Netflix’s Secret Weapon to Overthrow Prime Video’s Dad Show Reign: The Harry Hole Adaptation

Amazon Prime Video currently rules in the realm of “dad shows” with programs like Reacher, but Netflix could potentially challenge this domination with an upcoming television series based on a book. Generally speaking, when it comes to TV genres, Netflix appears to be significantly ahead of its streaming rivals in terms of producing high-quality content and consistently delivering successful productions.

In terms of “dad shows,” Amazon Prime Video has established a distinct reputation with series like Reacher, Jack Ryan, Bosch, and Cross. The platform is poised to strengthen this dominance further with numerous upcoming titles. Yet, Netflix could potentially challenge Prime Video in this domain as well.

With “The Night Agent” garnering some significant attention, Netflix has stirred up a bit of excitement in the action crime genre, demonstrating its potential to hold its own against Prime Video’s stronghold. Although “The Night Agent” pales in comparison to “Reacher” in terms of popularity and critical praise, Netflix’s forthcoming entries in this genre could potentially shift that balance.

Netflix’s Upcoming Adaption Of The Harry Hole Books Can Potentially Rival Prime Video’s Reacher

Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole Books Have Always Held Immense Television Potential

Excitingly, it appears that a screen adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s fifth Harry Hole novel, “The Devil’s Star,” is in the works for Netflix! This series, tentatively titled “Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole,” is slated to debut in 2026. In this gripping drama, Tobias Santelmann, known from “The Last Kingdom” and “Kon-Tiki,” will bring the enigmatic detective Harry Hole to life on screen.

It remains to be seen if Netflix’s adaptation of the Harry Hole novel will be successful, but it appears they are making the right moves by choosing just one novel for the initial season, much like the approach taken with Reacher. Likewise, the Detective Hole series by Jo Nesbø avoids overwhelming viewers by not attempting to pack too much source material into a single episode.

If the first season of the show is successful, Netflix might establish a full-blown action crime series similar to Reacher, which could rival it. Additionally, Night Agent has shown promise as a valuable property for Netflix within the “dad show” genre. However, since only one Night Agent book is available, the streaming service had to develop original stories for the subsequent episodes of the show.

As a passionate cinephile, let me share some exciting news about an upcoming adaptation: I won’t have to worry about “Harry Hole” running out of material! Much like how Amazon Prime Video has a wealth of content for their “Reacher” series, Netflix’s take on “Harry Hole” will be swimming in source material as well. With a whopping thirteen books available, the potential for a long-term franchise is already set, even before the first episode airs!

If The Harry Hole Adaptation Does Well, Netflix Will Have Two Successful Dad Shows Under Its Belt

The Night Agent & Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole Could Give Netflix A Solid “Dad Show” Foundation

Similar to how Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books found their way onto the silver screen, Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole novels also made the transition. A 2017 film titled The Snowman was produced, which was an adaption of Jo Nesbø’s 2007 novel with the same name. Michael Fassbender played the lead detective role, alongside other notable actors such as Val Kilmer, Rebecca Ferguson, and J.K. Simmons.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must admit that while the film boasted an impressive ensemble, it fell short of making a lasting impact, earning just a 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the series appears to have a stronger chance at nailing the adaptation, given its extended runtime that promises to do justice to Jo Nesbø’s intricate plotting.

By choosing Norwegian actor Tobias Santelmann to play the lead character, it appears that the show is committed to faithfully depicting the main character as portrayed in the books. If everything else aligns for the upcoming Netflix series, the platform could boast two popular father-themed shows (such as The Night Agent) and suitable replacements for the Reacher role on its roster.

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2025-07-05 06:17

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