You’d think the very first show to ever wear the "Netflix Original" badge would be safe forever. Secure. Tucked away in a digital vault like a prized family heirloom. But the world of streaming is messy, and where can I watch Lilyhammer is a question that actually almost had a very sad answer recently.
If you were looking for it a couple of years ago, you might have seen a "last day to watch" warning that sent fans into a genuine panic. It was supposed to vanish. The rights were expiring. The 10-year lease on the show that literally built the foundation for Stranger Things and House of Cards was up, and for a minute, it looked like Frank "The Fixer" Tagliano was going to be homeless.
The good news? A last-minute deal saved it.
Where Can I Watch Lilyhammer Right Now?
Let's cut to the chase. As of January 2026, Netflix is still the exclusive streaming home for Lilyhammer.
It’s kind of a miracle, honestly. In late 2022, the show was widely reported to be leaving the service globally. But Netflix ended up signing a seven-year extension that keeps the series on the platform through November 21, 2029.
You've got three seasons—24 episodes in total—of Steven Van Zandt being his most charmingly mobster self in the freezing cold of Norway. It’s all there in HD. If you have a Netflix subscription (even the standard plan with ads), you can just search for it and hit play.
Why was it almost deleted?
It’s a bit of a technicality, but it matters. Lilyhammer wasn't owned by Netflix in the way The Crown is. It was a co-production with the Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Netflix basically "rented" the exclusive rights to show it in the US and other territories. When that 10-year rental agreement hit its end date, Netflix had to decide if it was worth paying to keep it.
Thankfully, Ted Sarandos and Steven Van Zandt seem to have a soft spot for the show. They worked it out.
📖 Related: Law and Order SVU: When Does Season 27 Actually Start and What to Expect Next
Buying vs. Streaming: The Permanent Option
Some people hate the "renting" vibe of streaming services. I get it. If you want to own the show so you never have to worry about rights deals again, you have options, but they are getting a little harder to find.
- Amazon Video (Digital Buy): You can usually buy individual seasons or the full series on Amazon. It typically runs about $12.99 a season.
- Physical Media (The "Old School" Way): There are Blu-ray and DVD sets of Lilyhammer. Honestly, if you're a hardcore fan, grab these. Why? Because the music rights in this show are legendary, and sometimes streaming versions of shows have to swap out music when licenses expire. The physical discs keep the original vibe intact.
- Apple TV / iTunes: Similar to Amazon, you can often find the series for purchase here.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lilyhammer
There’s this weird myth that Lilyhammer was just a "test" for Netflix. People treat it like a pilot project that didn't matter.
That’s totally wrong.
Lilyhammer was the reason Netflix realized they could go global. It proved that Americans would watch a show where half the dialogue is in Norwegian with subtitles. It proved that a "fish out of water" story about a New York gangster in a sleepy Olympic town had universal appeal.
Without Frank Tagliano trying to navigate Norwegian bureaucracy, we probably wouldn't have Squid Game or Money Heist on the platform today.
Is it on Hulu or Max?
Nope. Never has been. Because of that "Original" branding, Netflix holds onto those rights with a death grip. You won't find it on Hulu, Disney+, or Max. If it ever leaves Netflix in 2029, the rights will likely revert to SevenOne International and Red Arrow Studios, which means it could end up anywhere—or nowhere.
Why You Should Watch It (If You Haven't)
If you’re a fan of The Sopranos, this is basically a fever dream where Silvio Dante goes into witness protection and ends up in the most polite country on Earth.
It’s funny. It’s dark. It’s weird.
The culture clash is the real star. Watching a guy who solves problems with a baseball bat try to deal with "The Norwegian Way" (where everyone is nice, but everything is strictly by the book) is pure comedy gold.
Pro-tip: Don't skip Season 3. It gets absolutely wild, featuring cameos from Bruce Springsteen and a plotline that goes all the way to Brazil.
🔗 Read more: Sunny: Why the New Rashida Jones TV Show is the Weirdest Thing on Apple TV Plus
Your Next Steps to Streaming Lilyhammer
If you're ready to dive in, here is exactly what you need to do:
- Check your Netflix region. It’s currently available in the US, Canada, UK, and most of Europe.
- Search "Lilyhammer" (yes, with two L's in the middle). * Toggle your subtitles. Since a lot of the show is in Norwegian, make sure your "English (CC)" or "English" subtitles are turned on so you don't miss the dry Nordic humor.
- Download for travel. If you're heading on a flight, the Netflix app allows you to download all three seasons. It's the perfect "binge-watch" for a long trip.
If you don't have a Netflix account, your best bet is to check Amazon for a digital purchase. It’s a one-time fee, and you won’t have to worry about the 2029 expiration date.