BBC acquires SevenOne’s Lilyhammer

British public broadcaster the BBC has acquired Steve Van Zandt-fronted mob drama Lilyhammer from German distributor SevenOne International.

The broadcaster will air the first season of the Norwegian series on its digital channel BBC Four. This follows the success of Scandinavian drama including Forbrydelsen (The Killing) and Borgen.

The first season of the eight episode series airs tonight (February 6) via online video-on-demand service Netflix in the US, Canada and Latin America.

It was originally produced by Scandinavian indie Rubicon for Norwegian broadcaster NRK in association with SevenOne International, the sales arm of German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1, which is distributing the show internationally.

Sue Deeks, head of programme acquisition, BBC, said: “Lilyhammer is fresh, funny and offbeat – it makes a highly original addition to BBC Four’s rich Scandinavian drama slate.”