-production originally aired on Elisa Viihde Viaplay and has since expanded its international reach through various streaming platforms.
More About Arctic Circle
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