Disney+ is set to debut its first Nordic Original series, Whiskey on the Rocks, on January 22, 2025, in select countries, with Hulu hosting the release in the United States. Inspired by real Cold War events, this political satire is a co-production between SVT (Swedish National Broadcaster) and The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic. The six-episode series promises an intriguing mix of humor, suspense, and historical drama, all delivered with the charm of Nordic storytelling.

A Submarine Incident That Shook the World

The series is based on the true story of a Soviet Whiskey-class submarine that ran aground in restricted Swedish waters in October 1981, sparking a tense standoff between global superpowers. At the heart of the crisis is Prime Minister Thorbjörn Fälldin, portrayed by Rolf Lassgård (A Man Called Ove). A former sheep farmer, Fälldin faces the daunting challenge of mediating between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan to prevent global disaster.

Cast and Creative Team

The series features a talented cast, including Elsa Saisio, Anders Mossling, Niklas Engdahl, and Filip Berg, alongside international stars Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas as Brezhnev and Mark Noble as Reagan. Director Björn Stein (Midnight Sun, Shed No Tears) brings a unique visual style, blending humor with high-stakes suspense. The screenplay, penned by Henrik Jansson-Schweizer (Thicker Than Water), is based on a story by Jonas Jonasson, the acclaimed author of The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.

Behind the Scenes

Filmed in Sweden and Lithuania, Whiskey on the Rocks is a collaborative effort of executive producers from Humanoids, SVT, and Disney+. Vibeke Lia, Director of Programming for Disney+ Nordic & Baltic, highlights the series' significance as the platform's inaugural Nordic production, celebrating the global appeal of Scandinavian storytelling.

Global Premiere

While Swedish audiences will catch an early glimpse of the series on SVT1 during Christmas 2024, the rest of the world will have to wait until its global release on Disney+ and Hulu in January 2025.

A Unique Take on History

Director Björn Stein describes the series as "both dramatic and absurd," using satire to explore a tense historical moment while drawing parallels to contemporary global politics. With its unique blend of comedy and suspense, Whiskey on the Rocks is poised to captivate a wide audience, offering a fresh perspective on Cold War history.

Don’t miss this compelling Nordic satire when it lands on Disney+ this January! Watch the trailer here Whiskey on the Rocks Official Trailer.