Viaplay’s Upcoming Series: "Mafia"
Premiere Announcement
Viaplay has officially set the U.S. premiere date for "Mafia," a gripping Nordic noir crime thriller series hailing from Sweden. The series is penned to make its debut on June 19, 2025, available exclusively on Viaplay via Prime Channels and other partner networks. New episodes will roll out weekly, every Thursday, culminating on July 24.
Inspiration from Real Events
"Mafia," originally titled Maffia, draws inspiration from actual events that significantly shaped Sweden during the 1990s. This era marks a transformative period for the country, as it shifted from being relatively peaceful and untouched by organized crime to a landscape plagued by intense gang violence and shootouts. The series intricately portrays how cigarette smuggling served as a catalyst for this ominous rise in organized crime, offering viewers a stark contrast between the nation’s past tranquility and its burgeoning criminal underbelly.
The Plot and Key Characters
The six-episode series centers around the life of Radovan “Jakov” Jakovic, portrayed by Peshang Rad (known for roles in "Bäckström," "Jana – Marked for Life," and "Before We Die"). Jakov’s journey unfolds from his humble beginnings in poverty to his ascent into the world of organized crime, showcasing his ambitions and the moral complexities that come with them.
Opposing him is police officer Gunn Thörngren, played by Katia Winter (notable for appearances in "The Boys," "Granite Harbour," and "Sleepy Hollow"). Gunn embodies the will to combat the rising Mafia threat that looms over society, lurking in the shadows of cigarette trafficking. Both characters start as underdogs, embroiled in a tension-filled game of deception as they navigate their challenging worlds.
As the narrative progresses, Jakov and Gunn develop a complicated relationship, each believing they can leverage the other to achieve their ends. This dynamic creates a web of intrigue, with the potential for devastating consequences that may alter both their lives irrevocably.
Stellar Cast and Crew
"Mafia" boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Jens Hultén ("Conspiracy of Silence"), Helena Af Sandeberg ("Quicksand"), Linus Wahlgren ("Crimes of Passion"), Cedomir Djordjevic ("Before We Die"), and Dragomir Mrsic ("Alex"). This rich tapestry of characters promises to bring depth and complexity to the unfolding drama.
The series is directed by Mani Maserrat ("Young Wallander," "Modus") and Tomas Jonsgården ("Game of Thrones: Aftermath"), both of whom are known for their strong storytelling abilities. The writing team features Axel Stjärne (lead writer from "Top Dog" and "Partisan"), in collaboration with Stefan Thunberg and Dennis Magnusson (both known for their prolific contributions to Swedish television).
Viewing Options and Additional Content
Fans eager to delve into the world of "Mafia" can mark their calendars for the premiere date. Viaplay is making it easy for viewers to catch up through various channels, ensuring that audiences have access to the thrilling storyline and its unfolding drama as new episodes are released each week.
In summary, "Mafia" promises to be a riveting exploration of crime, morality, and human connections set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Swedish history. The combination of a compelling narrative, a talented cast, and experienced directors sets the stage for a series that is likely to captivate audiences looking for intense drama and intricate storytelling.
