Viaplay to Launch Norwegian Original R.I.P. Henry

Viaplay’s latest original from Norway, R.I.P. Henry centers on an arrogant small-town surgeon who is forced to confront life’s deepest questions.

Produced by Viaplay and ITV Studios Norway, R.I.P. Henry stars Mads Ousdal (Wisting, Witch Hunt) in the title role and is directed by Arild Fröhlich (Fatso, Helt Perfekt). The eight-part drama will premiere exclusively on Viaplay in 2023.

In R.I.P. Henry, when Henry Johnsen is diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor and given one more year to live, he starts a secret battle to find a cure. But as he struggles to maintain his usual air of superiority over his patients and colleagues, it seems it might finally be time to be open about his feelings.

Frank Kjosås, Lena Kristin Ellingsen and Julie Agnete Vang join Ousdal in the series, which is created by Linn-Jeanette Kyed (Rådebank) and John Kåre Raake (The Fortress). R.I.P Henry is distributed worldwide by Global Screen.

Ousdal said: “Making a jerk sympathetic by giving him a conscience and inner demons is an actor’s dream. At least for me. Working closely with the character and dealing with so many aspects of life, over such a long period of time, can get intense. That’s the hardest part—and the best.”

Fröhlich said: “R.I.P. Henry is a touching and warm drama about death and about how our lives can be suddenly changed by coincidences and forces over which we have no control. I’m incredibly happy that we’ve made this project happen, together with Viaplay.”

Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group’s chief content officer, said: “Mads Ousdal’s performance as Henry Johnsen is one of the most memorable from the Nordic region in recent times. He brings depth, conflict and, above all, empathy to a character who initially appears to lack it completely. Viaplay’s Norwegian slate continues to expand quickly, and drama of this quality will find an appreciative audience everywhere.”