The Killing (2007)
The landmark Danish noir crime series that redefined international television and made Detective Sarah Lund a global icon.
The Killing - Series Information
- Original Title: Forbrydelsen
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Created by: Søren Sveistrup
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Danish
- Spoken Languages: Danish
- First Air Date: January 7, 2007 (United States - TV-MA), January 7, 2007 (Canada - 18+), January 7, 2007 (Germany - 16)
- Networks: DR1
- Production Companies: DR TV, ZDF Enterprises
- Production Countries: Denmark
- Alternative Titles: Zločin (CZ), Kommissarin Lund - Das Verbrechen (DE), Forbrydelsen (DK), The Killing: Crónica de un asesinato (ES), THE KILLING キリング (JP), The Killing (LT), The crime (US)
The Killing - Plot
The Killing is a Danish police procedural set in the Copenhagen main police department and revolves around Detective Inspector Sarah Lund and her team, with each season series following a different murder case day-by-day and a one-hour episode covering twenty-four hours of the investigation. The series is noted for its plot twists, season-long storylines, dark tone and for giving equal emphasis to the story of the murdered victim's family alongside the police investigation. It has also been singled out for the photography of its Danish setting, and for the acting ability of its cast.
The Killing - Trailer
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Where to Watch The Killing
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The Killing - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Søren Sveistrup
Main Cast
- Sofie Gråbøl
- Morten Suurballe
- Søren Malling
- Lars Mikkelsen
- Marie Askehave
- Bjarne Henriksen
- Ann Eleonora Jørgensen
- Michael Moritzen
- Nicolaj Kopernikus
- Bent Mejding
Writers
- Søren Sveistrup
- Torleif Hoppe
- Michael W. Horsten
- Per Daumiller
Executive Producers
- Piv Bernth
The Killing - FAQs
What is The Killing (Forbrydelsen) about?
The Killing is a Danish police procedural set in Copenhagen, following Detective Inspector Sarah Lund as she investigates complex murder cases. Each season covers a single case across multiple episodes, with each hour representing one day, weaving together police work, political intrigue, and the grief of victims' families.
Who plays Sarah Lund in The Killing?
Sarah Lund is portrayed by Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl, whose understated, intense performance became one of the most celebrated in European television history. Her portrayal earned widespread critical acclaim and made the character — and her iconic Faroese sweater — internationally iconic.
Where can you stream The Killing (Forbrydelsen)?
The Killing is available to stream on several platforms in the US, including Mhz Choice, MZ Choice Amazon Channel, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Plex. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.
Is The Killing based on a true story?
No, The Killing (Forbrydelsen) is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional work created by Søren Sveistrup for Danish public broadcaster DR1. However, its grounded, realistic tone and procedural detail have led many viewers to assume a factual basis.
How many seasons and episodes does The Killing have?
The Killing consists of 3 seasons and 40 episodes in total. Season 1 contains 20 episodes, while Seasons 2 and 3 each contain 10 episodes. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes and covers a single day within the ongoing murder investigation.
Did The Killing win any major awards?
Yes, The Killing earned numerous accolades. Sofie Gråbøl won the BAFTA Award for Best International Actress for her role as Sarah Lund. The series also received multiple International Emmy nominations and won several Danish Robert Awards, cementing its status as a landmark in world television.
Why is Sarah Lund's sweater so famous in The Killing?
Sarah Lund's Faroese patterned sweater became a global fashion phenomenon after The Killing aired internationally. The knitwear, sourced from the Faroe Islands brand Gudrun & Gudrun, symbolized her no-nonsense, unconventional character and sparked a worldwide demand that sold out stock repeatedly.
How was The Killing received by critics internationally?
The Killing was met with extraordinary critical acclaim worldwide, widely credited with igniting mainstream international interest in Nordic noir television. Critics praised its slow-burn tension, morally complex characters, and atmospheric cinematography. It holds a strong reputation on Rotten Tomatoes and is frequently cited as essential crime television.
More About The Killing
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