Viaplay October 2025 Highlights

Viaplay continues to expand its slate of gripping European drama this October, available in the UK as an Amazon Prime Video Channels add-on - https://amzn.to/48gegOZ. The month brings a mix of hard-hitting war stories, emotional journeys, Nordic noir and a returning Scottish detective classic.

A Life's Worth – Drama Series

Monday 27 October – Exclusive UK Premiere (Episodes 1 & 2, then one episode weekly)

Inspired by Magnus Ernström's novel Half a Year, a Whole Life, this powerful six-part war drama captures the chaos and moral turmoil of the Bosnian conflict in 1993. Four young Swedish soldiers, Forss (Maxwell Cunningham), Babic (Toni Prince), Strand (Edvin Ryding – Young Royals, 28 Years Later) and Kilpinen (Erik Enge), are deployed under the command of Major Andreasson (Johan Rheborg). What begins as an idealistic UN peacekeeping mission soon unravels into a nightmare of blurred frontlines and unthinkable choices.

Their orders to stay neutral clash with the brutal realities of ethnic warfare, leaving them haunted by what they witness and powerless to intervene. As alliances shift and the line between right and wrong collapses, the group's loyalty to each other is pushed to breaking point.

A Life's Worth is a raw, emotionally charged story about the cost of neutrality and the loss of innocence in war. It lays bare the impossible decisions faced by soldiers trying to do good in a place where good no longer seems to exist.

(Drama Series, 6 x 44 mins)

Swedish/English/Serbian/Serbo-Croatian with English subtitles

Little Did I Know (There is Something Going On) – Feature Film

Thursday 16 October

Starring one of Sweden's most beloved actresses, Alexandra Rapaport (The Sandhamn Murders, No Time to Mourn, Veronika), and directed by Martina Haag, this poignant feature follows Petra, a woman who seems to have it all until her marriage collapses. What begins as heartbreak becomes a journey of rediscovery as Petra reflects on her past and reconnects with the dreams she left behind.

The film weaves together two timelines: the 50-year-old Petra facing the end of her marriage, and her 15-year-old self (Ella Hammarsten Liedberg) in the 1980s, discovering first love and learning who she is. The two versions of Petra move in parallel, their stories revealing how choices made decades earlier continue to shape the woman she has become.

It's tender, funny and bittersweet, exploring love, betrayal and the resilience needed to start again when everything falls apart.

(Drama Film, 100 mins)

Swedish with English subtitles

Rebus – Crime Drama Series

Monday 13 October (Three episodes, followed by the final three on 20 October)

Critically praised and darkly addictive, Rebus brings Ian Rankin's celebrated novels back to the screen with Richard Rankin (Outlander, The Last Kingdom) in what The Guardian called "the most irresistible incarnation yet." Written and adapted by Gregory Burke, the series follows Detective Sergeant John Rebus, a brilliant but damaged investigator whose instincts are as dangerous as the criminals he chases.

Recovering from a near-fatal crash and a failed marriage, Rebus finds himself back in Edinburgh's underworld as a turf war ignites. Partnered with rookie DS Siobhan Clarke (Lucie Shorthouse), he battles corruption, family betrayal and his own self-destructive streak. The return of his brother Michael, now under investigation, pulls him deeper into the moral grey zone where justice and loyalty collide.

A gritty, sharply written revival filled with atmosphere and tension, Rebus captures the heart of Scottish noir with authenticity and bite.

(Crime Drama Series, 6 x 48 mins)

English

Darkness: Those Who Kill – Season 4

Monday 6 October (Seasons 1–3 also available to binge)

The acclaimed Danish thriller returns with a new eight-episode case that dives deep into obsession, trauma and retribution. Criminal profiler Louise Bergstein (Natalie Madueño) and detective Frederik Havgaard (Simon Sears) investigate the execution-style killing of Patrick, a young gang member recently released from prison. What first appears to be a revenge hit quickly becomes something darker and more complex.

As Bergstein and Havgaard dig into the case, guided by mentor Gunnar Nymark, they uncover a chilling pattern linking victims through old wounds and hidden crimes. When a prominent lawyer connected to the first murder is found dead, the hunt intensifies, pushing Louise into a dangerous confrontation with a methodical killer.

Season 4 of Darkness: Those Who Kill continues to raise the bar for Nordic noir, blending psychological depth with tense, beautifully restrained storytelling.

(Thriller/Crime Drama Series, 8 x 45 mins)

Danish with English subtitles

Viaplay's October line-up offers something for every mood, from slow-burn thrillers to sweeping human dramas. Thought-provoking, stylish and emotionally rich, these stories show exactly why Viaplay remains one of Europe's strongest voices in premium television.

Furi: The Cult Game Levels Up for a Fierce TV Adaptation

By Jon Donnis

Get ready for something explosive this autumn. The cult hit action game Furi is moving from console to screen, thanks to Midnight Embers, with a brand-new sci-fi miniseries arriving on digital this November.

The show dives straight into the game's wild, high-intensity world, keeping its sharp, stylised edge while adding a layer of realism. It brings together futuristic settings, slick martial arts, and heart-thumping action in a story that's as bold as it is emotional. Picture the grit of John Wick, the imagination of Samurai Jack, and the neon pulse of Cyberpunk, all colliding in one place.

Working closely with the game's creators, The Game Bakers, the adaptation keeps true to the source but digs deeper into its characters. Their struggles feel raw and human this time around. The soundtrack is back too, featuring cult favourites Carpenter Brut, Danger, and The Toxic Avenger. His track My Only Chance already has more than 14 million streams, and it hits just as hard here as it did in the game.

With millions of downloads behind it, Furi earned a loyal following and critical praise. Gamespot described it as a game that "lures you in with a cool lead character and a powerful soundtrack" and leaves an unforgettable mark. Thanks to new DLC in 2022 and 2023, its fan base has only grown, making this the perfect moment for a screen debut on 8 November 2025.

The series follows The Rider, a lone warrior freed from an otherworldly prison by a figure known only as The Voice. To win his freedom and uncover the truth, he must fight through strange, brutal realms, each guarded by powerful enemies. Every battle pushes him closer to understanding what really matters and what's at stake for his species.

Along the way, we meet more warriors, each fighting for their own reasons. Some seek redemption, others power, some love or pride. In this universe, everyone believes their cause is just, yet no one is entirely right or wrong. It's a place where every choice leaves a scar.

Showrunner, writer and lead actor Barty Shepherd (The Moment Trap: The Lennon Dream, Next Big Thing, Sinners Haven) brings both depth and physical precision to the project, joined by producer Lucy Miles, known for her work across Amazon, Netflix and Apple. Shepherd's martial arts background gives the series a sharp authenticity, refined through years of stage and screen experience, including performances at the Royal Opera House.

The cast is stacked with talent. Yanick Ghanty takes on The Voice (Hullraisers, The Dumping Ground), with James Unsworth, Julian London, Olivia Jannesson, Ermar Alexander, Fabio Miale, Tamaira Hesson and Charlie Griffiths rounding out the line-up. Each brings grit, skill and a touch of mystery to this strange world.

Furi promises a cinematic rush, full of style, story, and spirit. Step into the fight, feel the rhythm, and let the world of Furi pull you in.

Graham Norton Secures Three More Series with the BBC

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The Graham Norton Show is set to continue on BBC One and iPlayer after the BBC confirmed a three-year deal with Graham Norton and So Television. The deal will cover three more series, starting with series 34 in 2026.

The chat show remains one of the nation's favourites, attracting millions of viewers and A-list stars. The latest series averaged 2.9 million viewers per episode and continues to generate millions of video views across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

Since its launch on BBC Two in 2007, the show moved to BBC One after two series and has remained a staple of the BBC's Friday night line-up. Over the years it has won multiple awards, including BAFTA TV Awards, National Television Awards, British Comedy Awards and RTS Television Awards.

Graham Norton said: "Getting to host my own chat show is a huge pleasure as well as a privilege. I'm thrilled that the BBC are allowing me to continue for another three years. The whole team is looking forward to bringing the world's brightest stars into the homes of the great British public!"

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, added: "We are thrilled that The Graham Norton Show will remain a flagship part of the BBC's entertainment offering for another three series. Graham sets the gold standard for celebrity interviews and continues to attract the best global talent to his sofa, it's no wonder that the show remains so beloved by our audiences."

Graham Stuart, Managing Director of So Television, said: "We began the Norton Talk Show journey in 1998 and have never felt like stopping. So happy the BBC feel the same way."

The Scarecrows’ Wedding: A New Christmas Animated Adventure from BBC and Magic Light Pictures

Image: BBC Magic Light Pictures

By Jon Donnis

BBC and Magic Light Pictures have unveiled the first glimpse of their upcoming Christmas animated special, The Scarecrows' Wedding, promising a heartwarming adventure for the festive season. The story centres on two devoted scarecrows, Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay, who are eagerly preparing for their wedding day when a charming troublemaker, Reginald Rake, threatens to disrupt their plans.

Adapted from Julia Donaldson's picture book, with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, the half-hour special will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. This marks Magic Light's 13th animated adaptation of the duo's work, continuing their tradition of bringing Donaldson and Scheffler's stories to life. The voice cast is stellar: Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo narrates, Jessie Buckley voices Betty, Domhnall Gleeson takes on Harry, and Rob Brydon returns as Reginald Rake. Brydon describes his role as "enormous fun," calling Reginald vain, charming, and utterly unreliable. Gleeson highlights Harry's warmth and devotion, enjoying the challenge of bringing a loyal, determined hero to life. Buckley reflects on the tender moments of budding love between Betty and Harry, while Okonedo praises the timeless themes of love and loyalty that underpin the story.

Following the success of last year's Tiddler, which drew 7.3 million viewers in its first 28 days and has since reached 11.3 million, expectations are high for The Scarecrows' Wedding. Directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, written by Steven Bloomer, and produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose, the special combines animation services from Red Star with support from Triggerfish Animation. With its blend of charm, humour, and heart, it promises to be a festive treat for families, capturing the magic and warmth of Christmas storytelling.

Danny Robins’ Uncanny Returns with a Halloween Special and a New Series

By Jon Donnis

Danny Robins is bringing his smash-hit BBC Radio 4 and Sounds podcast Uncanny back this October, and for the first time, he's doing it live. The return is marked by a Halloween special recorded right in front of an audience at London's BBC Radio Theatre.

The hour-long episode is set to air on Halloween night itself, and it's the kick-off for a brand-new, ten-part series. It promises the usual chills and, naturally, plenty of lively debate for both the "Team Believer" and "Team Sceptic" camps.

In the run-up, fans can expect some daily treats: short ghost stories sent in by listeners across the UK will be dropped into the podcast feed as a kind of Halloween countdown. Then comes the main event: a really gripping investigation into a case from Bath. It focuses on Virginia and her family, who found out their new home wasn't the only one on their street dealing with peculiar goings-on. The London audience won't just hear the story, though; they'll get to question Danny, weigh in with their own theories, and hear from experts and a mystery celebrity guest.

Robins himself has called Halloween "paranormal Christmas," suggesting it'll be a deeply atmospheric night that sets the tone perfectly for this fifth series. Rhian Roberts, the BBC commissioning editor, echoed that excitement, saying Uncanny is the ideal way to mark the occasion while also really testing what we believe. Later episodes in the new run are lined up to cover all sorts, including ghostly encounters on the A229, the infamous Men In Black, and a Tudor house that's truly frightening its current residents.

It marks yet another milestone for Robins, who's really become the leading voice for paranormal storytelling in the UK. With the success of The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm behind him, and the theatre hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story still touring worldwide, he's clearly much more than just a podcaster now. Uncanny has already moved to TV and the live circuit, and this Halloween special looks set to be one of Radio 4's must-listen events of the year.

The Uncanny Halloween special is on BBC Radio 4 at 9pm on 31 October. The new episodes then follow every Tuesday at 11pm from 4 November.

First Look: The Death of Bunny Munro – Matt Smith Leads Sky’s Bold New Drama

By Jon Donnis

Sky has dropped the first teaser for The Death of Bunny Munro, a six-part limited series that brings Nick Cave's cult novel to the screen with Matt Smith stepping into the messy, magnetic lead role. It's the kind of project that instantly turns heads: BAFTA and Emmy nominations on the cast list, a creative team boasting the likes of Pete Jackson and Isabella Eklöf, and Cave himself not only executive producing but also reuniting with Warren Ellis to compose the score. That mix alone suggests this will be one of the most striking dramas of the year.

The story follows Bunny Munro, a Brighton-based beauty salesman who loses his wife to suicide and responds by hitting the road with his young son. What unfolds is part road trip, part cautionary tale, part fractured father-son drama. The teaser hints at the show's uneasy balance: Bunny throwing himself into womanising and self-destruction, while his son drifts further into conversation with his mother's ghost. Smith looks unflinching in the role, shifting between sleaze, grief, and flashes of vulnerability. It's a risky character to take on, but one that could easily define his career beyond the fantasy and sci-fi work he's best known for.

There's a distinctly raw energy in the way the series has been pitched. Brighton and the South Coast are front and centre, not as postcard backdrops but as faded, lived-in landscapes where Bunny's denial and Junior's awakening play out. It promises a story that is as jagged as it is tender, peeling back layers of masculinity and inheritance while never letting you forget the chaos at its core. With the combination of Cave's lyrical darkness, Ellis's music, and Smith's magnetism, The Death of Bunny Munro already feels set to be one of the year's boldest television events when it launches on Sky and NOW this November.

COMPETITION: Win The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 on DVD

Return to Brokenwood with Neill Rea and Fern Sutherland for the 11th instalment of The Brokenwood Mysteries, New Zealand’s deadliest drama where menacing murders, mysteries and intrigue lurk around every corner.

 

Acorn Media International is delighted to announce The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 is set for its DVD and digital release on 6 October

And to celebrate we have a copy on DVD to give away!

Synopsis:

Many moons ago, Detective Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea – Go Girls, The Warrior’s Way) arrived in the seemingly tranquil, rustic town of Brokenwood, in his classic car with a country music collection to die for – and never left.  Now, series 11 takes us back to the scenic splendour of small-town life where a web of deception, greed and dark secrets hides in the shadows. 

 

The new series joins Brokenwood’s best and brightest detectives once again as Mike Shepherd (Rea), Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland – The Almighty Johnsons, A Mistake) and Daniel Chalmers (Jarod Rawiri – Boy, Shortland Street) tackle their most perplexing cases yet. Along with eccentric pathologist Gina Kadinksy (Cristina Ionda – Out of Season, Filthy Rich), they use all manner of unconventional methods to solve the town’s most macabre mysteries with warmth, camaraderie and deadpan humour. 

 

The gripping new series cracks open a new casebook of crimes continuing to brand Brokenwood as New Zealand’s most murderous town. From an ’80s rock star with a dead groupie on his conscience, to an explosive school quiz night, with a fatal séance, a killer chandelier and a science teacher’s ziplining misadventure in the mix. Even Santa Claus makes an appearance as oddball Frodo’s (Karl Willetts – The Power of the Dog, Evil Dead) infamous family experiences a lethal case of stolen identity. 

 

Cosy up with The Brokenwood Mysteries this October for another round of curiously heinous crimes, small-town secrets and thrilling twists and turns, it would be a crime to miss it. 

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/3KqUtCA

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who plays Detective Mike Shepherd in The Brokenwood Mysteries?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 13-10-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

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