After captivating audiences worldwide as Silvio Dante on The Sopranos, Steven Van Zandt returned to television with a new project that both distanced him from and reminded fans of his most iconic role. The series Lilyhammer introduced Van Zandt as Frank “The Fixer” Tagliano, a New York mobster who enters witness protection and relocates to the small Norwegian town of Lillehammer under a new identity.
What made Lilyhammer fascinating was its mix of cultures and tones. On one hand, it was a fish-out-of-water comedy, showing a hardened gangster navigating the quirks of Scandinavian society. On the other, it leaned heavily into crime-drama storytelling, reminding viewers of the intensity that defined The Sopranos. Fans often joked that Tagliano felt like Silvio in a new setting, blurring the line between continuation and reinvention.
Premiering in 2012, the series also made television history as Netflix’s very first original program. Before global hits like House of Cards and Stranger Things, Lilyhammer tested the streaming model’s potential, proving audiences were ready to consume original content outside traditional networks. The gamble paid off—Lilyhammer ran for three seasons and built a devoted international fanbase before ending in 2015.
For Van Zandt, the show was a chance to expand his creative portfolio. Beyond starring in it, he also served as co-writer and executive producer, shaping the story’s tone and direction. His performance was praised for balancing tough-guy charm with surprising humor, reminding audiences why he was such a standout on The Sopranos.
Even years after its cancellation, Lilyhammer is remembered as a trailblazer. It not only offered Van Zandt a second life on television but also paved the way for the streaming revolution that dominates the industry today.
