HBO Limited Drama Series “Beartown” Debuts February 22 [VIDEO]

Based on executive producer and #1 New York Times bestseller Fredrik Backman’s novel of the same name, BEARTOWN, a five-episode Swedish-language limited drama series from HBO Europe, debuts Monday, February 22 (9:00-11:00PM ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

BEARTOWN centers on a floundering community in Sweden that places its dreams of revitalization on the teenage shoulders of its junior ice hockey team. Boosted by their new professional-athlete-turned-coach Peter (Ulf Stenberg) and rising star Kevin (Oliver Dufåker), the boys finally have a shot at securing a national title – until a violent act threatens to destroy Beartown entirely. Chilling and honest, the series explores family trauma, teenage romance, truths and lies, actions and consequences, and ultimately, the courage it takes to go against the group and stand up for justice.

BEARTOWN stars Ulf Stenberg, Aliette Opheim, Tobias Zilliacus, Miriam Ingrid and Oliver Dufåker. Additional cast includes Otto Fahlgren, Alfons Nordberg, Erik Lundqvist, Rasmus Karlsson, Najdat Rustom, Jacob Nordenson, Charlotta Jonsson, Sanna Niemi, Lukas Wetterberg, Frida Sandberg, Mikael Odhag, Anna Azcárate, Tomas Bergström, Einar Bredefeldt and Gustav Lindh.

Based on the novel by Fredrik Backman (“A Man Called Ove,” “Anxious People“), BEARTOWN is directed by Peter Grönlund (“Goliath,” “Drifters“), and adapted by Emmy(R) winning writer Anders Weidemann (“30 Degrees in February,” “Interrogation”), Antonia Pyk and Linn Gottfridsson. Filmlance’s Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn are producers. Fredrik Backman is an executive producer and represented by Salomonsson Agency, Tor Jonasson. Executive Producers for HBO Europe are Hanne Palmquist, Steve Matthews, and Antony Root. BEARTOWN is produced by Filmlance, a Banijay Company, for HBO Europe.

BEARTOWN will be featured on HBO Max and can be found on its new International Genre page alongside a curated selection of programming from all around the world. BEARTOWN is the latest international program made available to HBO’s U.S. subscribers and joins Max Originals “Valley of Tears” and “Gomorrah” and “Arthur’s Law,” HBO Europe’s “30 Coins” and “Patria,” and classics from the HBO Max library including “City of God,” “Cinema Paradiso” and “Life is Beautiful.”

Episodes include:

Episode 1

Debut Date: Monday, February 22 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT)

On a mission to rejuvenate the struggling community’s ice hockey program, recently retired pro player Peter Andersson (Ulf Stenberg) relocates his family to Beartown for a fresh start. But when the elite squad he was promised proves to be anything but, Peter switches his focus to the junior team, aggravating local tensions and reigniting his troubled past with star player Kevin Erdahl’s (Oliver Dufåker) father, Mats (Tobias Zilliacus).

Written by Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson; Directed by Peter Grönlund

Episode 2

Debut Date: Monday, March 1 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT)

With the financial future of the arena at stake, Peter (Ulf Stenberg) does everything he can to coach his juniors to a semi-final win. Facing pressure from everyone in town to perform, Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) turns to the only person who expects nothing from him: Maya (Miriam Ingrid). Later, a celebratory evening goes awry after a horrific act of violence occurs.

Written by Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson; Directed by Peter Grönlund

Episode 3

Debut Date: Monday, March 8 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT)

With the finals rapidly approaching, Peter (Ulf Stenberg) pushes his team and coaching staff to their limits. Meanwhile, as Maya (Miriam Ingrid) attempts to work through the assault, Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) does everything he can to forget. Later, Peter must choose between his family and the big game.

Written by Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson; Directed by Peter Grönlund

Episode 4

Debut Date: Monday, March 15 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT)

While Maya (Miriam Ingrid) and Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) provide their statements to the police, the junior team is forced to take on the final without their coach and star player. Meanwhile, news of the allegation threatens to tear Beartown apart, and later, Amat (Najdat Rustom) grapples with a loaded offer.

Written by Linn Gottfridsson and Antonia Pyk; Directed by Peter Grönlund

Episode 5

Debut Date: Monday, March 22 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT)

The entire hockey community gathers for an emergency meeting to decide Peter’s (Ulf Stenberg) future with the program. Facing increased hostility from the town and harassment at school, Maya (Miriam Ingrid) reaches her breaking point. Later, after the police close their investigation, Maya and Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) square off in a chilling confrontation.

Written by Linn Gottfridsson and Antonia Pyk; Directed by Peter Grönlund