Netflix's 'Detective Hole' Thriller Earns 90% Rotten Tomatoes Score
A new Netflix crime thriller has premiered to critical acclaim, securing an impressive 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes as viewers celebrate it as 'Nordic noir done right' and 'a gorgeous viewing experience'. The series, titled 'Detective Hole', is based on Jo Nesbø's novel The Devil's Star and launched on the streaming platform on March 26.
Series Overview and Cast
This nine-part Norwegian mystery crime drama features a talented ensemble cast including Tobias Santelmann, Joel Kinnaman, Pia Tjelta, Peter Stormare, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ellen Helinder, and Simon J. Berger. The plot follows a gifted detective in Oslo who must unravel a series of ritualistic murders while confronting personal demons and systemic corruption.
Immediate Popularity and Viewer Reactions
Within days of its release, 'Detective Hole' has become a significant online hit. According to Metro, it ranked as the sixth most-watched TV series on Netflix. Fans have flocked to Rotten Tomatoes to praise the show, and many have taken to social media to share enthusiastic reviews.
On X (formerly Twitter), viewers posted comments such as: 'Snacks, scotch with some blunt and a marathon watch of Netflix's Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole series was extremely satisfying for a Saturday watch!' and 'Great first episode of Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole on Netflix.' Others noted: 'Started to watch Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole on Netflix....first episode so far so good, have read some of the books and they are excellent...' and 'Go and watch Jo Nesbo's Detective hole 2026 Highly rated series.'
Critical Reception and Ratings
The series has also garnered a 7.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb, with fans describing it as 'absolute perfection' and 'astonishing'. One review stated: 'Title: The Harry Hole we've been waiting for! Absolute perfection. 10/10.' Another praised: 'Controlled and managed by Jo Nesbo himself, it is as gritty, suspenseful, and at times as horrifying as the books themselves. Actor chosen for Harry Hole fits him to a T.'
Viewers highlighted the show's intense atmosphere: 'Oslo full of gangs and crimes, and this time a serial killer. Creepy parts gradually creep in. Hole breaks out of his alcoholic grip only when pursuing the track to the murderer compels him. Great action and cinematography. If you're up for violence, danger, and even moral choices, this is for you.' Long-time fans of the novels expressed satisfaction: 'As a long-time fan of the novels, I was skeptical, but this series exceeded all expectations.' and 'I really loved this adaptation of Jo Nesbø's books into TV series. Excellent thriller.'
Contrasting Critical Opinion
Despite the widespread acclaim, not all reviews have been positive. The Daily Mail's TV critic Christopher Stevens awarded the show only two stars, suggesting it adds little to the original books. He wrote: 'What would it be like, to be inside the mind of a bestselling author — to see their characters and their settings with all the added detail of their creator's imagination?' Stevens acknowledged the adaptation's faithfulness but concluded: 'The pictures on the screen add little to the pictures Nesbo has already conjured on the page... This is Harry Hole for people who don't have the time or the inclination to read the novels.'
Overall, 'Detective Hole' stands as a compelling addition to Netflix's crime drama lineup, blending Nordic noir elements with a gripping narrative that has resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.
