Viaplay Content Distribution announced the acquisition of international distribution rights for the highly anticipated drama series “Vanguard” (5x45’), produced by FLX for SVT in collaboration with New8 Alliance. The series is set to premiere in 2025 across the Nordics on SVT, NRK, DR, YLE, and RUV, with additional co-production partners ZDF, NPO, and VRT. Viaplay Content Distribution will represent the series in all remaining territories worldwide.
“Vanguard” offers a gripping portrayal of Swedish media mogul Jan Stenbeck, from his transformative 1970s New York years to his meteoric rise and enduring legacy in Sweden’s media landscape. The series chronicles high-stakes deals, groundbreaking innovations, and the family rivalries that shaped his extraordinary life, while delving into the deeply personal consequences of ambition and power.
The first episode of the series will be showcased to international buyers during Viaplay Content Distribution’s London Screenings event in February, highlighting its potential to captivate global audiences with its powerful storytelling and unique perspective on Nordic history.
Directed by Goran Kapetanović (“Caliphate,” “The Congregation”) and written by Alex Haridi (“Quicksand,” “Love & Anarchy”), Lotta Erikson (“The Hunt for a Killer”) and Helene Lindholm (“The Hunt for a Killer”), the series stars Jakob Oftebro (“Black Crab,” “Agent Hamilton”) in the lead role and is based on Per Andersson’s acclaimed biography “Stenbeck: A Biography of a Successful Businessman.”
“’Vanguard’ is an extraordinary drama capturing the essence of one of Sweden’s most enigmatic figures,” said Vanda Rapti, EVP Viaplay Select & Content Distribution. “Jan Stenbeck’s story of innovation, ambition, and personal struggle reflects how he revolutionized media and telecommunications both in Sweden and internationally. This series exemplifies the best of authentic and compelling Nordic storytelling, and we are honoured to represent it globally through our boutique distribution arm, SVOD channels in markets including the US, UK, and Canada, and our Viaplay Select branded content offering.”
“Working on ‘Vanguard’ together with SVT has been an incredible journey,” added Erik Hultkvist, Head of Programs Drama at FLX. “Through compelling storytelling and outstanding performances, the series explores the dualities of Jan Stenbeck’s life – a man of contradictions who shaped an era but wrestled with his own demons. We are thrilled to collaborate with Viaplay Content Distribution to bring this remarkable story to global audiences.”
“We are so pleased that together with FLX and now with the distribution of Viaplay Content Distribution we can tell this story about Stenbeck as one of Sweden’s foremost media pioneers and ideologically driven businessmen. The groundbreaking ideas that Stenbeck had and implemented set a completely new direction for media and telephony development in Sweden. The series about Stenbeck is both a story about an exciting life story and also a part of Swedish business history”, concluded Johanna Gårdare, Head of Drama at SVT.
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