Netflix’s new Swedish crime drama, The New Force, transports viewers back to 1958 Stockholm to follow the story of the country’s first female police officers. The series, which premiered on October 3, 2025, recreates the post-war era not on soundstages, but by utilizing real Swedish locations that naturally embody a timeless historical character. The production took place during the warmer months of 2024, with the crew filming across Stockholm County and the city of Norrköping to capture authentic period-appropriate settings, from cobblestone streets to abandoned prisons.
Recreating 1950s Stockholm in the Old Town
To build the world of 1958, the production turned to one of Stockholm’s most historic areas: Gamla Stan (Old Town). This district, with its narrow lanes, warm-colored houses, and cobblestone streets, provided the perfect backdrop for the fictional Klara police district. The crew filmed in various spots throughout Stockholm County to achieve this look, with one key location being a small bistro called Under Kastanjen at Brända tomten in Gamla Stan. Shooting in real cafes and active streets allowed for natural, lived-in details that would be difficult to replicate on a set, helping the show feel genuinely immersive rather than artificially constructed.
The Industrial Grit of Norrköping
When the story required a heavier, more official atmosphere, the production moved to the city of Norrköping, located about 160 km southwest of Stockholm. This location offered a different feel from the capital, with its outdated factories and broad roads suiting the show’s grittier scenes. Several prison sequences were filmed in a real, deserted prison facility in Norrköping. This authentic location provided natural textures like antique rusty bars, peeling paint, and the distinct echo of footsteps on concrete, adding a layer of realism that would be costly and challenging to create from scratch. The city’s streets and landmarks also feature in panoramic shots, with the addition of vintage cars and billboards completing the 1950s transformation.
The Archipelago’s Role in Setting the Tone
Beyond the urban environments, The New Force also ventured to the Baltic coast to capture a different side of Swedish life. Scenes were shot in archipelago towns like Vaxholm, where the sea, old wooden houses, and ferry lines contribute to the show’s atmosphere. These seaside locations help underscore the narrative’s themes of isolation and the rhythm of small-town life. Using genuine archipelago towns provided a special ambiance that visually supports the characters’ journeys and the societal pressures they face.
As Netflix’s first Swedish period drama, the choice to film in practical locations across Sweden was both a practical and artistic decision. The use of real architecture and local extras grounds the series in a specific reality, making the historical setting a vital character in the story of these pioneering women.
Also Read: Will There Be The New Force Season 2? Everything We Know
