Wallander (2008)
Kenneth Branagh stars as the haunted Swedish detective Kurt Wallander in this acclaimed BBC crime drama adapted from Henning Mankell's celebrated novels.
Wallander - Series Information
- Original Title: Wallander
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Henning Mankell
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (89 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 30, 2008 (United Kingdom - 15), November 30, 2008 (Germany - 16), November 30, 2008 (France - TP), November 30, 2008 (Australia - MA 15+), November 30, 2008 (Brazil - 10), November 30, 2008 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: BBC One, PBS
- Alternative Titles: Kommissar Wallander (Kenneth Brannagh) (DE), Wallander (UK) (UK), 刑事ヴァランダー (JP)
- Production Companies: Left Bank Pictures, Yellow Bird, TKBC
- Production Countries: Sweden, United Kingdom
Wallander - Plot
This drama follows Inspector Kurt Wallander – a middle-aged everyman – as he struggles against a rising tide of violence in the apparently sleepy backwaters in and around Ystad in Skane, southern Sweden. Based on the international best-selling books by Henning Mankell.
Wallander - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the atmospheric world of Inspector Wallander.
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Wallander - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Henning Mankell
Main Cast
- Kenneth Branagh
- Richard McCabe
- Jeany Spark
- Sarah Smart
- Sadie Shimmin
- Tom Hiddleston
- David Warner
- Barnaby Kay
- Tom Beard
- Mark Hadfield
Writers
- Henning Mankell
- Richard Cottan
- Peter Harness
- Richard McBrien
Executive Producers
- Ole Søndberg
- Daniel Gylling
- Andy Harries
- Matthew Read
- Kenneth Branagh
Wallander - FAQs
Who plays Kurt Wallander in the BBC series?
Kenneth Branagh plays Inspector Kurt Wallander in the BBC adaptation. His portrayal of the brooding, morally conflicted detective earned widespread critical praise and several BAFTA nominations, cementing the series as one of the most distinguished British crime dramas of its era.
Is Wallander based on a true story?
Wallander is not based on a true story. The character and cases are entirely fictional, created by Swedish crime novelist Henning Mankell. The series is set in the real town of Ystad in southern Sweden, which lends it a strong sense of authentic Scandinavian atmosphere.
Where can you stream Wallander online?
Wallander is available to stream on BritBox and Peacock Premium in the United States. It can also be accessed via BritBox on Amazon Channel and the BritBox Apple TV Channel. Digital purchase options are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers free access.
How many seasons does Wallander have?
The BBC Wallander series ran for four seasons, each containing three feature-length episodes, for a total of 12 main episodes. The series aired from 2008 to 2016. A collection of special episodes is also available, bringing the total episode count higher when specials are included.
What is the BBC Wallander series about?
The series follows Inspector Kurt Wallander, a weary and emotionally burdened Swedish detective, as he investigates brutal crimes in and around the quiet coastal town of Ystad in Skåne. Adapted from Henning Mankell's bestselling novels, it blends procedural drama with deep psychological character study.
Did Wallander win any awards?
Yes. The BBC Wallander series received multiple BAFTA nominations and won BAFTA awards, including recognition for Kenneth Branagh's lead performance. The show was also honoured at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards and praised by critics for its cinematic production values and atmospheric storytelling.
When did the BBC Wallander series first air?
The BBC Wallander series first aired on November 30, 2008, in the United Kingdom on BBC One. It subsequently aired on PBS in the United States. The show ran until 2016, concluding with its fourth series after Kenneth Branagh chose to end his involvement with the character.
What are some shows similar to Wallander?
Viewers who enjoy Wallander often appreciate other atmospheric crime dramas such as Unforgotten, Partners in Crime, and Black Work. The series shares tonal similarities with Nordic noir productions and British detective dramas that prioritise psychological depth and moral complexity over action-driven plotting.
More About Wallander
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