In This Article
- A Swedish serial-killer story relocated to Pennsylvania
- Two novels, one series: how Nocturne draws on Lazarus
- Who is behind the screen version of The Sandman
- Where The Sandman sits in Kepler's Joona Linna series
Nocturne, the crime drama based on Lars Kepler's The Sandman, began streaming on Apple TV on 30 October 2026. The series stars Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham, according to Apple TV's trailer announcement.
The 10-episode drama launched with two episodes. Apple TV states that new instalments follow every Friday through 25 December 2026.
A Swedish serial-killer story relocated to Pennsylvania
The adaptation makes some significant changes to its source. Metromode reports that the story has been moved to Pennsylvania, with Kepler's detective Joona Linna renamed Jonah Lynn.
Lynn hunts the serial killer Jurek Walter, according to the same report. IBTimes says Stephen Graham plays the imprisoned Walter, with the series adapting Kepler's novels for an American setting.
Two novels, one series: how Nocturne draws on Lazarus
Nocturne is not a straight adaptation of a single book. Fanbolt notes that The Sandman is the fourth Joona Linna novel, and that the series pairs it with Lazarus.
9to5Mac describes the show as based on both bestselling crime novels. Folding two instalments into one run is a common route for adapters of long-running crime series, and here it comes with a change of country.
Who is behind the screen version of The Sandman
Variety's review lists John Hlavin, Rowan Joffe and Tim Van Patten among the executive producers. Archyde credits Joffé as the creator of the series.
The screen rights have a long history. Deadline reported in 2017 that Anonymous Content had optioned the books, with a film of The Sandman planned first, so the route to television has been a long one.
Where The Sandman sits in Kepler's Joona Linna series
Lars Kepler's The Sandman sends Joona Linna and Saga Bauer after a killer who can implant thoughts in his victims. It is the fourth book in the series that Nocturne now draws on, alongside Lazarus.
For LuvemBooks' verdict on the novel, read our review of The Sandman. Want the full verdict?
It is there, ahead of the remaining weekly episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nocturne premiere on Apple TV?
Nocturne premiered on 30 October 2026 with two episodes. New episodes arrive every Friday through 25 December 2026.
Is Nocturne based on Lars Kepler's The Sandman?
Yes, Nocturne is based on The Sandman, the fourth Joona Linna novel, and also draws on Lazarus. Both are by Lars Kepler.
Who stars in Nocturne?
Apple TV's announcement lists Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham in the cast. IBTimes reports that Graham plays the imprisoned serial killer Jurek Walter.
How is Nocturne different from Lars Kepler's The Sandman?
Metromode reports that the story is moved to Pennsylvania and Joona Linna becomes Jonah Lynn. The series also combines The Sandman with Lazarus.
Should I read Lars Kepler's The Sandman or watch Nocturne first?
That depends on whether you want the original story or the American-set reworking. Our review of The Sandman covers the novel itself.
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