Summer Heats Up with New Sizzling Viaplay Original Series MAFIA and IN THE NAME OF LOVE As Streamer Announces July and August U.S. Premieres

Led by a pair of riveting summer tentpole Viaplay Original dramas either inspired by or based on real-life characters -- Mafia and In The Name of Love, the acclaimed Viaplay streaming service devoted to the best of Nordic and international television announces their full schedule of premieres exclusive to the U.S.

Featuring some of Sweden's top talent and creatives, the powerful Nordic noir/crime thriller Mafia follows the violent and epic rise of a visionary crime boss and the lone cop facing the looming Mafia menace; inspired by true events as Sweden goes from peaceful to perilous in the 1990s. On the more steamy side of Nordic life, comedy/drama In The Name of Love - based on award-winning director Bård Breien's unusual childhood, transports viewers to a family baptism that becomes ground zero for family secrets spanning 25 years: as the unexpected arrival of his father - a secret porn publisher and editor - unveils the family's illicit fortune. Additionally, Viaplay continues to produce some of the most captivating true crime documentaries and adds Johanna Möller - Sweden's Most Hated Woman, the truth behind one of Sweden's most notorious murderers.

Here are more details on Viaplay's summer highlights:

MAFIA - Premieres Thursday, June 19 (weekly premieres on Thursdays, through July 24)

In this powerful six-episode crime series drawing inspiration from actual events, Mafia charts the transformation of Sweden in the 1990s, evolving from a relatively tranquil nation untouched by organized crime into a land marked by intense gang conflicts and violent shootouts. The series follows the life of the notorious gangster and criminal visionary Radovan "Jakov" Jakovic (Peshang Rad, Before We Die, Jana, Gåsmamman, Bäckström), chronicling his journey from poverty to wealth. Against Jakov is police officer Gunn Thörngren (Katia Winter, The Boys, Granite Harbour, Sleepy Hollow, Dexter), the lone cop who sees the looming Mafia menace, hidden in the shadow of cigarette smuggling.

As the story begins, both Gunn and Jakov are underdogs, forced to play a daring game to circumvent their superiors. It's not long before they develop a connection with each other. Each is convinced they are using the other for their own benefit, but their connection will have devastating consequences for both of them. The plot spans nine years during the 1990s, coinciding with the period when the Yugoslav Wars were happening - when borders were redrawn, even in the underworld of Europe and Sweden.

(Viaplay Original series, 6 x 45', Swedish, w/English subtitles)

JOHANNA MÖLLER: Sweden's Most Hated Woman - Premieres Thursday, July 10

Sweden's most infamous case reopens as Johanna Möller speaks out for the first time about her conviction in the murder of her father and attempted murder of her mother. With the help of experts, this series digs deep into the case and investigates the truth behind one of Sweden's most notorious killers, and puts a spotlight on the judicial system in deciding who is guilty and who's not.

(Viaplay Original series, 3 x 42', Swedish, w/English subtitles)

IN THE NAME OF LOVE - Premieres Thursday, August 21 (two episodes a week, through Sept. 11)

This is a story about a family who has made their fortune from porn while living in the conservative Norway of the 1970s. In present-day Norway, one of their sons, Balder and his wife welcome their entire family to their daughter's baptism... well, almost the entire family. Balder's father shows up uninvited and the family's slightly questionable past is brought to light. Balder's mother did everything she could to keep the source of income hidden while his father saw eroticism as political rebellion against the morality police. Will Balder's wife still love him when she finds out about the unsavory family secret? Based on the real and untold story of Bård Breien, the director's own life, this is a story of opposites attracting and colliding, of freedom and decency, and of family conflict and resolution.

The comedy-drama series was created by director Bård Breien (the award-winning The Art of Negative Thinking). The stellar cast is headlined by Maria Bonnevie (Another Round), Trond Espen Seim (Mammon), Jakob Oftebro (Agent Hamilton), Jonas Oftebro (Ragnarok), and Ingrid Gaever (Headhunters).

(Viaplay Original series, 8 x 30', Norwegian, w/English subtitles)

About Viaplay:

The Viaplay streaming service features thousands of hours of premium Nordic and European series and films from Scandinavia's largest and most recognized television/streaming platform. Viaplay's US content offering focuses on the Nordic region's high-quality and psychologically penetrating titles: from atmospheric and suspenseful crime dramas and provocative and stylish young adult series to award-winning dramas and riveting documentaries. On par with the best on television, Viaplay series feature first-rate production values, incredible scenery, award-worthy acting, and edge-of-your-seat storylines. Viaplay is available as an add-on subscription on Prime Video Channels, The Roku Channel, Comcast Xfinity, and more for only $5.99 a month. All titles are available in their original language with English subtitles. Link: http://amazon.com/video/viaplayus