Series synopsis
Arctic Circle, also known as Ivalo is a drama crime television series that premiered on Elisa Viihde Viaplay on December 21, 2018. It was created by Olli Haikka, Petja Peltomaa, Joona Tena. It stars Iina Kuustonen, Maximilian Brückner, Pihla Viitala and Susanna Haavisto.
During a routine search of an old cabin in the remote and wintery back country, Finnish policewoman, Nina Kautsalo, discovers two dead prostitutes, with a third still fighting for her life. The ensuing investigation takes a surprise twist when an extremely rare and deadly virus is discovered in the surviving woman’s bloodwork. When the Finnish Bureau of Investigation takes over the case, German virologist, Thomas Lorenz is called in to assist in identifying and containing the virus. Set within ...
Premise
During a routine search of an old cabin in the remote and wintery back country, Finnish policewoman, Nina Kautsalo, discovers two dead prostitutes, with a third still fighting for her life. The ensuing investigation takes a surprise twist when an extremely rare and deadly virus is discovered in the surviving woman’s bloodwork. When the Finnish Bureau of Investigation takes over the case, German virologist, Thomas Lorenz is called in to assist in identifying and containing the virus. Set within the endless white expanse of the arctic circle, Nina and Thomas must rely on each other to have any hope of saving the ones they love. But what takes precedence? A deadly virus or an active serial killer?
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Iina Kuustonen as Nina Kautsalo
- Maximilian Brückner as Thomas Lorenz
- Pihla Viitala as Marita Kautsalo
- Susanna Haavisto as Elina Kautsalo
- Venla Ronkainen as Venla Kautsalo
- Elena Leeve as Alma Hamari
- Kristo Salminen as Reidar Hamari
- Inka Kallén as Sari Nikander
Supporting cast
- Kari Ketonen as Jaakko Stenius, KRP
- Maria Ylipää as Gunilla Lorenz
- Mikko Leppilampi as Esko Kangasniemi
- Anu Sinisalo as Nurse Ella
- Chike Ohanwe as Drako
- Alina Tomnikov as Lana
- Lena Meriläinen as Dr. Satu Kela
- Joi Johannsson as Jens Mathiesen
- Carl-Kristian Rundman as Jernberg
- Taneli Mäkelä as Rauno Ylikorpi
- Clemens Schick as Marcus Eiben
- Janne Kataja as Niilo Aikio, poliisi
Guest cast
- Regina Launivuo as Blonde Prostitute
- Terhi Lintukangas as International Teacher
- Juho Orpana as Rikostutkija
- Rami Peltonen as Poliisi
- Janina Mattsoff as Presenter in Amsterdam
- Ilona Chevakova as Brunette Prostitute
- Artur Kukov as Sasha
- Juha Ruokola as Pastori
- Uolevi Ojala as Russian mobster
- Anastasia Trizna as Evgenya
- Jari Virman as Raunola
- Kris Gummerus as Maxim
Episodes
This series spans 5 seasons with 33 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 10 | December 21, 2018 | January 4, 2019 |
| Season 2 | 6 | December 19, 2021 | January 16, 2022 |
| Season 3 | 6 | October 4, 2023 | November 8, 2023 |
| Season 4 | 5 | January 1, 2025 | January 29, 2025 |
| Season 5 | 6 | April 1, 2026 | May 6, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Cellar Finnish police Nina Kautsalo makes a horrific discovery in the basement of wilderness cabin. Soon the find brings German virologist, Thomas Lorenz, to work on the case. |
December 21, 2018 |
| 2 |
Tracks In The Snow National Bureau of Investigation joins the investigation and Nina is forced off the case. Tracks in the snow give her a new lead, however. |
December 21, 2018 |
| 3 |
Storm Rises Raunola, the man suspected for the murders is leaving the investigators confused. The virus investigation takes a bad turn, and Nina and Thomas find each other in surprising place. |
December 21, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newest Police | December 19, 2021 |
| 2 | Nothing in the Middle | December 19, 2021 |
| 3 | Catch | December 23, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Return Nina Kautsalo has returned to Ivalo as she is set to become the new Chief of Police. When a local pharmacist is found murdered, Nina is assigned to investigate the case as her last assignment with her old partner Aikio. Meanwhile, an American car manufacturer's test car is attempted to be hijacked. |
October 4, 2023 |
| 2 | Lost and Found | October 11, 2023 |
| 3 | Hide and Seek | October 18, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Distant Guest Nina continues as Ivalo's police chief. Her son Santeri is with her. Stenius comes to ensure security for an international conference. Nina investigates a major accident that turns out to be a mass murder. |
January 1, 2025 |
| 2 |
Mark of the Chosen They want to keep the mass murder investigation a secret. Aikio smells a burnt cart. A terrorist suspect arrives in Ivalo. The threat of terrorism, mass murder, and a brilliant comet in the sky seem to be connected. |
January 8, 2025 |
| 3 |
Scars of the Past Old events related to the religious sect are beginning to unravel. Nina interrogates Ossi about the past. Marita is warned about the prophecy. Aikio is shot. The police find out who is behind the mass murder. |
January 15, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | April 1, 2026 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | April 8, 2026 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | April 15, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Elisa Viihde Viaplay |
|---|---|
| First aired | December 21, 2018 |
| Last aired | May 6, 2026 |
| Runtime | 45 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Wednesday |