Netflix today announced the February 6 debut of the eight first-season episodes of Lilyhammer featuring The Sopranos‘ Steve Van Zandt as a mobster hiding out in Norway. All eight episodes will be available so viewers can watch as many as they want. Netflix acquired the first season and upcoming eight-episode second season at MIPCOM last fall. You can watch the trailer for the series in the window that follows today’s announcement.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 3, 2012 — “Lilyhammer,” a gripping fish-out-of-water story set in Norway and starring “The Sopranos” mainstay and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt, is a new Original Series premiering on Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) to watch instantly on February 6, 2012 in the USA, Canada and Latin America.
“Lilyhammer,” follows New York mobster Frank “The Fixer” Tagliano as he enters the federal witness protection program after ratting on his boss. A sports fan, Frank wants to make his new life in Lillehammer, the Norwegian town that hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics – or as he calls it “Lilyhammer.” Frank has visions of a paradise of “clean air, fresh white snow and gorgeous broads” far away from the temptations of the Big Apple and from mob hit men. Reality, of course, turns out to be spectacularly different.
All eight first season episodes of “Lilyhammer” will be available on February 6 so Netflix members can enjoy the series by streaming over the Internet to connected TVs, tablets, game consoles, computers and mobile phones.
“Lilyhammer” is a well-observed, funny and occasionally brutal story of culture clash, focused on Stevie’s inimitable portrayal of an East Coast mobster,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “We’re proud to introduce this terrific Original Series exclusively to our members. If you love the first episode, there is no need to wait until next week, or to set a DVR, to catch the next one.”
“I am very careful with my choices and this project was so exciting to me because of the wonderful writing, the rich characters and the fascinating culture of Norway,” said Steven Van Zandt, Executive Producer. “Netflix is the perfect home for such a unique show.”
“Lilyhammer” was developed by Rubicon TV AS (creator, Anne Bjornstad & Eilif Skodvin). The Writers on the Show include Anne Bjornstad, Eilif Skodvin and Steven Van Zandt. Producers include Trond Berg Nilsen and Agnete Thuland. Executive Producers include Lasse Hallberg & Steven Van Zandt. The series is a production by Rubicon TV AS.
Here’s the trailer — enjoy!


Is this Netflix’s 1st original TV series endeavor? I’ll check it out. If it is good and successful, I can see Netflix becoming a game changer for scripted “TV”.
For those that cancelled their subscriptions, I wonder how many will flock to the torrents to grab.
Will there even be torrents to grab if it’s all just streaming from Netflix? I don’t believe so… Although, yes, there will probably be some leaked something along the way, either in a critic screener or from another point in the pipeline.
what is the budget for this series?
35 million Norwegian kroners.
As to what Jon Landau said about Bruce Springsteen nearly 40 (!) years ago: “I’ve seen the future of rock and roll…” Well, you could say “I’ve seen the future of television…” if this series works.
And since Van Zandt was part of both scenarios, makes it all the more apropos.
I believe it was Dave Marsh who said that about Bruce.
If De Niro ever makes a film where he needs someone to play his brother, Little Steven should have the role sewn up with that photo!
THIS is what they are going to fill the gaping hole left by Starz departure at the end of the month?
/facepalm
Will Tonya Harding make a cameo?
The funny thing the writer of this article dont seem to wanna mention is that this is the world premiere of the show. The series will likely never get aired on norwegian TV for the time being, because it was made with use of product placement witch is not allowed when it comes to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. Because of this the show is in limbo here in Norway, and it was suppose to air 1. january on NRK1.
I’m one of those who left Netflix after 10 years of being a customer. This show absolutely does not make me want to come back. I truly doubt that the majority of those who left will also want to return.
Strike 2 for Netflix.
Netflix still have over 22+ million subscribers, so I really doubt the 800k that left is really going to make a difference.
How exactly is this strike two? That would indicate another reason to leave Netflix. So this show would cause you to leave Netflix if you hadn’t already? And what exactly happens at strike three? Do you cancel your subscription again?
There are just so many reasons your comment makes no sense.