Netflix's Norwegian disaster series La Palma has sparked strong reactions, with viewers describing it as 'so binge-worthy' but also leaving them 'yelling at the TV'. The four-part limited series, released in 2024, quickly climbed to the top of the streaming platform's most-watched charts during the Christmas season.
The show follows a Norwegian family on holiday at a hotel on the island of La Palma, where a young scientist discovers alarming signs that the Cumbre Vieja volcano is about to erupt. The synopsis warns: 'If the volcano erupts, a mountain mass the size of Manhattan might erupt into the sea and cause the largest tsunami the world has ever seen.' Despite its realistic setting near the real-life active volcano, the story is entirely fictional.
Critics have praised the series, giving it a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from six reviews. One critic called it 'a match made in heaven', citing 'an angry volcano belching lava, the threat of a tsunami, a family caught in the ensuing mêlée, a traumatized diver, a researcher with survivor guilt, an official torn between family and duty, young love and superb visuals'. Viewers have echoed this, with one calling it 'a masterpiece' and another noting 'the visuals are absolutely stunning'.
However, not all feedback has been glowing. Some viewers found certain plot points frustrating, particularly the finale. One wrote: 'Lots of me yelling at TV - get out of there now, why doesn't that plane take off?, don't get off that plane.' Another admitted to being emotionally impacted, posting: 'I'm over here balling my eyes out... 10/10.'
La Palma is streaming now on Netflix.
