Watch Lilyhammer

Lilyhammer is a Norwegian-American television series that aired from 2012 to 2014 on Netflix. The show follows former New York gangster Frank Tagliano, played by Steven Van Zandt, who enters into witness protection and selects Norway as his new home. The first season consists of eight episodes and was released on the streaming service in 2012. The show was created by Anne Bjornstad and Eilif Skodvin and produced by Norwegian production company Rubicon TV AS.

The series starts with Frank Tagliano, a former New York gangster, living under the name Giovanni Henriksen in New York City. After testifying against his mafia boss, Frank decides to enter the witness protection program in exchange for information against his former boss. Frank chooses Lillehammer, Norway, mainly because of his love for the 1994 Winter Olympics, which were held in the city. Through a mix-up on the part of the authorities, Frank's new identity becomes that of a gay bar owner named Johnny Henriksen.

Frank arrives in Norway and quickly finds himself dealing with cultural differences and language barriers. Despite these challenges, he adapts well to his new surroundings and instantly takes over Johnny's bar. However, not everything is rosy as Frank finds himself embroiled in the local Norwegian underworld. His criminal past catches up with him as he tries to recruit his new associates to join his criminal activities.

The show is not just about Frank's illegal activities in Norway; it also showcases his personal growth and transformation. He becomes a beloved member of the community and develops meaningful relationships with his new friends and co-workers. One of these relationships is with his quirky taxi driver and former drug addict Torgeir Lien (played by Trond Fausa Aurvaag), who becomes Frank's right-hand man. The show features many comedic moments, and the humorous scenes are a great balance to the show's darker tones.

Throughout the series, Frank faces multiple challenges to keep his illegal activities hidden from the police and his colleagues while keeping his friends and family safe. The show explores themes such as love, friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of crime. The show also highlights some of the issues of Norwegian society, such as immigration and politics.

One of the most significant highlights of the show is the fantastic performance of Steven Van Zandt. Best known for his work as a musician and guitarist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Van Zandt's portrayal of Frank Tagliano is impressive. He brings a unique blend of humor, grit, and world-weariness to the character, and his performance is undoubtedly one of the reasons why the show attracted a cult following.

The show's creators have done an excellent job of blending Norwegian and American cultures, drawing from both countries' cinematic and televisual history. The show's cinematography and production design are stunning, capturing the beauty of Norway's landscapes and ever-changing weather conditions. The show's soundtrack also deserves special mention, as it features a mix of Norwegian and American artists.

In conclusion, Lilyhammer is a must-watch series for fans of crime dramas and comedy. It's an imaginative and well-crafted show that deserves more recognition than it currently receives. It's an excellent example of how to create a show that can appeal to audiences from different cultures and countries. Whether it's the comedic moments or the suspenseful plot, there's something in Lilyhammer that everyone will enjoy.

Lilyhammer is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on February 6, 2012.