Netflix has fulfilled a promise that it’ll start to act like some of the big boys of US TV and begin to make its own content. Lilyhammer, the first such show, has now gone live in the US, but there’s a twist: there’s no waiting around for new episodes.
Lilyhammer, the story of ex-gangster Steven van Zandt ensconced on witness protection in Norway, has been co-funded by Netflix, making it exclusive to the streaming service. So far it’s only available in the US, but we’ve asked Netflix for a UK launch date.
The real news, though, is how Netflix has gone against the grain of traditional TV scheduling by launching all 8episodes of the first season at once. “Do you love the indulgence of watching episode after episode of your favorite shows on Netflix? Have you ever wished you could do the same with new shows when they premiere on TV?” asks company CCO Ted Sarandos.
Netflix UK: What you need to know
“Unlike any major TV premiere before it, we are debuting all eight episodes of the first season at the same time today,” he continues. “Conventional TV strategy would be to stretch out the show to keep you coming back every week. We are trying to give our members what they want; Choice and control.”
It’s a bold move by Netflix, who’s obviously hoping that viewers binging on Lilyhammer will spread the good word to their friends. Will it pay off or will it kill the buzz? Whether Lilyhammer gets a second series will be the proof in the pudding.
