Masterpiece Studio

Despite originating from what is widely considered to be the happiest -- and most beautiful -- region in the world, Nordic Noir has come to be known for its focus on heinous crimes and the deeply flawed people who investigate them. What's behind the darkness and violence seen in Wallander and other Nordic Noir crime drama? And what makes these shows so entertaining to watch? Professor Andrew Nestingen, expert in all things Nordic Noir, investigates.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of the Fourth Season of Wallander. MASTERPIECE Studio will follow the final season of "Wallander" the way Kurt Wallander follows crime...obsessively. From now until the finale, Kenneth Branagh -- who plays the brooding Swedish detective -- will join us on the podcast every week following the show. Here, in the aftermath of the Season 4 premiere, the North Irish actor reveals what it was like to play a Swede in South Africa, and remembers the experiences he had eight years ago that made playing Kurt Wallander possible.

Back in 2008, Australian native Emily Barker and her band the Red Clay Halo recorded their song, "Nostalgia," in relative anonymity. But when the crime drama Wallander premiered, accompanied by the song, "Nostalgia" became an instant hit. As told by Emily Barker herself, this is the story of "Nostalgia" from its chilly inception to its eventual fame.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of the Second Season of Grantchester. From punches to pranks, "Grantchester's" James Norton (Sidney) and Robson Green (Geordie) had a wild time together filming Season 2. Now in the wake of "Grantchester's" season finale, the dynamic duo returns to recap this season's most dramatic moments and reveal their most entertaining, behind-the-scenes stories.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Five of the Second Season of Grantchester. In the aftermath of Gary's hanging and Sidney and Geordie's big fight, the once and (hopefully) future dream team -- James Norton (Sidney) and Robson Green (Geordie) -- get together on the podcast to remember the past as it truly was.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Four of the Second Season of Grantchester. Amanda -- a wealthy debutante -- and Sidney -- an Anglican vicar -- have managed to keep their relationship alive despite social conventions of the ‘50s. But now, it seems like a baby -- if not their significant others -- may actually keep "Grantchester's" star-crossed lovers apart. In this episode, we turn to actor Morven Christie, who plays Amanda, to get the inside scoop on the future of Amanda and Sidney’s relationship, what it's like to be a woman in the entertainment industry, and why Amanda's story is one that needs to be told.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Two of the Second Season of Grantchester. Grantchester is a real town in the English countryside, but the crime-solving adventures of Sidney and Geordie exist only in the mind of author James Runcie whose book series, "The Grantchester Mysteries," serves as the inspiration for the Masterpiece program. In this episode, Runcie talks about meeting James Norton, tells us how Amanda Kendall came to be, and reveals secrets on the making of the show.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of the Second Season of Grantchester. Handsome vicar Sidney Chambers and gruff detective Geordie Keating are back on the beat, solving mysteries in the idyllic town of Grantchester all while battling demons of their own. We'll sit down with Sidney and Geordie -- James Norton and Robson Green -- for an in-depth look at what's in store for "Grantchester’s" second season.

Have you ever been haunted? Sherlock's Mark Gatiss has—and he shares a story in the supernatural vein of the upcoming Sherlock special, "The Abominable Bride," coming to Masterpiece on PBS New Year's Day, 2016. Masterpiece Studio is made possible by Audible. Sponsors for Masterpiece on PBS as Viking River Cruises, Audible and The Masterpiece Trust.

Sherlock co-creator, writer and actor Mark Gatiss—who plays the conniving Mycroft Holmes—previews the upcoming special, “The Abominable Bride,” (premiering 1/1/15 on PBS) and takes you behind the scenes of the hit show. From hatching the idea for the series on a train ride, to casting Benedict Cumberbatch, Gatiss reflects on bringing Sherlock to life in the 21st century. Masterpiece Studio is made possible by Audible. Sponsors for Masterpiece on PBS as Viking River Cruises, Audible and The Masterpiece Trust.