<em>Dept. Q</em> is a new Netflix series that has captivated audiences with its unique atmosphere, engaging storyline, and impressive performances from the ensemble cast. Starring Matthew Goode, Dept. Q portrays him as Carl Morck, a cynical detective leading a newly established department in his precinct that focuses on unsolved cases. Morck is supported by the determined Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne) and the former Syrian policeman, Akram (Alexej Manvelov).
The series presents a dark premise, with the detectives solving one case over seven episodes, which will continue in a second season, as there’s a larger mystery at play, one that nearly cost Morck his life. Seven episodes may feel too brief, and you likely finished watching it in one weekend. If you’re looking for more shows with a similar vibe while waiting for Season 2, here are ten recommendations for fans of Dept. Q.
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‘Deadwind’ (2018–2021)
Deadwind is a Finnish crime drama that follows detective Sofia Karppi (Pihla Viitala) as she returns to work at the Helsinki Police Department after the tragic loss of her husband. Now a single mother, managing grief alongside her professional duties leaves Sofia exhausted but still attuned to her detective work. After a woman is murdered, she employs her sharp wit and collaborates with her new partner, Sakari Nurmi (Lauri Tilkanen), who was transferred from the financial crime unit.
Deadwind is a quintessential Nordic Noir series, recognized as one of the best in the genre over the past decade. Its tone and style often draw comparisons to<em>The Killing</em> and The Bridge, two iconic examples of Nordic Noir. The show effectively combines drama with tension and suspense, making it binge-worthy. With three seasons available, it shares a similar vibe to Dept. Q, ensuring it will fill the gap after you’ve finished watching.
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‘Wisting’ (2019–)
Wisting is a Norwegian police procedural series that has maintained a large viewership since its premiere in 2019. The show is based on the novel series of the same name by Jørn Lier Horst, whose works have been translated into over two dozen languages. It has received positive reviews and is often regarded as one of the best Nordic Noir series available. Critics have described Wisting as exciting, intricate, and captivating.
Wisting follows William Wisting (Sven Nordin), a veteran detective in Larvik, Norway. Wisting is clever and unyielding, demonstrating this to his collaborators, including FBI agent Maggie Griffin (Carrie-Anne Moss). Each season revolves around an ongoing case that often reflects the pacing found in Horst’s novels. The series also features Wisting’s daughter, crime journalist Line (Thea Green Lundberg). It balances investigative rigor with deep character exploration and is characterized by well-paced atmospheric storytelling, making it an excellent choice after watching Dept. Q.
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‘The Chestnut Man’ (2021–)
The Chestnut Man was a major streaming success on Netflix upon its release in 2021, achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. This Danish thriller is characterized by its dark themes, ominous atmosphere, and intriguing twists that make it highly binge-worthy, much like Dept. Q. The first season revolves around a significant case of serial killings, and the second season is set to premiere soon, where the lead detectives will undoubtedly face another sinister case. Based on a novel bySøren Sveistrup,The Chestnut Man opens in 1987 before transitioning to modern times, following detectives Naia Thulin (Danica Ćurčić) and Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) as they investigate a murder linked to earlier events. A mysterious chestnut figurine left at each crime scene connects them to the perpetrator. Created by the same team behindThe Killing, fans of this Nordic Noir classic will find similarities inThe Chestnut Man.
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‘The Valhalla Murders’ (2019–2020)
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