A thrilling Viaplay original TV show called MAFFIA (2025) takes viewers deep into the dark parts of Sweden’s past. The show is based on true events that changed Sweden forever. It was directed by Tomas Jonsgården and Mani Maserrat-Agah and written by Axel Stjärne, Dennis Magnusson—and Stefan Thunberg. It portrays how organized crime took root in the country during the 1990s.
WHAT IS MAFFIA ABOUT?
MAFFIA follows the riveting story of Radovan “Jakov” Jakovic, portrayed by Peshang Rad. A Yugoslav immigrant in Sweden during the 1990s, Jakov starts his rise to power through tobacco smuggling. As he climbs the ranks of organized crime, he transforms from a struggling outsider into one of the most feared gangsters in Sweden. Opposing him is police officer Gunn Thörngren (played by Katia Winter), a fierce and committed law enforcer who detects the early signs of mafia infiltration.
While the country remains focused on violent bank robberies, Gunn identifies the long-term danger posed by smuggling and organized crime networks. However, her insights are ignored by her superiors, leaving her isolated in her fight. The show also stars Jens Hultén as Ingvar, Christian Hillborg as Pontus, Helena Af Sandeberg as Helena, and Linus Wahlgren as Lasse.
WHERE WAS MAFFIA FILMED?
The movie MAFFIA was filmed in 2023, and most of it was shot in Stockholm, Sweden. The rough feel of the 1990s was brought to life in a number of real-life locations around the city.
Oskar Wernhede, who was in charge of the locations, carefully chose streets, buildings and neighborhoods that showed how tense and different life was between law enforcement and crime at the time. One important place where the movie was filmed was Blasieholmen, a peninsula in the middle of Stockholm’s Norrmalm district.
NYBROKAJEN, BLASIEHOLMEN
Nybrokajen, which is on Blasieholmen in the middle of Norrmalm, Stockholm, is one of the most beautiful places to film in MAFFIA. Along the water, this beautiful quay is known for its neoclassical buildings, boats—and cultural landmarks.
Nybrokajen provided a strong visual contrast for the series by combining peaceful views of the water with rising crime rates. This is where scenes with police watching, secret meetings—and smuggling at night were filmed. The contrast between class and criminal activity is like the story’s main idea of a peaceful country falling into criminal chaos.
Blasieholmen’s old buildings and docks helped make the recreation of Stockholm in the 1990s feel real. Because it was close to both the —Royal Dramatic Theatre and the center of Stockholm, the production team could find both beautiful and realistic settings in one place.
OTHER FILMING LOCATIONS
Apart from Nybrokajen, MAFFIA filmed across other parts of Stockholm, including urban neighborhoods, police stations, and hidden backstreets. Suburban areas around the capital were also used to show the expanding reach of Jakov’s criminal empire.
Interiors such as interrogation rooms, mafia offices, and hideouts were shot in local studios and real repurposed buildings. The visuals, overseen by VFX supervisor Klas Jonsson and visual effects artist Peter Törnestam, added additional depth, enhancing shootout scenes, night-time raids, and the gritty aesthetic of 90s Sweden.
MAFFIA (2025) TRAILER
Visit netfilming.com often to get new information, and behind-the-scenes.
Read More: Ironheart (2025) Filming Locations: Where Was The Marvel Series Shot?
