Photo: Fred Jonny
Birth: 1980
Language: Norwegian, English, Finland-Swedish, French (basic)
Height: 163 cm
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Agnes Kittelsen is an awarded and highly sought after Norwegian actor with extensive experience spanning feature films, TV, and theatre.
Kittelsen knew from a young age that she wanted to work in film and theatre, and at the age of 16 she moved from Kristiansand to the capital, Oslo, to begin pursuing a career in acting. In 2003, she graduated from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts and soon after made her TV debut in the series Skolen (2004–2005), in the lead role of Anneli.
In 2008, she made her big-screen debut in the acclaimed action drama Max Manus, for which she was awarded “Best Supporting Actress” at both the Amanda Awards and Kanonprisen. In 2010, she starred in the comedy-drama Happy, Happy, which, among other accolades, won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. She also received “Best Actress” nominations at the Amanda Awards and Kanonprisen for her standout portrayal of Kaja.
In 2012, Kittelsen appeared in the adventure film Kon-Tiki, portraying Liv Heyerdahl. Kon-Tiki received an Academy Award nomination for “Best Foreign Language Film,” among numerous other awards and nominations. The following years, she delivered acclaimed performances in the TV series The Half Brother (2013) and Dag (2010–2015). She also starred in the scandalous success series Exit (2019–2023), for which she was nominated for a Golden Screen Award for “Best Actor,” as well as in the celebrated feature film Full dekning (2022).
Her upcoming projects include the highly anticipated Netflix series Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, and the TV 2 drama series Rivalerne, both set to premiere in 2026.
Kittelsen’s love for storytelling has also led her into directing. In 2018, she directed an episode of the comedy-drama series One Night.
In addition, Kittelsen is a highly accomplished theatre actor and has performed on many renowned stages, including the Oslo National Theatre, Bergen National Theatre, Oslo Norwegian Theatre, Norway’s National Touring Theatre, and BAM in New York.
| Golden Screen Nominee (Best Actor) Norway – Exit | 2021 |
| Amanda Award Nominee (Best Actress) Norway – Staying Alive | 2015 |
| Amanda Award Nominee (Best Actress) Norway – Sykt lykkelig Happy, Happy | 2011 |
| Kanonprisen Nominee (Best Actress) Norway – Sykt lykkelig Happy, Happy | 2011 |
| Kanonprisen (Best Actress) Norway – Max Manus | 2009 |
| Amanda Award (Best Supporting Actress) Norway – Max Manus | 2009 |
Birth: 1980
Language: Norwegian, English, Finland-Swedish, French (basic)
Height: 163 cm
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is currently the Global #1 non-English show, with a staggering 6,9 million views only this past week, confirmed by Netflix last night.
Photo: Netflix
Since premiering on Netflix less than a week ago, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole has already stormed the charts and is currently the most-watched Netflix-show in the world.
The highly anticipated adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s bestselling Harry Hole series, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, premieres worldwide on Netflix today.
At 8am CET this morning, all nine episodes of the show went live in 190 countries.
Last Friday saw the world-premiere of Netflix’s Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole in Oslo. The first batch of reviews have come in and they are all excellent. Below is a selection of press quotes.
All nine episodes of Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole will air globally on Netflix on Thursday, March 26th.
“Nine episodes lean toward the longer side of streaming offerings these days, yet Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole wisely utilizes its generous time. Equal parts psychological character study and plot-driven brain-twister, the show largely maintains its momentum throughout; bursts of graphic violence and meditative investigations interrupt the pervasive coiling tendrils of dread, before speeding into propulsive overdrive once hero and villain find the walls closing in around them. A roundhouse-kick of a thrill ride that lives up to the promises baked into the thriller subgenre’s name, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole delivers virtually everywhere it should — which is nothing less than what a modern legend deserves.”
Collider, US
“Santelmann is perfectly cast as Harry, with a grizzled, tough exterior that makes him utterly believable as this determined man who has been beaten down by life, while also retaining a tenderness, particularly in scenes with his girlfriend Rakel and her son Oleg. No matter how poorly he behaves or how one-track his mind is, he is always an empathetic character who you can’t help but root for – in direct contrast to Waaler. Speaking of Waaler, Kinnaman has never been better than he is here. A truly twisted, slimy and thrillingly complex figure, Waaler is the show’s most interesting asset and the perfect foil for Harry in this first season. Kinnaman goes to some extreme places here, and it’s never anything less than captivating to watch. The battle between these two forces is easily the best aspect of the nine-part series, which also (of course) features an overarching serial killer storyline. This storyline leans into everything you’d expect from this sort of series, and in doing so brings the tense, chilling atmosphere the genre is synonymous with, even if it is set during the sun-dappled height of summer.”
RadioTimes, UK
“Nordic noir at its best. Series creator Jo Nesbø and director Øystein Karlsen hit the mark with stylish and captivating noir entertainment. /…/ Rough, hard-boiled, witty. /…/ In Tobias Santelmann’s charismatic title-role, Hole is just as sharp, vulnerable, thirsty, witty, disheveled and self-sacrificing as a vicious investigator should be. /…/ An energetic series that plays confidently and smartly with the Nordic noir landscape. The series is bursting with drama, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and some topical social commentary.”
NRK, Norway
★★★★★
“Netflix hasn’t just made a crime series; they’ve managed to capture the essence of why we can never get enough of Harry Hole. /…/ It’s raw, it’s stylish, and it’s just as uncomfortable as good crime should be. Harry Hole has found its place in the streaming giant’s library, and although Oslo has never looked worse, a Norwegian crime series has rarely looked better. We’re looking forward to season two. Jo Nesbø is a really good crime writer. Now he’s also a really good screenwriter for TV series.”
Nettavisen, Norway
★★★★★
“Hole in one. If you’re going to make a TV series of Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole, you first have to meet Harry. That’s what Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole does. But this is not for the faint of heart.”
Stavanger Aftenblad, Norway
★★★★★
“Nesbø’s pitch-black crime triumph. With the adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s dark crime universe, Netflix confirms once and for all how good the crime genre can be. /…/ After spending over seven hours in Oslo’s dark backstreets, we can happily conclude that Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is one of the best Nordic series ever produced, and definitely the most successful crime series – with the potential to reach a wide international audience. /…/ Nesbø’s sharp pen is characterized by his psychological insight into the multifaceted characters, a colorful cast of characters, and novels that do not shy away from explicit and gross violence. A style that the series certainly preserves and expands. /…/ Kinnaman is brilliant as the icy, cynical psychopath – who is only out to get his own share of the pie, regardless of the consequences for those around him. He goes from smooth-talking, seemingly jovial to completely rabid lunatic with delightfully playful ease at the snap of a finger. /…/ With the slightly sleepy expression of a retired boxer who has gone a little too many rounds in the ring, the versatile Santelmann is a perfect match as the investigator who is struggling with his inner demons, ailing private life, and the search for justice for the victims. /…/ The interplay between Santelmann and Kinnaman sparkles. /…/ Most certainly one of the best we’ve seen on the crime front. In terms of police work, we get a touch of Harry Bosch, but in a far more brutal, complex and fascinating universe. With exceptional production quality in every aspect and a cast that all outperforms, Netflix has hit the bullseye with Nesbø’s work.
Lyd & bilde, Norway
★★★★★★
“World-class Norwegian crime. Netflix’s Harry Hole series delivers unparalleled drama. /…/ To say that Netflix’s new TV series is simply ‘riveting’ is an understatement – at its best, this is world-class crime fiction. /…/ Tobias Santelmann takes on the lead role with utmost ease and has both the weight and charisma needed. He is credible as a drunkard, and even better when Hole clears his head and butts in. The investigator is sharp and observant, but also fallible, full of personal flaws. /…/ It’s simply very good craftsmanship, and you quickly notice that the author himself has several hands in it. This is Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, after all, and Nesbø is both series creator and screenwriter. This means that the characters, their characteristics and development throughout the series closely align with the source material, and the script is of a high, high class. /…/ The series is characterized by powerful, excellent acting: Tobias Santelmann is Harry Hole, Joel Kinnaman is a great actor as his dark, genuinely threatening counterpart, and to top it all off, none of the supporting characters lose out during the season. Let’s hope that Netflix realizes what they have here and is already well underway in adapting Nesbø’s remaining crime books.
Gamer, Norway
9/10
“Tobias Santelmann excels as Harry Hole. /…/ Here, Santelmann and screenwriter Nesbø bring out what makes Harry Hole such an interesting character. /…/ He has deeply human traits that Nesbø carefully builds in his stories.
Aftenposten, Norway
★★★★
Netflix just released the official trailer for Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole.
“Harry Hole isn’t just another detective,” actor Tobias Santelmann tells Netflix. “He’s a character [who] readers around the world have lived with for almost 30 years, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring him to the screen. I approached this role with deep respect for Jo Nesbø’s work and for the audience that has followed Harry for so long. At the same time, I had to find my Harry — or our Harry — and I hope we’ve created something that feels true to the spirit of the books while also standing on its own.”
As seen in the trailer, Hole is on the hunt for a serial killer lurking in the dark recesses of Oslo’s streets while also attempting to bring corrupt cop Waaler to justice. It’s no wonder that when Hole is asked how long he’s worked as a detective, his answer is a world-weary one: “Far too long.”
For Kinnaman, playing Waaler was “an exciting challenge” that was also rewarding. “Filming in Oslo, the city so deeply woven into Jo Nesbø’s novels, brings an authenticity to the series that’s impossible to replicate,” he tells Netflix. “Collaborating closely with Jo to explore this darker side of Harry’s world has been a rewarding creative experience, and I’m so proud to help bring this story to the screen.”
“Do you ever think about what makes people like us do what we do?” Waaler asks Hole.
The answer? “To silence those goddamn voices.”
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole will be streaming on Netflix globally on March 26.
Netflix just released a behind the scenes-video of Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole – a first look into the production and what went into creating this series adaptation based on Jo Nesbø’s bestselling Harry Hole novels.
Photo: Camilla Lindberg
The winners of the Nordic Series Awards, presented by Nordisk Film & TV Fond were announced during Göteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision. The Nordic Series Script Award, previously known as the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize, honours exceptional writing in Nordic drama. Ingeborg Topsøe, the writer of Secrets We Keep (Reservatet), is the recipient of the 2026 Script Award, with a prize sum of NOK 200,000 to the writer, funded by NFTVF.
Jury statement:
“This year’s winner asks the questions: Can intimacy be outsourced? How far are you – as a single individual – willing to go to maintain your position in life? At what cost do you uphold existing power dynamics, both in your private sphere and on a global scale? By confronting us with the harsh realities of human existence – without smothering the audience in numbing escapism – the winner shows that it is possible to combine a compelling, nail-biting whodunit thriller with a strong social commentary.”
This year’s jury for the Nordic Series Script Award was comprised of: Agnes Kittelsen, Actor, Norway; Nanna Frank Rasmussen, Journalist, Film and TV Reviewer, Denmark; Henning Kamm, Executive Producer and Managing Director, REAL FILM Berlin, Germany.
This morning Netflix revealed the teaser trailer for Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, the first TV-series based on Nesbø’s internationally bestselling novels featuring Harry Hole, marking the beginning of a new era for one of literature’s most iconic detectives, played by actor Tobias Santelmann.
Author, creator and executive producer Jo Nesbø: “It’s been just great working with Tobias Santelmann and creating a character that is fresh, still true to the character and his universe in the novels. I’m really looking forward to presenting this Harry Hole to the audience.”
Actor: Tobias Santelmann: “Stepping into Harry Hole’s shoes has been a tremendous honor and a thrilling challenge. Jo Nesbø’s world is so rich, and Harry is a truly complex character. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and I hope the audience will enjoy our Harry Hole. Bringing him to life, and working with everyone involved, has been a true privilege.”
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole will have its global premiere on March 26th.
Photo: Charlie Gray
This morning Netflix announced that acclaimed musicians and composers Nick Cave and Warren Ellis will create the original score for the highly anticipated new series Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole.
The pairing of Cave and Ellis with the dark, atmospheric world of Harry Hole is a match made in noir heaven. Renowned for their haunting, emotive soundtracks – spanning films such as The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and Wind River – Cave and Ellis bring a depth and intensity that perfectly echoes the psychological complexity and Nordic noir sensibility of Nesbø’s universe.
Composer Nick Cave: “We loved working on this adaptation – Harry Hole’s murky, morally-complex world has been brought to life in all its darkly brutal glory, and it was an honour to work with the legendary Jo Nesbo.”
Author, creator and executive producer Jo Nesbø: “Nick Cave and Warren Ellis are masters at conjuring mood and tension, and their music is the ideal companion to Harry Hole’s brooding, enigmatic journey through the shadows of Oslo. Their music has always been a soundtrack to my writing process. To have them now scoring the world of Harry Hole feels both surreal and absolutely right.”
Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole will premiere on Netflix on March 26th.
This morning, Netflix announced that the nine-episode serial killer mystery based on Jo Nesbø’s internationally bestselling Harry Hole series, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, will premiere globally on March 26th, 2026.
Tobias Santelmann stars as the iconic detective Harry Hole, joined by Joel Kinnaman as Tom Waaler and Pia Tjelta as Rakel Fauke, alongside an all-star ensemble cast including Anders Baasmo, Agnes Kittelsen, Frank Kjosås, Kelly Gale and Ellen Helinder.
Author, Creator and Executive Producer Jo Nesbø: “Finally we can reveal the premiere date and share this first look at Tobias Santelmann as Harry Hole. Seeing Tobias bring Harry to life has been really exciting and marks a new chapter for the character. I’m looking forward to sharing his take on Harry with the audience, and to have them join us for a truly dark and twisted journey.”
Directed by Øystein Karlsen and Anna Zackrisson, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is a tale of obsession, betrayal, and blurred lines between justice and revenge. As Harry Hole faces off with his nemesis Tom Waaler, audiences will be drawn into a game of cat and mouse where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
On 6 November, Swedish broadcaster TV4 launched its bold new science-fiction drama Vi kommer i fred.
In the lead roles are Evin Ahmad and Fares Fares. The supporting cast includes Agnes Kittelsen, Agnes Rase, Khalil Ghazal, Suzanne Reuter, Christian Hillborg, Martin Nick and Nina Mårshagen.
The series is written by Lars Lundström and directed by Jens Jonsson, together with Mani Maserrat.
Viewers in Sweden will be able to stream the first episode on TV4 Play Plus from 6 November, followed by linear broadcast.
When a strange jellyfish-like object suddenly appears in the sky over Stockholm, chaos breaks out. Is it a sign of life from another world? What do they want from us — and how should we respond?
In the lead roles are Evin Ahmad and Fares Fares. The supporting cast includes Agnes Kittelsen, Agnes Rase, Suzanne Reuter, Martin Nick Alexandersson, Khalil Ghazal and Nina Mårshagen. The series is created by Lars Lundström and directed by Jens Jonsson, together with Mani Maserrat.
We Come in Peace will premiere November 6 on TV4 Play Plus.