Created by Henrik Jansson-Schweizer, Whiskey on the Rocks is a bold Swedish series that explores a very real historical fact: the incident involving the Soviet submarine U-137, which ran aground on the Swedish coast in October 1981. This moment of international tension is revisited through an unexpected mix of comedy, drama and thriller, offering a serious yet light-hearted reading of an event that could have descended into chaos.
The series boasts an excellent cast, with Rolf Lassgård as Thorbjörn Fälldin, then Prime Minister of Sweden, supported by Filip Berg and Per Lasson as a Swedish officer and a journalist respectively. Finally, British actor Mark Noble plays an intriguing role as Ronald Reagan, adding an international dimension to this reality-based series.
Whiskey on the Rocks will be broadcast on Disney+ from January 22, 2025.
Synopsis: October 1981: a Soviet submarine runs aground in Sweden, triggering an unprecedented geopolitical crisis...
With its hybrid approach, between comedy-drama and thriller, Whiskey on the Rocks is aimed above all at those who appreciate stories based on historical facts, but who don't mind a touch of humor in their viewing. Fans of series such as The Crown (for the historical aspect) or MASH* (for the mix of comedy and drama in a political context) might also find something to their liking.
The choice of revisiting such a serious crisis through the prism of a lighter tone may not, however, appeal to those seeking a purely dramatic reconstruction of events. The series could also appeal to an international audience curious to discover a Nordic perspective on the Cold War, an angle rarely explored in mainstream film production.
The plot is largely inspired by real-life events, known as "Whiskey on the Rocks", in reference to the model of the Soviet submarine (U-137 class, nicknamed "Whiskey") that got stuck in Swedish waters at the height of the Cold War. The incident lasted 11 days, putting Sweden in an awkward position vis-à-vis theUSSR and the rest of the Western world.
By adding fictional elements and nuanced human interactions, the series seeks to capture not only the political stakes of the time, but also the personal dilemmas of the protagonists, from Swedish soldiers to international leaders.
A blend of Nordic humor, human drama and gripping political intrigue, Whiskey on the Rocks promises an original, accessible retelling of a defining historical moment. This blend of genres makes it a unique proposition, ideal for fans of historical series looking for a less conventional approach to storytelling.
This article is based on information available online; we have not yet viewed the film or series mentioned.
Disney+: new films and series for January 2025
Start the year with new Disney+ releases in January 2025. Captivating films and original series enrich your winter. [Read more]
Don't know what to watch? To find your way around the endless catalogs of streaming platforms, rely on our guide! Netflix, Disney +, Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Max... Here's a quick roundup of films and series to watch right now. [Read more]
Feeling like curling up in front of the TV today? We've got the week's releases on your favorite streaming platforms, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+! [Read more]
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Disney+: new films and series for January 2025
New films and series on streaming platforms in March 2025
Streaming: what are we watching this Monday March 3, 2025 on Netflix, Amazon and Disney+ platforms?
