Now’s the perfect time to give Viaplay a try… Following February’s Agatha Christie-influenced whodunnit Who Shot Otto Mueller? (today, Trailer, Wall Street Journal review) and gripping true crime docuseries The Case of Iwona Wieczorek (Thurs., Feb. 27, Trailer), streaming service Viaplay’s March Slate features the exclusive US premieres of these riveting European TV series and docs:

·         The Hunt (March 27): Called "a milestone in Dutch television history," this award-winning, spine-chilling crime drama is inspired by the real-life murder of Marianne Vaatstra, a case that gripped the Netherlands for more than a decade (Interviews Available)

·         The Beach Hotel, Season 3 (March 20): In the vein of White Lotus and created by the “Queen of Nordic crime fiction” Camilla Läckberg, the popular series returns with its mix of soap opera and crime drama 

·         Like Tears in Rain (March 13, Feature Film): A star-studded, intimate portrait of iconic Dutch actor Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) captured through private, never-before-seen footage and directed by his goddaughter (Interviews Available)

·         Crime Scene Sweden, Seasons 1-4 (March 1): A shocking in-depth look into the most heinous crimes and infamous murders in modern Swedish history

The full, detailed March slate is below. Please watch and consider covering Viaplay’s exclusive US premieres featuring the very best in European television.

Screeners: Sign up as PRESS or login at https://viaplaycontentdistribution.com/login

Talent interviews: Available upon request for all series/films

SPOTLIGHT: CRIME DRAMA

The Hunt – Award-winning, True Crime Drama Series

Thursday, March 27 – Exclusive US Premiere

"A milestone in Dutch television history" - VARA-gids

Interview Opps: Cast/Director/Writer

A spine-chilling drama inspired by the real-life murder of Marianne Vaatstra, a case that gripped the Netherlands for more than a decade.

In the spring of 1999, a 16-year-old girl was found raped and murdered between a small village and a refugee center in a Dutch province. The murder tore apart not only entire families and a community but also kept the whole nation in its grip. The six-episode true crime drama series The Hunt chronicles the long and frustrating search for the perpetrator, with each episode telling the story from a different main character's perspective and exploring the impact of the murder on their lives. The crime remained unsolved until two main detectives managed to initiate a large-scale DNA investigation, which finally broke the case open.

The winner of ‘Best Direction’ and ‘Best Leading Role’ (Abke Haring) and nominee for ‘Best Drama Series’ and ‘Best Screenplay’ at the Netherlands International Film Festival, The Hunt stands out as a reconstruction of a case once deemed the “murder of the century,” offering not just a gripping crime story but also a deeply human exploration of the aftermath on ordinary lives. Its themes—xenophobia, racism, fake news, and the rural-urban divide—are globally relevant and resonate with contemporary societal issues. With conspiracy theories more prevalent than ever, The Hunt taps into timely conversations, making it a powerful and thought-provoking title.
(Viaplay Original, 6x50’ episodes, Dutch w/English subtitles)

SPOTLIGHT: DOCUMENTARY

Like Tears in Rain – Star-studded Rutger Hauer documentary feature film

Thursday, March 13 – Exclusive US Premiere\

IMDB’s Remembering Rutger Hauer

Interview Opp: Director/Rutger’s goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge

All his life, charismatic and mysterious cult actor Rutger Hauer kept the outside world at arm’s length. Through private, never-before-seen footage, his goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge uncovers his intimate world.

The legacy of actor Rutger Hauer, who passed away in 2019, is undisputed. Despite his iconic roles in Blade Runner and Turkish Delight as well as more than 170 credits including The Hitcher, Batman Begins, and Sin City, there is only a small group of people who truly know the Dutch actor. Rutger's goddaughter, Sanna Fabery de Jonge, delves into Hauer's personal archive to reveal the person behind the world-famous actor. Hauer documented his entire life on film, resulting in countless videos shot in Friesland, on his boat, and in the camper, as well as behind-the-scenes on movie sets, where we witness his unconditional love for his wife Ineke and his friends. Through conversations with his wife, friends, and colleagues including Whoopi Goldberg, Paul Verhoeven, Vincent D’Onofrio, Miranda Richardson, Robert Rodriguez, and Mickey Rourke, we see the person behind Rutger Hauer's charismatic yet elusive character.

(Viaplay Documentary, 1x80’ feature film, mix of English and Dutch)

SPOTLIGHT: SOAP MYSTERY

The Beach Hotel, Season 3 - New Season of Popular Soap Mystery

Thursday, March 20 - Exclusive US Premiere

In the vein of White Lotus and created by “Queen of Nordic crime fiction” Camilla Läckberg, the popular series returns featuring an expert blend of soap opera and crime drama as well as an all-star Swedish cast. 

Picking up after the explosive second season, Saltsjövik’s tourist industry is on the brink of collapse. As Vendela (Jenny Ulving) attempts a radical transformation of the hotel, Rebecka (Saga-Maria Lundquist) and Oskar (Victor von Schirach) plot to secretly take control of both the hotel and the town itself. The grand reopening is thrown into disarray when a body is discovered. With the town’s new police officer and a local journalist hot on the trail of the mystery, everyone is a suspect.

As troubling links are discovered, more questions arise, bringing multiple suspects to light. Welcome to The Beach Hotel, a visit guaranteed to keep you guessing and thoroughly entertained.

(Viaplay Original, 8x42’ episodes, Swedish with English subtitles)

March 2025 – Full Viaplay US Schedule

Saturday, March 1

Crime Scene Sweden, Seasons 1-4

A shocking in-depth look into the most heinous crimes and infamous murders in modern Swedish history. (5-7 episodes per season x42’)

Thursday, March 13

Like Tears in Rain (Feature Film)

All his life, charismatic and mysterious cult actor Rutger Hauer kept the outside world at arm’s length. Through private, never-before-seen footage, his goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge uncovers his intimate world. (Viaplay Documentary, 1x80’ feature film, Dutch and English)

Thursday, March 20

The Beach Hotel, Season 3

Created by “Queen of Nordic crime fiction” Camilla Läckberg, the popular series returns featuring an expert blend of soap opera and crime drama as well as an all-star Swedish cast (Viaplay Original, 8x42’ episodes, Swedish with English subtitles)

Thursday, March 27

The Hunt

An award-winning, spine-chilling drama inspired by the real-life murder of Marianne Vaatstra, a case that gripped the Netherlands for more than a decade. (Viaplay Original, 6x50’ episodes, Dutch w/English subtitles)

AVAILABLE TO BINGE

·         Who Shot Otto Mueller? - A tense, character-driven and surprising whodunit in the vein of Agatha Christie (Trailer)

·         The Case of Iwona Wieczorek – A gripping Polish docuseries delving into one of the most well-known disappearances in recent Polish history (Trailer)

·         Bullshit - The powerful, award-winning story of a group of lost and rebellious youths in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The drama series delves into the darkly exciting, but dangerous world of bikers as a passionate love story unfolds. Starring Alba August (Becoming Astrid, The Congregation) and award-winning actor Marco Ilsø (Vikings). Trailer

·         The Bunker - A chilling and shocking new true-crime docuseries about a woman who survived a torturous abduction and confronts her past trauma. Trailer

·         Rebus - Sir Ian Rankin’s iconic detective series starring Richard Rankin (Outlander) and recently aired on BBC to rave reviews and ratings. Intl BBC Trailer

·         All and Eva - Following its rave reviews, Swedish ‘Emmy’ nominations, and a record-breaking Swedish debut, the hilariously fresh take on the comedy-drama genre stars award-winning actress Tuva Novotny (#1 Netflix movie The Abyss, Annihilation). Trailer. (The New York Times ‘Best International Shows’ of 2024 selection)

Check Out Viaplay’s Best of 2024 selections, including the binge titles above as well as ‘Best Thriller’ The Fortress, ‘Best Nordic Noir’ End of Summer, ‘Best Fantasy’ Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, ‘Best Feature Film’ Listen Up!, and ‘Best Sports Doc’ Max Verstappen: Anatomy of a Champion

About Viaplay:

The Viaplay streaming service features thousands of hours of premium Nordic and European series and films from Scandinavia's largest and most recognized television/streaming platform. Viaplay’s US content offering focuses on the Nordic region’s high-quality and psychologically penetrating titles: from atmospheric and suspenseful crime dramas and provocative and stylish young adult series to award-winning dramas and riveting documentaries. On par with the best on television, Viaplay series feature first-rate production values, incredible scenery, award-worthy acting, and edge-of-your-seat storylines. Viaplay is available as an add-on subscription on Prime Video Channels, The Roku Channel, Comcast Xfinity, and more for only $5.99 a month. All titles are available in their original language with English subtitles. Link: http://amazon.com/video/viaplayus