‘Gripping’ Nordic noir crime drama Oxen is the perfect weekend binge – stream it for free

Calling all fans of Nordic crime drama! Both seasons of the gripping Denmark-set series, Oxen, are now available to binge-watch on Channel 4, just in time for the weekend. 

The drama, which first aired in November 2024, follows a highly decorated but deeply traumatised war hero who gets kicked out of the forces after being accused of a crime. But as he attempts to reintegrate into civilian life, a mysterious series of deaths pulls him into a dangerous police investigation. 

This pacy, atmospheric crime drama comes via Channel 4’s offshoot streaming service, Walter Presents, which highlights top-rated foreign-language dramas hand-picked by Italian TV producer, Walter Iuzzolino (Professor T, Bookish, The Couple Next Door). Oxen is the latest addition to its ever-increasing slate of binge-worthy crime dramas. Keep reading to find out more…

What is Oxen about? 

Based on the popular crime novel series by Danish writer Jens Henrik Jensen, the Denmark-set story follows Niels Oxen, a decorated soldier, who lost his best friend during a military mission in Mali due to the failure of a superior officer, Major Hannibal Frederiksen.

But when he persuades Johnny Gregersen, the chairman of the Defence Committee, to investigate, Gregersen is found dead soon after. It’s not long before Oxen is wrongfully arrested for possession of narcotics and dishonourably discharged from his military duties.

© Andrej Vasilenko

Meanwhile, the detective investigating Gregersen’s death, Margrethe Franck, experiences a severe and life-changing accident. 

The synopsis continues: “Devastated by the false evidence against him and seeking peace and seclusion from society, Oxen ventures into Rold Forest with his dog. However, the tranquillity is disrupted by the discovery of three hanged dogs and subsequent murders of their owners, including Hannibal, a local judge, and Hans Otto Corfitzen. Oxen becomes the prime suspect.”

To his surprise, Oxen is offered an undercover job as part of a secret investigation and forms a formidable partnership with Margrethe as they search for answers. 

Who stars in Oxen? 

Jacob Lohmann (Enforcement) leads the cast as Niels Oxen, alongside Josephine Park (Attachment) as detective Margrethe Franck. 

© Andrej Vasilenko

Other cast members include Ellen Hillingsø, Mikael Birkkjær and Henrik Birch.

What have viewers said about Oxen?

Viewers have hailed the series as “gripping”.

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “Watching Danish drama #Oxen. Oh this is good. Highly recommend it,” while another described the show as a “gripping and knotty character-driven thriller”.

© Mike Kollöffel

Meanwhile, a third viewer praised the show’s “good sense of mystery, decent twists” and “plenty of tension,” noting that the plot is “far-fetched at times”. 

Other Nordic crime dramas to stream on Channel 4

• Arctic Circle – Chief of Police Nina Kautsalo delves into dangerous cases that straddle the border between Russia and Finland, while trying to sustain a family life with her two children. 

© Marko Oikarinen

• The Darkness – A gritty crime drama about a veteran detective who becomes consumed by a chilling cold case, one year after her daughter’s death. 

• The Pushover – A North Zealand police inspector and a Copenhagen journalist follow separate leads on a chilling murder case.