Harry Hole, Detective Hole—call him what you want, he’s hard to miss. Right after its release, this new series raced up Netflix’s charts, landing in the top three just behind the ever-popular One Piece and, surprisingly, Retirement Home: The Series. Everyone has their own taste, but rest easy—Harry Hole is definitely not Kev Adams (we couldn’t resist the joke).
From Norwegian Bestseller to Netflix Crime Hit
The character of Harry Hole comes straight from the acclaimed crime novels by Jo Nesbø, one of Scandinavia’s leading thriller writers. You might remember Hole from his big-screen appearance in 2017’s The Snowman, where he was played by Michael Fassbender. Netflix, a platform well-versed in the genre thanks to partnerships like those with Harlan Coben, feels like a natural home for this troubled Norwegian cop. For purists, there’s no need to fear: the show is written by Jo Nesbø himself.
Broken Cops, Grisly Crimes
Harry Hole (Tobias Santelmann) is known as one of Oslo’s best detectives—but he’s also become the city’s most infamous alcoholic after personal tragedy. His superiors can no longer protect him, and he’s set to be dismissed at the end of the month. Yet before that happens, he is drawn into one last case: a serial killer who murders, severs his victims’ fingers, and leaves a pentagram-shaped gemstone at each scene.
He’s forced to collaborate with Tom Waaler (Joel Kinnaman), a colleague loved by the department and seemingly perfect in every way. The catch: not only do the two men deeply dislike each other, there’s even a possibility that one of them is a killer. The series adapts ‘The Devil’s Star,' the fifth novel in Nesbø’s saga.
A Must-Binge Nordic Thriller
The episodes are easy to devour, thanks to a breakneck start. Nesbø wisely jumps into the fifth entry in the Harry Hole novels, dropping us straight into the world of a protagonist already deeply scarred. Our Norwegian antihero has plenty of baggage, and Nesbø intentionally leaves certain aspects unresolved—fans will spot these as Easter eggs, while newcomers are left to puzzle things out for themselves. The ensemble feels lived-in, with characters who seem to have histories beyond the current case. Harry Hole himself is particularly compelling, a gloomy figure reminiscent of classic noir antiheroes who somehow manage to stay (mostly) on the right side of the law.
Partners in Conflict
What really stands out is the tension between Hole and his “partner” Waaler. Joel Kinnaman offers a strong counterpoint as the outwardly ideal but morally compromised cop. The show smartly gives each man the space to shine, to the point you could imagine seeing events through either perspective.
The moody, oppressive atmosphere sets Harry Hole apart. The direction doesn't hold back on graphic moments, whether detailing the killer’s acts or highlighting Waaler’s darker side. Some scenes are violent or downright disturbing—for instance, when Waaler tries to sway Hole’s judgment through unsettling hallucinations. At times, the series leans into stylistic excess, clearly eager to leave its mark.
Yes, there are narrative shortcuts, and some mysteries lose their impact once uncovered. Still, the heavy mood and strong performances keep viewers gripped. Beneath the surface of a murder investigation, the show explores deeper themes of morality and justice. There’s a sense of tragedy, a feeling that no one can truly come out on top in a world that stays relentlessly harsh. Harry Hole may not reinvent the genre, but it draws you in and makes it nearly impossible to stop watching—you have to see how it all ends.
As of now, reports suggest that Jo Nesbø and Netflix are considering additional seasons. With a debut this strong, it’s hard to imagine what could stand in their way. As for us, we’re fully invested—and ready for whatever comes next.
