A new 9-episode detective crime thriller on Netflix, based on an acclaimed book series, combines the best elements of Bosch and <em>True Detective</em>. The show establishes its own identity with a Nordic setting and a compelling mystery drama. However, the main detective character bears a striking resemblance to Harry Bosch and True Detective‘s Rust Cohle.
Prime Video is home to some of the best detective crime thrillers. Among its extensive offerings, Bosch stands out as the defining series that significantly enhanced Prime Video’s reputation in the genre. Meanwhile, HBO has produced several prestige crime thrillers, but few have matched the perfection and influence of True Detective season 1.
While Netflix is still establishing itself in the crime thriller genre, its new show, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, has the potential to rival some of the best. It may not yet reach the heights of True Detective season 1 and Bosch, but it certainly shows traces of both shows’ brilliance.
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole Feels Like The Perfect Combination Of Bosch & True Detective’s Best Bits
The titular character in Netflix’s Detective Hole shares his first name with Harry Bosch and exhibits a similar obsession with his work. Like Harry Bosch, Harry Hole operates within the legal system but does not hesitate to bend rules or cross moral boundaries to solve crimes.
This obsession often puts him at odds with colleagues and superiors. Similar to Bosch, the setting in Detective Hole becomes a character in its own right. Just as Bosch immerses viewers in sun-drenched LA backdrops, Detective Hole uses its cold Oslo setting to reflect the titular detective’s detached worldview.
Detective Hole‘s parallels with True Detective emerge through its exploration of central crimes. The murders driving its narrative are revealed to be ritualistic, steeped in religious symbolism. Like Rust Cohle, Detective Hole struggles with addiction and maintaining relationships.
Similar to Cohle from True Detective, Hole’s investigations hint at supernatural elements. The Netflix crime thriller subtly incorporates these aspects, suggesting a metaphysical connection between Hole and the crimes he investigates.
In one sequence, like Cohle, Detective Hole embarks on a psychedelic trip to delve deeper into solving central murder mysteries. With both the psychological intensity of True Detective season 1 and the slow-burn procedural style of Bosch, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole appears to be an ideal series for fans of both franchises.
Like Bosch & True Detective, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole Can Last For A Long Time
True Detective, while not based on a book series, benefits from its anthology format that allows it to continue indefinitely. Although HBO has struggled to replicate season 1’s legacy in subsequent seasons, it remains strong and is set to return for a fifth season soon. Similarly, Bosch enjoyed a lengthy seven-season run on Prime Video and was followed by Bosch: Legacy.
The main series of Bosch has concluded, but the franchise continues with the spin-off, Ballard, and the upcoming prequel, Start of Watch. Like Bosch, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is based on a bestselling book series with over 10 installments, providing ample source material for at least five seasons.
The original author of the books featuring Detective Harry Hole, Jo Nesbø, also wrote the Netflix adaptation.
The first season of Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole on Netflix adapted only one book from the original series, allowing for this approach in future seasons as well. However, since season 2 has not yet been confirmed, its return remains uncertain. Nonetheless, its commercial and critical success suggests a promising future.
While it may be premature to deem it a worthy successor to <em>Bosch</em> and True Detective, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole on Netflix has the potential to become one of the best modern crime thriller shows with future installments.
