Wisting season 2: Everything we know so far about the Norwegian crime series

When’s it back… and what is happening with that third series?

Norwegian crime series Wisting proved to be a hit when it appeared on BBC Four.

So what’s the latest on a series two… and perhaps even a series three?

When did Wisting first appear on British TV?

Wisting starred Sven Nording at the titular character and first appeared on TV3 in its native Norway and Viaplay in the Nordic territories.

Based on the novels by Jørn Lier Horst (in series one’s case The Hunting Dogs and The Caveman), series one told the story of homicide detective William Wisting, who struggles with the two toughest cases of his career. His serial killer investigation crosses paths with his journalist daughter’s news story, putting her in grave danger.

It appeared on BBC Four in December 2019, and co-starred American Matrix star, Carrie-Ann Moss, as an FBI detective.

READ MORE: ALL OUR NEWS AND REVIEW OF WISTING

When will season 2 of Wisting broadcast?

Series two of Wisting premiered on Viaplay on 26th December 2021.

The four-part series is based on Horst’s novel The Inner Darkness and comprises four episodes.

The plot sees Tom Kerr (Odin Waage), a convicted serial killer, brought out into the woods to show where a body is buried. Accompanied by Larvik police, Kripos (The National Criminal Investigation Service) and also Line Wisting who is documenting the whole things. However, Kerr manages to escape and in the process, several people are hurt. Immediately the pressure is on Wisting to find him and bring him back in.

Why only four episodes in season 2 of Wisting?

Seasons 2 and 3 were supposed to be one series, and although no real reason has been given why the two have been split up into two, it’s likely that Covid played a large part in the decision.

Initial filming began in Norway in October of 2020 but was halted after 10 days. Production was also due to film in Belgium and Lithuania but had to cancel due to the countries’ Covid restrictions. But some good news: production started again in May of 2021 with all shooting taking place in Vestfold (the region where Larvik is located).

When will series 3 of Wisting premiere?

Series 3 of Wisting will premiere on Viaplay on 10th April.

Like series 2, it will contain four episodes and will be based on the novel, The Night Man.

Although plot details haven’t been forthcoming, a quick scan of the novel’s synopsis reveals the story starts with the head of a young girl placed on a spike in the local town square, shocking the whole country. Hours pass by without any clue as to who the girl is and soon another dead body is pulled from the river. It soon becomes apparent that there are links beyond the borders of Norway.

While Carrie-Anne Moss did not make an appearance in series two, she’s set to come back for series three.

We got a sneak peek at series three in Viaplay’s 2022 showreel (above).

How long will the show go on for?

Sven Nordin said in interviews about season 2: “I think the first season was maybe based a lot on the winter when we were trotting in the deep snow looking for a foreign serial killer who was hiding in Norway. This season we’re also looking for a serial killer, but under different conditions.

“It gets a little darker and more action. I would say it’s a heavier season than the first.

“The big difference is that we’ve aroused a lot of emotions in the characters, with a number of things going to happen in private that will affect policing. Thea, who plays my daughter, has her private plans too, so it’s likely a story that will touch many.”

Nordin also said he’d “like to play Wisting until he’s 80”.

“He does not have many ‘demons’ and he is not drunk or has the syringe in his arm. There is no underlying agenda. He’s a hardworking investigator who doesn’t have regular working hours, and I know that well.”

Let’s hope it comes back to BBC Four soon.

Charlotte Carling