The numbers
Detective Hole is set to be a nine-episode adaptation of Jo Nesbo’s acclaimed novel The Devil’s Star, with its global streaming premiere on Netflix scheduled for March 26, 2026. The series features Tobias Santelmann in the lead role of Harry Hole, a hard-drinking detective with a troubled past, who navigates a world filled with violence and moral ambiguity.
The narrative kicks off with a bank robbery that culminates in a homicide, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of crime in Oslo. Joel Kinnaman joins the cast as Tom Waaler, while Pia Tjelta, Ellen Helinder, and Maxime Baune Bochud round out the ensemble. The series is noted for its atmospheric and well-acted portrayal of the city, which is depicted in a dark and gritty light.
Harry Hole’s character is complex, marked by his fraught relationship with his girlfriend Rakel and her son Oleg. As the story unfolds, viewers will witness how Hole grapples with his own demons while trying to solve the case at hand. Oystein Karlsen, the series’ director, remarked on the intricate balance of the characters, stating, “They’ve sort of fallen down on different sides of the knife’s edge they’re balancing on, but it could have been the other way around.”
The show is further distinguished by its musical score, crafted by renowned musicians Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, which is expected to enhance the series’ tense and atmospheric tone. The combination of a compelling storyline, strong performances, and a haunting score positions Detective Hole as a significant entry in the crime drama genre.
Historically, this adaptation follows the less favorable reception of the 2017 film The Snowman, which was the first attempt to bring Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole character to the screen. The previous adaptation was criticized for its execution, leaving fans hopeful that Detective Hole will deliver a more faithful and engaging representation of the beloved character.
As anticipation builds for the series, viewers are eager to see how the adaptation will handle the source material and whether it will resonate with both fans of the novel and newcomers alike. The themes of violence and moral complexity are expected to be central to the narrative, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature.
As the release date approaches, details remain unconfirmed regarding additional plot points and character arcs that may be explored throughout the series. However, the initial reception from early screenings has been positive, with critics praising the show’s atmosphere and character development.
