*Hi-res images for download at the bottom of the page

Viaplay US continues to feature the best under-the-radar international series in streaming. Following July’s new releases – the surprising true crime docuseries and Viaplay Sweden’s most viewed doc ever, Johanna Möller - Sweden's Most Hated Woman (debuts today, Trailer) and the gripping and award-winning Swedish psychological drama based on the dark world of the real Knutby religious cult, The Congregation: Bride of Christ (Thursdays, July 24-Aug 7, Trailer) - Viaplay’s August U.S. slate features the exclusive Stateside premieres of more must-see European TV series and docs: 

·         Live Life, Season 2 (Thursdays, Aug. 28 and Sep. 4, US Premiere) - The return of Swedish Emmys’ ‘Best Youth Drama’ nominee following the emotional and uplifting story of a young woman facing cancer,’ featuring guest star Sofia Helin (The Bridge) (S1 Trailer)

·         Four Hands Menu (English, Thurs., Aug 7, US Premiere) – Six-part food and lifestyle series featuring star chef Niklas Ekstedt celebrates culinary artistry and innovation with some of the world’s most renowned chefs filmed in breathtaking locations ( Trailer)

·         Food & Fire with Niklas Ekstedt (English, Thurs., Aug 14, US Premiere) - Nominated for ‘Lifestyle Program of the Year’ at the ‘Swedish Emmys,’ Michelin chef Niklas Ekstedt embarks on a six-country journey to explore the traditions behind open-fire cooking, a tradition dating back over two million years (Trailer)

·         It Could Have Been Us (Thurs., Aug. 14, US Premiere) – Feature film sheds light on the harsh realities of exclusion while offering glimpses of resilience, hope, and moments of joy as Emma Örtlund and Ida Johansson, from the 'Catwalk' docuseries, explore the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities

·         Solo (Sun., Aug. 24) – Young adult miniseries on talented next-generation musicians and dancers who confront challenges and distractions as they chase their dreams in Norway's vibrant arts scene (Trailer)

*Date Change: In the Name of Love, originally scheduled for August, will debut beginning September 8.

The detailed August slate for the Viaplay streaming service is below. Please watch and consider covering our exclusive US premieres featuring the very best in European and Nordic television.

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

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Talent interviews: Available upon request

SPOTLIGHT: YOUNG ADULT DRAMA

Live Life, Season 2 – Acclaimed Swedish Young Adult Drama Series

Thursday, August 28 (Episodes 1-4, Thurs., Sep. 4 Episodes 5-8) - Exclusive US Premiere

Nominated for ‘Best Youth Drama’ at the ‘Swedish Emmys’ for Season 1

S1 Trailer

Inspired by true events, the emotional and uplifting young adult drama Live Life blends raw emotion, heart, and resilience while exploring the complexities of youth and friendship, and finding joy even in life’s toughest moments. In Season 1, young, ambitious Nora (Hanna Ardéhn, ‘Swedish Emmy’ Best Actress winner for Netflix’s Quicksand) seems to have it all, but when she’s diagnosed with cancer, her world is turned upside down. She navigates the highs and lows of treatment, facing fears, embracing love, and discovering what truly matters.

In Season 2, Nora returns to Stockholm after a year in London, ready for a carefree summer with friends. But her world shatters when she learns her cancer is back, and this time, it's worse. Desperate for answers, she reaches out to her estranged mother, Jill (Sofia Helin, The Bridge), hoping to mend their broken bond.

As Nora’s health declines, so does her grip on the relationships that matter most. Pushing away her father and friends, she clings to the idea of a mother’s love, only to be let down once again. Just when she finally finds peace in letting go, a sudden health crisis leaves her hovering between life and death. Now, with everything on the line, she must fight not just for survival, but for the life she still has. (Swedish with English subtitles, 8 x 22’)

SPOTLIGHT: FOOD DOCUMENTARIES

Four Hands Menu (Thursday, August 7, Viaplay Original)  Trailer

Food & Fire with Niklas Ekstedt (Thursday, August 14, Viaplay Original)  Trailer

Exclusive US Premieres

In Four Hands Menu, Michelin star chef Niklas Ekstedt joins forces with some of the world’s most renowned chefs to create extraordinary “four-hands menus,” a series of collaborative dishes crafted without limits on recipes, ingredients, or techniques. Filmed in breathtaking locations from the Faroe Islands to the Philippines, the six-part series celebrates culinary artistry and innovation. Featuring talents like Poul Andrias Ziska, Esben Holmboe Bang, and Ekstedt himself, each episode highlights the creative synergy of two culinary masters in the kitchen. (English, 6 x 45’)

In Food & Fire with Niklas Ekstedt, the acclaimed Swedish chef explores the ancient tradition of open-flame cooking on a six-country journey. Known globally for his passion for this method dating back over two million years—he even wrote a book on it—Ekstedt dives into diverse techniques and culinary cultures, inspiring viewers to rethink how food is prepared and experienced. Nominated for ‘Lifestyle Program of the Year’ at the ‘Swedish Emmys’/Kristallen TV Awards (English, 6 x 45’)

Full August Viaplay Calendar

Thursday, August 7

The Congregation: Bride of Christ (Ep. 5 and Ep. 6/Season Finale, Knutby, U.S. Debut) – Based on the true events that inspired HBO’s acclaimed docuseries Pray, Obey, Kill, this gripping and award-winning Swedish psychological drama is based on the dark world of the infamous Knutby cult – marked by abuse, infidelity, threats, and feverish prophecies (Trailer, Swedish with English subtitles)

Four Hands Menu (U.S. Debut, Food & Lifestyle, Viaplay Original series)

Global chefs, new creations, breathtaking locations. Star chef Niklas Ekstedt joins forces with some of the world’s most renowned chefs to create extraordinary “four-hands menus,” a series of collaborative dishes crafted without limits on recipes, ingredients, or techniques. Filmed in breathtaking locations. ( Trailer, English, 6 x 45’)

Thursday, August 14

Food & Fire with Niklas Ekstedt (U.S. Debut, Food & Lifestyle, Viaplay Original series)

Michelin star chef Niklas Ekstedt embarks on a global journey to six countries, exploring diverse open-fire cooking techniques. ( Trailer, English, 6 x 45’)

It Could Have Been Us (U.S. Debut, Feature Film)

Emma Örtlund and Ida Johansson, from the 'Catwalk' docuseries, embark on a journey across Sweden, delving into a poignant exploration of the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities, alongside Pär Johansson, the founder of Glada Hudik Theater. Through a compelling narrative, the film sheds light on the harsh realities of exclusion while offering glimpses of resilience, hope, and moments of joy. It Could Have Been Us courageously confronts the societal prejudices that have affected people with disabilities throughout history, serving as a thought-provoking testament to both their challenges and triumphs. (Feature Film, Swedish with English subtitles)

Sunday, August 24

Solo (Miniseries, Young Adult)

Talented young individuals confront challenges and distractions as they chase their dreams in Norway's vibrant arts scene. With rivalries intensifying and passions flaring, these artists must find their place, voice, and purpose. The students at Create, the school of music, dance and drama in Lillehammer are all big dreamers. Some talk loud and proud about their dreams, while others barely dare to admit them to themselves. They all navigate through the everyday high school life, confronting stage fright and substance abuse, piecing together broken hearts with melodies, and trying to find their perfect pace in their adolescent years. (Trailer, 4 x 25’ episodes, Norwegian with English subtitles)

Thursday, August 28

Live Life, Season 2 (Episodes 1-4 out of 8) (U.S. Debut)

Inspired by true events, the return of the Swedish Emmys’ ‘Best Youth Drama’ nominee following the emotional and uplifting story of a young woman facing cancer; featuring Hanna Ardéhn (‘Swedish Emmy’ Best Actress winner for Netflix’s Quicksand) and guest star Sofia Helin (The Bridge) (S1 Trailer) (Swedish with English subtitles, 8 x 22’)

RECENT PREMIERES / AVAILABLE TO BINGE

·         Mafia – Described by The Wall Street Journal as a “sophisticated six-part thriller” and praised by Nordic Watchlist as “extremely well-written…you’ll love it,” this bold crime series follows the violent rise of a notorious gangster (Peshang Rad, Bäckström) and the lone cop (Katia Winter, The Boys, Sleepy Hollow, Dexter) pursuing him (Trailer)

·         Johanna Möller - Sweden's Most Hated Woman – Surprising true crime docuseries on one of Sweden’s most notorious murder cases with her conviction based on the murderer who changed his story a shocking twelve times (Trailer)

·         Chaos – Called “Dramedy with verve…brisk and frisky” (The New York Times), and akin to a more romantic Danish The Morning Show, the series follows the chaotic life and modern love story of a host of a popular morning program (Trailer)

·         10 Years of Max Verstappen – An exclusive interview with Max looking back at his legendary, record-breaking first decade in redefining Formula 1 (Trailer)

·         The Hunt - 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 (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. (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. Edgar®-nominated for ‘Best Television Teleplay Episode’ (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

Press Contacts:

Chad Campbell, Head of PR, Viaplay SVOD – chad.campbell@viaplaygroup.com 

Eddie Ward, On behalf of Viaplay - 917-864-6446 / eddie@eddiewardPR.com