Time travel shows often get tangled in their own paradoxes, but HBO Nordic's first original series, Beforeigners, sidesteps the usual pitfalls by focusing on something far more unsettling: the collision of past and present in a near-future Oslo. Premiering in 2019, this two-season thriller earned a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season, yet remains one of the most overlooked gems in HBO's catalog.
What Is Beforeigners About?
The premise is deceptively simple. One day, mysterious flashes of light erupt from the ocean, and people from three distinct eras—the Stone Age, the Viking period, and the late 19th century—begin appearing in modern-day Norway. Dubbed "beforeigners" or "timeigrants," these displaced souls struggle to adapt to a world of smartphones, traffic, and bureaucracy. Society, in turn, grapples with xenophobia, political upheaval, and cultural clashes that mirror real-world immigration debates.
Seven years after the first arrivals, we meet Lars Haaland (Nicolai Cleve Broch), a burnt-out police detective. He's partnered with Alfhildr (Krista Kosonen), a fierce Viking warrior who becomes the first beforeigner to join the force. Together, they investigate the murder of a young woman with Stone Age tattoos—a beforeigner herself. What starts as a routine case quickly spirals into a conspiracy that suggests the time jumps are no accident.
A Genre-Bending Thriller That Works
Somehow, Beforeigners juggles time-travel sci-fi, buddy-cop banter, murder mystery, and police procedural without collapsing under its own ambition. One critic noted, "This high-concept Norwegian series actually works." The show's secret weapon is its seamless blend of genres, keeping viewers on edge with each twist. It also delivers sharp social commentary on immigration and prejudice, using the beforeigners as a metaphor that never feels heavy-handed.
By Season 2, the scope expands to Victorian London, where Lars and Alfhildr continue their hunt for the truth. Political tensions between modern society and the growing beforeigner population escalate, but the heart of the show remains the chemistry between Broch and Kosonen. Their personal struggles and evolving partnership anchor the high-concept chaos. The supporting cast—including Stig R. Amdam, Ragnhild Gudbrandsen, and Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin—adds depth to this richly layered world.
For fans of mystery thrillers that nail it from opening frame to final credits, Beforeigners is a must-watch. It's also a treat for anyone who loves forgotten sci-fi gems that deserve a second look.
Why You Should Watch Beforeigners
Though the series concluded after two seasons, it leaves a lasting impression. The murder mystery at its core is gripping, but the real draw is the unlikely duo of Lars and Alfhildr. Their dynamic alone is worth the price of admission. If you're craving a show that's both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, Beforeigners delivers. It's a rare thriller that uses time travel not as a gimmick, but as a mirror to our own world.
Stream it now on HBO and discover why this Norwegian sci-fi thriller is one of television's most unsettling—and most rewarding—experiences.
