Netflix enthusiasts have recently discovered the platform’s inaugural original series, which many are calling ‘underrated’.
When considering Netflix’s pioneering self-produced TV series, titles like Orange is the New Black or House of Cards might come to mind. However, the first original series is actually a three-season crime drama that initiated Netflix’s iconic journey into original programming.
This show, with Steven Van Zandt from The Sopranos in the lead role, marked a collaboration between Netflix and Norwegian TV broadcaster NRK.
Premiering in February 2012, the series set the stage for massive successes like Stranger Things and Squid Game, both of which have achieved tremendous popularity.
The series centers around Frank Tagliano, a former New York mobster who enters the witness protection program after testifying against his mafia comrades.
But instead of opting for a typical American sanctuary, he chooses to be relocated to Europe.
His destination? A quaint town called Lillehammer in Norway, which he grew fond of after watching the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Assuming the identity of Giovanni ‘Johnny’ Henriksen, Frank attempts to create a new life. However, his old ways quickly resurface, and he starts exerting influence over the locals with mob-like methods, soon finding himself at odds with local criminals and authorities.
The series, named Lilyhammer, is gaining fresh attention, and you can check out its trailer below:
A recent Reddit thread featured users seeking Netflix recommendations.
While some users recommended the gripping new crime series Dept Q, others directed attention to Lilyhammer.
“One of the most underrated shows on there is Lilyhammer. Might have to turn the subtitles on since it’s one American in Norway,” someone mentioned.
Another user chimed in: “One of my favorite shows ever. So funny!”
Further acclaim for the show is evident on Rotten Tomatoes, where one user described it as a ‘dark unique comedy’.
“An amazing very underrated show!” agreed another, while a third remarked: “This is a phenomenal show… saw all three seasons. Great writing, creative inventive story lines and characters. So sorry when it ended.”
Reflecting on its 10-year milestone in 2022, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos commented: “Looking back, Lilyhammer was perhaps an unorthodox choice for our first show.”
“But it worked because it was a deeply local story that we could share with the world.”
“The jokes and references worked locally and the more universal themes of the shows traveled perfectly.”
He elaborated: “Since then, we’ve seen so many great local stories resonate with people in other countries and from other cultures: shows and films set anywhere and told in any language. Lilyhammer was the forebearer of so many great shows to come – Dark Desire and Who Killed Sara? from Mexico, La Casa de Papel from Spain, The Rain and The Chestnut Man from Denmark, Dark and Barbarians from Germany, Lupin from France, Sacred Games from India, and of course, most recently, Squid Game from Korea, our biggest show ever. But the first always will be Lilyhammer.”
All three seasons of Lilyhammer are currently available to stream on Netflix.