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    Netflix Launches First Original Series, 'Lillyhammer' [VIDEO]

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    Netflix has launched its first original series, Lillyhammer. The series stars Steven Van Zandt as a New York gangster who finds himself living in Norway as part of the witness protection program.

    Rather than rolling out episodes individually, all eights episodes from the first season are available now.

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    In addition to Lillyhammer, Netflix is planning to roll out more original series over the next twelve months. House of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey, is expected to launch in the fourth quarter, while season 4 of Arrested Development is planned for early 2013.

    Netflix's push for original programming comes as the service is facing a myriad of challenges. The company faces increased competition, and it's not just Amazon and Hulu Plus.

    On Monday, Verizon and Redbox announced that they were partnering to bring streaming content to users. Dish Network is also pursuing the subscription streaming market with its Blockbuster add-on service.

    Meanwhile, content owners continue to increase their licensing rates, putting Netflix and other licensees in an unenviable position. Some content providers are choosing to eschew Netflix altogether, instead offering their own digital streaming offerings a la HBO Go and other TV Everywhere initiatives.

    For those reasons, Netflix sees original programming as one way to win the content battle.

    What do you think of Lillyhammer? Does Netflix have what it takes to cultivate top-rate original programming? Let us know in the comments.

    This story originally published on Mashable here.

     

    6 comments

    • Chris  •  Akron, Ohio  •  3 mths ago
      got done watching the show .... better than the crap the big networks are putting out ... 5 stars .. if your a sopranos fan its a must watch ..
    • none  •  Harrisburg, Pennsylvania  •  3 mths ago
      I have watched all 8 episodes of Lillyhammer and loved it. I hope Netflix continues the series
    • John  •  Mesquite, Nevada  •  3 mths ago
      Lillyhammer is a fabulous series. All actors and actresses are wonderful and fit perfectly.
      I highly recommend the series and I have really enjoyed what Netflix has to offer
    • ronnofan  •  Akron, Ohio  •  2 mths ago
      We just finished watching all 8 episodes, and we loved it. A bit of crime and drama, with comic undertones. A refreshing change of pace from all those "reality TV" shows. Hopefully, there will be more episodes to come!
    • Mark  •  Dallastown, Pennsylvania  •  3 mths ago
      @Gazoo - Free movie sites are awesome but Obama Nation will destroy it along with the internet and the sheeple will allow it because they are too worried about child predators and identity thieves. They are too stupid to enable basic protections on their PC's & Mac's and will follow any link that's emailed to them if it has any inkling of authority... it sucks to be surrounded by idiots who would rather give up their freedoms than get their hands dirty protecting themselves... @Mashable RE: Lillyhammer is an awesome show better than the dribble designed to make me watch commercials (cliffhangers only serve one purpose and it isn't designed to create suspense[wink, wink] look up flicker rates) it's so good in fact, I won't watch all of the episodes until new episodes come out...
    • Gazoo  •  3 mths ago
      The ELITE media trying to support an ELITE netflix Loser. Bu bye Netflix, and get over your own mistakes and move on. There are FREE movie sites. We dont need you!
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