Of Netflix’s original programming, Lilyhammer isn’t exactly generating the most buzz, but it does precede shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, and Netflix is evidently pleased enough with the reception of the comedy/crime-drama to renew the series for a third season, which will air later in 2014.
Lilyhammer stars The Sopranos’ Steven Van Zandt as Frank “The Fixer” Tagliano, a mob fixer who rats on his boss and has to enter the witness protection program. Recalling the seeming winter utopia that was the 1994 Olympics, Frank chooses Lillehamer, Norway as his destination, referring to it as “Lilyhammer.” The first season focused on Frank’s attempts to acclimate himself to the winter wonderland that’s not quite exactly as he pictured it. And Season 2 had him living under the alias of Johnny Henriksen, the successful nightclub owner and father of two. While trying to manage being a parent and running a criminal operation, Frank’s life gets even more complicated when his former mob associates discover he’s still alive.
Netflix debuted the first season of the series in February 2012 following its Norway debut in January of that year, however the 8-episode second season didn’t debut until December of last year, so fans of the comedy may have a while to wait for the new season. But Netflix did say they’re aiming to get it on the air in 2014. Netflix didn’t specify the number of episodes they picked up, but we can assume it’ll be another eight. In the meantime, if you haven’t seen the first two seasons, they’re available streaming.
Her’s the trailer for the recently released second season:
In other Netflix news, while the streaming video service didn’t exactly clean up at the Golden Globes last night, they did win one notable award at the event. House of Cards star Robin Wright took home the prize for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama. It would’ve been great if Kevin Spacey had won as well, as there’s nothing quite like the sight of the Underwoods on top. But it’s hard to argue with the Hollywood Foreign Press’s choice to go with Bryan Cranston for the final season of Breaking Bad. In the meantime, Netflix’s presence at the awards ceremony with a number of nominations for House of Cards — and one for Arrested Development — demonstrates Netflix’s rise to the top as a distributer of quality original programming. Lilyhammer’s a part of that, especially considering it’s the streaming video service’s first original series.
