MHz Choice Nordic Series Filmed in France
- A new French series, "Harlan Coben's Stay Safe," adapts elements from camilla Läckberg's "Erica" novels, incorporating a unique French perspective while maintaining the core suspenseful narrative.
- While based on Läckberg's work, "Stay Safe" isn't a direct translation; notable alterations were necessary for the french adaptation.
- -Christian Berg, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter on January 18, 2026.
Swedish crime writer and screenwriter Camilla Läckberg debuted in 2003 wiht the novel The Ice Princess, the first in the Fjällbacka series about a husband-and-wife crime-fighting duo, which soon developed a worldwide following. As then, the books of the Swedish “queen of Noir” have sold more than 35 million copies in more than 60 countries, according to her website. And Läckberg has expanded into film and TV. Case in point: Netflix’s The Glass Dome, which the author wrote and executive-produced as an original story.
From Tuesday, her North American fans can watch the six-episode series Camilla Läckberg’s Erica on Kino Lorber’s subscription streamer MHz Choice, which focuses on international series and films and exclusively acquired the French hit series from Studio TF1 (where it is simply called Erica) for the U.S. and Canada. The show is the first french-language adaptation of her best-selling Swedish mysteries and covers stories from three of Läckberg’s novels, namely The Ice Princess, The Preacher, and The Stonecutter.
Julie De Bona (The Count of Monte Cristo) stars as the titular Erica, while Grégory Fitoussi (Nine Perfect Strangers) plays police captain Patrick Saab, who soon falls for Erica. Successful crime writer Erica returns to her hometown to find her friend Alexandra dead. Everyone is convinced it was suicide, except for Erica, who launches an inquiry. Her past and present are soon entangled.
Camilla Läckberg’s Erica marks the third adaptation of the hit writer for MHz Choice after Swedish crime drama Camilla Läckberg’s Fjallbacka Murders and the older series Camilla Läckberg.
But why did the swedish hit stories end up getting adapted for a french series through a more Southern lens before making their way to North America and other parts of the world?
New French Series “Harlan Coben’s Stay Safe” Draws Inspiration from Läckberg’s “Erica”
A new French series, “Harlan Coben’s Stay Safe,” adapts elements from camilla Läckberg’s “Erica” novels, incorporating a unique French perspective while maintaining the core suspenseful narrative.
Adaptation and Changes
While based on Läckberg’s work, “Stay Safe” isn’t a direct translation; notable alterations were necessary for the french adaptation. According to Christian Berg,the series underwent changes including a new setting,altered character names,and the addition of a distinctly French aesthetic.
“But of course, changes have to be made – a different location, some names have changed, and there is also a French ‘flair,'”
-Christian Berg, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter on January 18, 2026.
Genre Blend and Influences
Writer Virginie Magnat describes the series as a blend of several popular genres and iconic characters. The show aims to combine the whimsical charm of Amélie, the suburban intrigue of Desperate Housewives, the mystery elements of Only Murders in the Building, and the investigative spirit of Gale Weathers from the Scream franchise.
Magnat articulated this comparison, stating: “It’s basically Amelie meets Desperate Housewives with a little bit of Only Murders in the Building,” with Gale Weathers as a key influence.