Oxen (TV series)

Oxen is a Danish television series, based on the crime novel series of the same name by Danish crime writer Jens Henrik Jensen. The series was adapted by husband and wife writing duo Mai Brostrøm and Peter Thorsboe. The first series was broadcast in Denmark in October 2023, with the second series following in 2025. The series has been sold internationally, and broadcast in Germany, the UK, and Australia.

Synopsis

Series 1

The protagonist of the series is war veteran Niels Oxen. After he has been expelled from the special forces based on false evidence, he develops PTSD and he isolates himself in the woods with his dog, losing contact with his wife Birgitte and son Magnus. After local dogs start dying, followed by deaths of local people, Oxen accepts a request from PET, (the Danish intelligence service) head to help the investigation. He works alongside PET detective Margrethe Franck.[1][2]

Cast

Main

Production

The Oxen series of books has been published in many European countries, including Germany, where they have become bestsellers. As of January 2026 there are six books in the series, but none has been translated into English.[3]

The first series was produced for the Danish TV channel TV 2 and ZDF in Germany in collaboration with SquareOne Productions[4] (part of Vuelta Group[5]). The series is created by husband and wife writing duo Mai Brostrøm and Peter Thorsboe, adapted from the book series of the same name by Danish crime writer Jens Henrik Jensen. The pair have written several successful series, including Unit One, The Eagle, and The Protectors, winning three Emmy Awards.[6]

The first series, which comprises six parts,[1] was directed by Danish filmmaker Jannik Johansen.[4]

Series two was produced by Swedish production house SF Studios in partnership with SquareOne Productions and the Estonian Nafta Films. Filming took place in Jutland, Copenhagen, and Funen in Denmark, as well as some scenes in Lithuania, moving into post-production in January 2025.[7] International sales are handled by REinvent.[8]

Release

Series 1 premiered in Denmark on 22 October 2023 on TV 2 Play, and on 29 October on TV 2. It was broadcast on ZDF in Germany later in the year.[4]

Series 1 was broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK, first on its streaming platform on 15 November 2024, and then on free-to-air Channel 4 television on 17 November.[2][9][10] In Australia, the first series streamed on SBS on Demand.[1]

Series 2 premiered on TV 2 and TV 2 Play in Denmark on 26 October 2025, and is scheduled for release on ZDF in Germany in 2026.[11][7]

References

  1. ^ a b c "A former soldier is dragged back into danger in pacy drama 'Oxen'". SBS What's On. 23 October 2025. Archived from the original on 29 October 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b "The explosive, pacy new Channel 4 thriller". Nordic Watchlist. 15 November 2024. Archived from the original on 15 November 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Oxen". Crime Writer Jens Henrik Jensen. Archived from the original on 11 July 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  4. ^ a b c "Premiere for SF Studios' produced thriller series Oxen at TV 2 Denmark". press-international.sfstudios.se. 26 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  5. ^ Elsa Keslassy, Leo Barraclough (8 May 2024). "Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook Sells Telepool to Vuelta Group's SquareOne". Variety. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  6. ^ "Star duo to write TV series featuring Oxen". Crime Writer Jens Henrik Jensen. Archived from the original on 7 November 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  7. ^ a b "'Oxen' Season 2 in Final Stages: Bigger Thrills & Darker Secrets". Nordic Widescreen -. 29 January 2025. Archived from the original on 18 May 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  8. ^ "SF Studios produces second season of OXEN in co-production with SquareOne Productions and Nafta Films for TV 2 Denmark and ZDF Germany – TV 2 secures deals with Nordic partners and REinvent handles international sales". Reinvent Yellow. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  9. ^ Bellini, Luciana (17 November 2025). "The 40 Best Nordic Noirs Perfect For Cosy Viewing". The Glossary. Archived from the original on 2 February 2026. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  10. ^ Harrison, Phil (8 November 2024). "Bad Sisters to Say Nothing: the seven best shows to stream this week". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  11. ^ "Danish Hit Thriller 'Oxen' Returns for Season 2". Nordic Widescreen -. 25 October 2025. Archived from the original on 12 November 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
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