Norwegian Detective Drama “Detective Hole” Takes Netflix by Storm
A gripping new Norwegian crime drama, “Detective Hole,” based on the immensely popular book series by Jo Nesbø, has captured the attention of Netflix viewers worldwide. The nine-episode series, which recently premiered on the streaming giant, marks the first time Nesbø’s iconic character, Detective Harry Hole, has been brought to the small screen. The show draws its narrative from “The Devil’s Star,” the fifth instalment in the acclaimed Harry Hole novels.
Jo Nesbø boasts a formidable global fanbase, with his books having sold over 60 million copies. In his native Norway, a nation of approximately 5.6 million people, his sales have exceeded the country’s population – a testament to his storytelling prowess and the widespread appeal of his characters.
The official synopsis for “Detective Hole” paints a vivid picture of the series’ core conflict: “Created by one of the greatest storytellers in crime fiction, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, is a whodunnit serial killer mystery led by famed anti-hero Harry Hole. Underneath the surface, this series is a nuanced character drama about two police officers – and supposed colleagues – operating on opposite sides of the law. Throughout the season, Harry goes head-to-head with his long-time adversary and corrupt detective Tom Waaler.”
The series delves into the complex psyche of its protagonist, describing Harry as “a brilliant but tormented homicide detective who struggles with his demons. As the two navigate the blurred ethical lines of the criminal justice system, Harry must do all he can to catch a serial killer and bring Waaler to justice before it is too late.”
A Stellar Cast and Haunting Score
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Oslo, the series features a talented ensemble cast. Tobias Santelmann embodies the troubled Detective Harry Hole, while Joel Kinnaman takes on the role of his corrupt counterpart, Tom Waaler. The supporting cast includes Pia Tjelta, Ellen Helinder, Anders Baasmo, Maxime Baune Bochud, Kåre Conradi, and Simon J. Berger. Adding another layer of depth to the production, the original score was composed by the renowned musical duo Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Enthusiasm
Since its release, “Detective Hole” has quickly ascended the Netflix charts, currently ranking as the sixth most-watched TV series in the UK. Its critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, boasting a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviewers have lauded the series for its intensity and authenticity. Collider described it as “A roundhouse-kick of a thrill ride that lives up to the promises baked into the thriller subgenre’s name, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole delivers virtually everywhere it should – which is nothing less than what a modern legend deserves.”
FandomWire praised its aesthetic and tone, calling it “Stylish, gritty, and suspenseful, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is a knockout and Nordic noir done right.” Meanwhile, HeavenofHorror highlighted the overall viewing experience: “Everything from the casting to that delicious Nordic Noir vibe makes this Netflix production a gorgeous viewing experience.”
Audiences have echoed these sentiments, describing the show as “an intense, atmospheric ride,” “gripping and unforgettable,” and noting that it “exceeded their expectations.”
A New Chapter for Harry Hole
This latest adaptation follows the 2017 film “The Snowman,” which was based on the seventh Harry Hole novel and starred Michael Fassbender as the titular detective. Despite a significant budget, “The Snowman” underperformed at the box office and was met with largely negative reviews, with critics deeming it “clichéd and uninvolving.”
The creative team behind the new Netflix series expressed their excitement about bringing Harry Hole to television. Director and executive producer Øystein Karlsen shared with Netflix’s Tudum that this adaptation offers a fresh perspective: “It’s the first time the series starts viewing the story solidly from Harry’s perspective, it feels like, and it’s an incredible page-turner of a book. You will have to watch it twice to realise you could have figured it out along the way, but a beer on me at Schröder’s if anyone gets the whole plot before it ends – unless you’ve read the book, of course.”
Nesbø himself, who adapted his book for the series, emphasised his commitment to innovation: “For me, storytelling isn’t about serving people what they think they want, but what they didn’t know they wanted. We will try to create something fresh, exciting, and surprising with respect to the book version of Harry.”
Oslo: A Character in Itself
The production of “Detective Hole” was an extensive undertaking, with filming taking place across more than 160 locations in Oslo over 113 days. Notable landmarks from the book series were incorporated into the visual landscape of the show. Karlsen elaborated on the significance of the city: “Having been a fan of the books for years, I always felt that Oslo on its own is such an important character in the stories. It has the perfect mixture of rich and poor, dark and light, old and new, to balance the darkness and suspense in the universe that is Harry’s. Jo’s version of Oslo is sort of a Gotham version, and we enhance that in the series.”
“Detective Hole” is currently available to stream on Netflix, offering viewers a compelling and critically acclaimed dive into the dark world of Nordic noir.
