If you are searching for a fresh crime thriller to immerse yourself in this month, Channel 4's latest acquisition might be precisely what you need. The Danish series The Pushover, which has left audiences reportedly 'gripped' by its 'chilling secrets,' is now available to stream in its entirety.
Based on Bestselling Books
This six-part drama is adapted from the popular Nora Sand book franchise created by author Lone Theils. All episodes are currently accessible to watch for free on Channel 4's streaming platform. The narrative commences with the discovery of a body in a swimming pool within an affluent suburb, immediately capturing the attention of Chief Inspector Morten Stark, who launches an official murder investigation.
However, he is not the sole individual probing the case. Copenhagen journalist Nora Sand initiates her own parallel inquiry, setting the stage for a dual-perspective thriller. The story unfolds in Denmark's North Zealand region, often referred to as the Danish Riviera, renowned for its picturesque old-fashioned boats and expansive sandy dunes.
A Second Adaptation
Notably, The Pushover represents the second television adaptation featuring the character Nora Sand. For enthusiasts of the literary series, the first adaptation, Fatal Crossing, is also available to stream on Channel 4, offering a complete viewing experience.
Author Lone Theils expressed profound satisfaction with the adaptation process, stating: 'I am incredibly happy and proud that [production company] Shuuto is now shooting the second season from the Nora Sand universe. It has been a magical experience to see my character come to life on the screen. I am unspeakably happy that Nora has touched so many readers and viewers alike.'
Mixed Critical Reception
The thriller has garnered a divided response on IMDb, where it currently holds an aggregate rating of 5.5 out of 10. However, a closer examination reveals more nuance. The most recent and popular reviews for the inaugural episode present a more favourable impression, awarding it a rating of 6.9 out of 10.
Each of the six episodes runs for approximately 40 minutes, with titles that directly reflect their narrative content: The Murder, The Confession, The Reconstruction, The Interview, The Connection, and the intriguingly named finale, The House.
Viewer Opinions Diverge
Audience feedback paints a picture of contrasting perspectives. One viewer, who awarded the series 8 out of 10, lauded it as a prime example of 'classic Scandi noir.' They elaborated: 'This is an intelligent and quietly gripping crime drama, with a strong focus on complex, believable characters as well as a solid and carefully constructed plot. The pacing is confident and restrained, allowing the story to unfold naturally. Classic Nordic noir at its best, and a must for anyone who truly enjoys high-quality Scandinavian drama.'
Conversely, another reviewer offered a more modest rating of five out of ten, characterising the series as a 'slow burn story of police incompetence.' Their critique noted: 'I like Scandi crime series, but this one is very slow and paints the picture that the police force is so incompetent—which you have to argue is just not what would happen in real life!'
This viewer suggested that the narrative could have been more engaging: 'Just disappointed that the story could not have been more believable and captivating if it had more challenge between the characters—up the tension and get the viewer engaged—rather than watching in the failed hope that finally it would give you the punch in the face it needed to.'
Despite the varied critiques, The Pushover stands as a significant addition to Channel 4's catalogue of international drama, providing UK audiences with direct access to this latest piece of Scandinavian television. The full series is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
