Rubicon’s Still Breathing and The Strain Tackle Healthcare and Justice Systems

Norwegian creative powerhouse, Rubicon TV, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces two powerful new character-driven drama series, Still Breathing and The Strain, both for NRK.

Still Breathing is an emotionally-charged 16-episode medical drama following four ambitious medical interns working at a struggling Norwegian hospital. Facing the harsh realities of an overstretched medical system, with rising patient numbers and dwindling resources, the young interns grapple with the complex ethical dilemmas of providing care in a system stretched to its limits. The characters learn that compassion alone may not be enough, and they are forced to grow in ways they never expected. The series explores the cracks in the system, while offering a glimmer of hope as the interns fight for a better healthcare future.

The Strain is a high-stakes, six-episode crime thriller, where a former lawyer-turned- gardener is thrust into the underworld to save her daughter after a reckless mistake puts them both in danger. When the police fail to help, the mother is pushed to break the law, discovering a darker side of herself in the process. Set in an isolated Norwegian community where people do things their own way, the series blends gritty realism with suspense and action, exploring how far a mother will go when society’s safety net crumbles.

Ivar Køhn, CEO of Rubicon, and Executive Producer, says: “These series underscore Rubicon’s commitment to crafting stories examining contemporary societal issues. Still Breathing sheds light on the critical issues of public healthcare, while The Strain confronts the impact of a fragmented justice system. Even with dark undertones, these dramas do offer viewers optimism, and while deeply rooted in Norwegian culture, they explore universal themes of hope, sacrifice and determination, making them perfect for NRK and bring wider international appeal.”

Oslo-based Rubicon TV is behind a range of original comedy and drama for the local and international market. The company is behind recent Netflix success, Billionaire’s Island, as well as other creative hits Beforeigners (HBO) and The Countrymen (NRK).

In line with Banijay Entertainment’s commitment to championing creative ambition, Still Breathing has been supported by the company’s Scripted Fund. Available to producers across the group’s footprint, the fund enhances the scope of projects, allowing creatives to fully realise their vision. Other recent scripted initiatives include Banijay Bootcamp, which paired in-house development executives from five different countries with emerging writers in a dynamic residency.