EXCLUSIVE: After a so-so Hollywood adaptation, the Norwegian superstar crime writer has taken the helm for a new nine-part drama and fans can’t wait

“Step into the shadowy streets of Oslo, where nothing is as it seems and every clue draws you deeper into the city’s dark heart.” That is how Netflix introduced the Wednesday reveal of a first look at its upcoming series Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole, whose Norwegian title is Jo Nesbøs Harry Hole.

The nine-episode serial killer mystery, which premieres globally on the streamer on March 26, brings the Norwegian anti-hero Hole to life.

Tobias Santelmann (Exit, The Arctic Convoy) stars as the iconic obsessive detective, joined by Joel Kinnaman (Altered Carbon, The Suicide Squad) as his nemesis Tom Waaler, and Pia Tjelta (Made in Oslo, No Comment, State of Happiness) as Rakel Fauke, alongside an ensemble cast.

Among the actors featured are Ellen Helinder, Anders Baasmo, Kåre Conradi, Simon J. Berger, Peter Stormare, Fridtjov Såheim, Eili Harboe, Atle Antonsen, Manish Sharma, Jesper Christensen, Kristoffer Joner, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Linn Skåber, Jonas Strand Gravli, Sonny Lindberg, Agnes Kittelsen, Nader Khademi, Agot Sendstad, Maja Christiansen, Frank Kjosås, Kelly Gale, Oddgeir Thune, Ravdeep Singh Bajwa, Henrik Mestad, Ingar Helge Gimle, Henriette Steenstrup, Helge Jordal, Eirik Hallert, Anders Danielsen Lie, Ane Dahl Torp and Dagny.

“Finally, we can reveal the premiere date and share this first look at Tobias Santelmann as Harry Hole,” said author, creator, screenwriter and executive producer Nesbø. “Seeing Tobias bring Harry to life has been really exciting and marks a new chapter for the character. I’m looking forward to sharing his take on Harry with the audience and to have them join us for a truly dark and twisted journey.”

Among the actors featured are Ellen Helinder, Anders Baasmo, Kåre Conradi, Simon J. Berger, Peter Stormare, Fridtjov Såheim, Eili Harboe, Atle Antonsen, Manish Sharma, Jesper Christensen, Kristoffer Joner, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Linn Skåber, Jonas Strand Gravli, Sonny Lindberg, Agnes Kittelsen, Nader Khademi, Agot Sendstad, Maja Christiansen, Frank Kjosås, Kelly Gale, Oddgeir Thune, Ravdeep Singh Bajwa, Henrik Mestad, Ingar Helge Gimle, Henriette Steenstrup, Helge Jordal, Eirik Hallert, Anders Danielsen Lie, Ane Dahl Torp and Dagny.

“Finally, we can reveal the premiere date and share this first look at Tobias Santelmann as Harry Hole,” said author, creator, screenwriter and executive producer Nesbø. “Seeing Tobias bring Harry to life has been really exciting and marks a new chapter for the character. I’m looking forward to sharing his take on Harry with the audience and to have them join us for a truly dark and twisted journey.”

Directed by Øystein Karlsen (Exit) and Anna Zackrisson (The Helicopter Heist), Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole is “a tale of obsession, betrayal, and blurred lines between justice and revenge,” Netflix said. “As Harry Hole faces off with his nemesis, Tom Waaler, audiences will be drawn into a game of cat and mouse where the stakes couldn’t be higher. But every crime case has its hidden clues.”

The streamer also called the series a “character drama about two police officers – and supposed colleagues – operating on opposite sides of the law.” The corrupt detective Waaler is Hole’s long-time adversary. Hole himself is a brilliant but tormented homicide detective who struggles with his demons.

Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole comes from producer Tor Arne Øvrebø and executive producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Amelia Granger, Katy Rozelle, Rene Ezra, Øystein Karlsen, Nesbø, and Niclas Salomonsson. The production company is Working Title, and the studio is Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.