Josephine Park will lead a new Danish crime drama for TV 2, titled Side Effects (Fristelsen), from production company Miso Film. The series centres on an investigation into lethal synthetic drugs and begins with the murder of a dockland security guard. Park plays Nora Søby, the chief investigator in Denmark’s top crime unit, drawn into a case with high stakes and national implications. The casting places Park, known for Baby Fever and The Oxe, at the forefront of a story rooted in policing, public safety and the illicit drug trade. The project adds to Denmark’s established reputation for character-driven crime stories that balance procedural detail with social context.
Josephine ParkPhilip Davali/Ritzau Scanpix
Park takes the lead as chief investigator Nora Søby
Josephine Park will portray Nora Søby, the head of a premier investigative team tasked with confronting a wave of lethal synthetic drugs. The series opens with the killing of a security guard in Copenhagen’s docklands, a crime that triggers a wider probe. Park’s role places her at the centre of a story that connects frontline policing with complex supply chains and the rapid spread of dangerous substances.
The casting continues Park’s recent run of leading parts in Danish television. She is known to international audiences for the series Baby Fever and has built a profile across drama projects in Denmark. By taking on a chief investigator, Park steps into a role that demands authority and clarity, matching the procedural rigour expected in Nordic crime dramas with an emphasis on character and motive.
Story focus: a homicide linked to lethal synthetic drugs
Side Effects frames its narrative around the proliferation of synthetic drugs and a violent crime at the water’s edge. The initial case involves a dockland security guard found murdered, an incident that draws Nora Søby into a complex investigation. The stakes are embedded in the word “lethal”: the drugs at the centre of the story are deadly, and the inquiry spans the interplay between street-level distribution, organised networks and the pressures on policing.
Crime stories that trace narcotics supply, harm, and enforcement have long formed a strand of Nordic television, and Side Effects places that thread in a contemporary setting. The focus on synthetic drugs aligns the series with present-day concerns about potency, distribution speed and public health risk. The premise suggests a procedural rooted in evidence gathering and inter-agency coordination, while staying grounded in Nora Søby’s leadership of Denmark’s top unit.
Production and partners: TV 2 and Miso Film
TV 2, Denmark’s national commercial broadcaster, has commissioned Side Effects with Miso Film serving as the production company. The series uses the English title Side Effects alongside its Danish title, Fristelsen. Miso Film, a well-established Scandinavian producer, brings experience in crime and drama production to a project geared for the domestic market on TV 2.
The collaboration fits a long-standing model in Danish television: broadcasters partner with local producers to deliver high-end scripted series with strong international appeal. While the primary audience is Danish, titles from the region often attract buyers and streamers due to the consistent demand for Nordic crime dramas. Side Effects arrives within that context, positioned to contribute to TV 2’s slate of crime programming.
Josephine Park’s growing profile in Danish drama
Josephine Park’s casting continues her expanding role in the Scandinavian screen industry. Known for Baby Fever and The Oxe, Park has moved across drama genres while steadily taking on more prominent roles. Her turn as Nora Søby marks a step into a performance that blends investigative authority with the moral complexity typical of high-end crime series.
Park’s presence signals a focus on character-led storytelling. Viewers of Danish drama often recognise a style that centres on a lead investigator navigating institutional pressures, personal stakes and public duty. Park’s casting aligns with that tradition, with Side Effects set to explore the human impact of crime alongside procedural detail.
Crime drama in Denmark: a track record and a steady audience
Denmark has developed a sustained international reputation for crime series that balance character, setting and investigation. TV 2, alongside other Danish broadcasters, has backed titles that combine local specificity with themes that travel. Producers often frame investigations against social issues, reflecting changes in technology, policing strategies and criminal activity.
The subject of synthetic drugs places Side Effects within a contemporary conversation seen across film and television. The emphasis on lethality and distribution methods reflects real-world discussions among law enforcement and public health agencies. While Side Effects is a scripted series, its premise connects with ongoing interest in how authorities respond to rapid shifts in illegal drug markets.
What this means
Josephine Park’s attachment provides Side Effects with a clear anchor, signalling a character-led approach to a high-stakes crime story for TV 2. The series aligns with Denmark’s strong output in the crime genre and demonstrates continued investment in locally produced, high-quality television. For viewers familiar with Nordic drama, the premise, the broadcaster and the producer signal a project built on established strengths: disciplined plotting, focused performances and attention to contemporary issues.
For the industry, the series underlines the durability of Scandinavian crime narratives in commissioning strategies. Partnering with a seasoned producer such as Miso Film suggests a stable production framework and a focus on craft that can support both domestic broadcast and potential international interest. While no further release details are provided at this stage, the confirmed lead and premise place Side Effects on the radar for followers of European television dramas.
When and where
The casting and series details were reported on 28 January 2026 by Deadline.
