Netflix Review: The Breakthrough (Genetic Genealogy Drama)

I really enjoy shows about genealogy. Along with countless others, I watch the ongoing series where professional genealogists help celebrities, and the sometimes not so famous, find their ancestors. I've often wished there was a 24/7 genealogy channel, but alas, there isn't one available from my cable provider.

This weekend, all caught up on the plethora of shows I regularly watch, I went to Netflix to find a new show to binge. I landed on "The Breakthrough", a 2025 Netflix limited series based on a true story. Per Wikipedia "It is based on a non-fiction book by journalist Anna Bodin and genealogist Peter Sjölund about how the 2004 murders of Mohammed Ammouri and Anna-Lena Svensson were finally solved in 2020 through forensic genetic genealogy."

Originally in Swedish, it's dubbed in English with an occasional subtitle, but not very many. I'm not normally a fan of dubbing, but this was done very well. It's a 4 part limited series, so it's not a big time investment. It chronicles the 2nd biggest murder investigation in Sweden. While based on a true story, it's not presented in a documentary format. There are no interviews with those involved in the investigation. It's simply a well done drama.

I watched it in one afternoon and found it very enjoyable. It was a reminder how far genetic genealogy has come in a short time. Well worth a watch if you have an afternoon free.