As Netflix seeks to change American’s viewing habits, the online streaming video service announced February 6th as the debut date for the original series “Lilyhammer,” staring Steven Van Zandt as an American gangster relocated to Norway by the US witness protection program. No need for us to note an air time in ET, PT or whatever, since streaming takes place whenever the viewer wants to watch.
Lilyhammer – a deliberate misspelling of Lillehammer – is a fish-out-of-water story. Van Zandt, first known as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, plays a mob character much like the one he portrayed in “The Sopranos.”
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 the Norwegian town that hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics. 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.”
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.
RBR-TVBR observation: Broadcast networks long ago lost the exclusive market on scripted series television, with more and more shows being developed each year by advertising supported cable networks and premium cable channels. Now the streaming companies are jumping into the mix as well. As usual, the viewer is the key. May the best content win.
Lilyhammer trailer:
