Lilyhammer

Synopsis

Lilyhammer follows Frank Tagliano, a former mobster who enters witness protection after testifying against his former associates. Seeking a fresh start, he chooses the small town of Lillehammer in Norway, a place he remembers from the 1994 Winter Olympics. However, life in a quiet Norwegian town is far from the hustle and bustle of New York City's mob scene. As Frank tries to adjust to his new environment, he must navigate cultural differences, local law enforcement, and the challenges of assimilating into a community that is not aware of his past. His attempts to establish himself as a legitimate businessman lead to humorous situations and unexpected conflicts, as he brings his unique brand of mobster mentality to Lillehammer. The show deftly balances crime drama and comedy, showcasing the clash of Frank's New York sensibilities with rural Scandinavian life, while exploring themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of one's past actions. With Steven Van Zandt delivering a standout performance, Lilyhammer became a cult favorite, praised for its originality and engaging storytelling.

Cast

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  Steven Van Zandt

  Frank Tagliano / Giovanni 'Johnny' Henriksen

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  Paul Kaye

  Duncan Hammer

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  Nils Jørgen Kaalstad

  Dag Solstad

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  Sven Nordin

  Julius Backe

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  Steinar Sagen

  Roar Lien

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  Trond Fausa Aurvåg

  Torgeir Lien

Reviews

Lilyhammer has garnered a mix of positive acclaim and some criticism since its premiere. With an IMDb rating of 7.9/10, it clearly resonates with fans, praising its humor and clever writing. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 93% approval rating among audiences, showcasing its popularity among viewers looking for a unique spin on the crime genre. The AV Club noted, 'Lilyhammer is a quirky mix of comedy and drama that's likable due to Van Zandt's performance, which adds layers of depth to an amusing fish-out-of-water scenario.' However, some critics pointed out flaws in pacing and character development. Metacritic reflects a score of 69, indicating 'generally favorable reviews,' but acknowledges that some find the characters less relatable compared to Van Zandt's iconic role in The Sopranos. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that its appeal lies largely in how it contrasts Frank's brash New York persona with the understated Norwegian way of life, mentioning, 'It’s a refreshingly offbeat series that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet keeps you invested in the narrative.' Overall, Lilyhammer has cemented its place as a fun, compelling series with charm and humor, despite occasional narrative shortcomings.