Fox adapts Swedish crime novels

US broadcaster Fox has again tapped the Scandinavian market to bolster its drama slate with a 13-episode series order based on novels from criminologist Leif G.W. Persson.

Backstrom is being created by Hart Hanson (Bones) and will focus on a cranky Portland detective, played by Rainn Wilson (The American Office), who tries to change his behaviour while leading  a Serious Crimes Unit.

The series is based on Swedish novelist Persson’s multi-million selling book series of the same name and the order comes after a successful pilot, which director Mark Mylod (Entourage) helmed. Production on the season begins early this year.

Fox’s production imprint sister 20^th Century Fox Television is producing, with Hanson acting as creator, writer and executive producer. Persson and Niclas Salomonssen are executive producers and Wilson and Josh Levy are producers.

“I’ve been in business with Hart for a long time, and not only does he have a rare gift for infusing darker themes with relatable humour, he’s one of the best showrunners out there today,” said Fox’s chairman, entertainment Kevin Reilly. “Together with Rainn – who absolutely nails this role and makes it a classic Fox character – I think we’ve got something really special here.”