Harry Hole is a brilliant but tormented Oslo homicide detective haunted by his own demons. When a series of ritualistic murders strikes the city, he is thrust into a deadly hunt for a serial killer, while simultaneously working to expose his corrupt colleague and long-time adversary, fellow detective Tom Waaler. As the lines between justice and corruption blur, Harry must race to catch the killer and bring Waaler down before it’s too late.

Blending psychological depth with gripping crime storytelling, Detective Hole looks set to deliver a fresh yet faithful take on one of Nordic noir’s most iconic characters.

We sat down with Jo Nesbø and Tobias Santelmann to talk about bringing the iconic Harry Hole to the screen in Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole.

With millions of readers worldwide, Nesbø’s Harry Hole novels have long been considered some of the defining works of Nordic noir,  so adapting them for television comes with its own unique pressures. Nesbø opens up about the challenge of translating such a beloved literary character for a global audience, balancing the expectations of longtime fans while also creating an entry point for newcomers.

The result is a series that stays true to the spirit of Harry Hole, while offering a fresh and surprising take on the character.

Santelmann, who steps into the role of the troubled Oslo detective, discusses the responsibility of playing such an iconic figure. He shares how he approached making the character his own, while still honouring the source material that fans know so well. From capturing Hole’s inner turmoil to grounding him in a more accessible, “dramatic” interpretation, Santelmann gives insight into building a character that feels both familiar and new.

The pair also talk about the importance of casting and chemistry, revealing how the collaborative nature of the production helped shape the performances on screen. That sense of teamwork extended across the entire cast, creating what they describe as a fun and creatively open atmosphere on set.

The series also stars Joel Kinnaman, Pia Tjelta, Ellen Helinder, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Kåre Conradi, Simon J. Berger, Peter Stormare and Ane Dahl Torp among others, with the series written and created by Nesbø and directed by Øystein Karlsen and Anna Zackrisson.

In a separate conversation, Kinnaman delves into his own intense role in the series, describing his character as a “malignant narcissist” shaped by trauma, power and deep inner conflict. He reflects on the challenge of stepping into such a psychologically complex role, and how exploring darker human traits can make for some of the most compelling performances.

Meanwhile, Helinder reveals how reading Nesbø’s original work immediately drew her into the story, praising its suspense, intricate plotting and constant twists. She also discusses her character — a perceptive investigator with a unique ability to recognise faces — and how she brings an outsider perspective into the Oslo police force, forming an evolving dynamic with Harry as the case unfolds.

 

Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole will be available to stream globally on Netflix from 26th March 2026.